Four Grafton BVT students awarded Adams scholarships

Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick is pleased to announce that 86 seniors at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School have earned a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship this year. The Adams Scholarship is a recognition of academic success.

Grafton residents who received the award include Rebecca Ashmore, Audrey Karyabdi, Catherine Rozanas, and Emily Valoras.

The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. To be eligible, students must earn Advanced and Proficient scores on the grade 10 MCAS exams in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science and Technology/Engineering (with at least one score of Advanced) and earn a combined score within the top 25 percent of their school district.

Students who accept the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and enroll as full-time students in a Massachusetts state college or university will receive a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters, which must be completed within six years of the recipient’s high school graduation. Recipients must also maintain at least a 3.0-grade point average during their enrollment.

“We are proud of these students for their dedication and determination in earning this achievement,” said Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. He noted that BVT views a college education as a continuation of learning for its students to further develop the skills that are needed in future career paths. Often students simultaneously pursue a post-secondary education while retaining employment in their vocational industries. Students also strategically seek private financial aid. Last year, the John and Abigail Adams Scholarships were among the nearly $6 million in renewable scholarships and awards earned by BVT graduates.