Wellesley Community Awards
The following awards are funded by annual donations made by community organizations, and presented at the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation Award Ceremony. Information on how to apply for these scholarships is available on the WSF application.
KIWANIS CLUB AWARDS
The mission statement of the Wellesley Kiwanis organization, chartered on May 19, 1926, is “Young Children: Priority One.” Kiwanis sponsors, supports and/or organizes many programs and events in Wellesley throughout the year including: boot and shoe vouchers for needy children; bicycle Safety Rodeo family day; Wellesley High School Key Club; Wellesley College Circle K Club; college scholarships for Wellesley students; Christmas Luncheon for Boston Renaissance Charter School students; toys for Newton Wellesley Hospital pediatric wing through the Doug Garron Toy Fund; penny drive for children in need in the Philippines; bell ringing for the Salvation Army; annual Luncheon for Wellesley town employees and new teachers to the Wellesley Public Schools. Over the years Kiwanis has been a substantial contributor to the educational support of Wellesley youth. In 1956 a Memorial Fund was established to honor past members of the Kiwanis Club of Wellesley. Following the November 2004 death of Arnold Wakelin, Jr., Wellesley’s Executive Director and 43-year member (41 years as treasurer) of Wellesley Kiwanis, a new scholarship was established in his name. The R. Arnold Wakelin, Jr. Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2005. Today Kiwanis provides three recurring scholarships totaling more $42,000 to twelve Wellesley students.
SPRAGUE SCHOOL PTO SCHOLARSHIP
The Sprague Elementary School PTO established an annual $1,000 college scholarship to benefit its former students. The Sprague community wanted to demonstrate its commitment to guaranteeing the best education possible for children who had spent formative years in the Sprague Elementary School. The scholarship was designed to complete the full circle, following Sprague attendees through the Wellesley Public School system, then continuing to support those who may need assistance after high school to pursue a higher level of education. The Sprague School PTO Scholarship is given annually to a deserving former Sprague School attendee who is a graduating high school senior pursuing higher education.
WELLESLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
The Wellesley Historical Society’s mission is to serve as the Historical Resource Center for the town of Wellesley -- “to provide educational programs; to collect, interpret, and display materials pertaining to the history of the town and its people; to inspire public involvement in and appreciation of its heritage and culture.”
By helping Wellesley students continue their education after high school, the Wellesley Historical Society seeks to give back to the Wellesley community and hopes to instill a greater town wide awareness of its overall goals.
WELLESLEY PATROLMEN'S ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Wellesley Patrolmen's Association is an organization established to support the personnel of the Wellesley Police Department. All patrol officers are members of the organization and contribute funds to support its efforts. In 1995, the Wellesley Patrolmen's Association voted to establish two $500 scholarships to honor the memories of two patrol officers who died that year, Officer Stuart Savage and Officer Joseph Fitzsimmons. When possible, these two scholarships are to be awarded to students who are pursuing a career in criminal justice or a related field.
WELLESLEY TURKEY TROT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Wellesley Turkey Trot Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit in Massachusetts in May of 2015. The purpose of the Foundation is to organize, promote and manage The Wellesley Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk. The Foundation’s goal is to engage the community in the event and to support local charities in the areas of cancer, medical research, education and community service.
BABSON WELLESLEY TOWN SCHOLARSHIP
In recognition of our partnership with the Wellesley community, Babson College annually allots funds to be awarded to residents of Wellesley, or students currently attending Wellesley High School, who are applying for admission to Babson College. Applicants should apply for consideration for funding through the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation. Recipients of Babson Wellesley Town Scholarships are selected on the basis of financial need and notified after an offer of admission is extended by Babson. Students applying to Babson should also apply for need-based financial aid consideration at www.babson.edu.
The Wellesley Scholarship Foundation also assists in the awarding of scholarships for the Town of Wellesley Scholar Awards, Town of Wellesley War Memorial Scholarship, and Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club. Information on how to apply for these scholarships is available on the WSF application.