City of Salem Scholarship & Education Committee Awards 2025 Scholarships to 17 Graduating Seniors

Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem Scholarship and Education Committee are delighted to announce the awarding of 17 scholarships to graduating Salem seniors heading to college this Fall. The scholarships, each valued at $500, are made possible through the generous donations from the City of Salem Scholarship & Education Funds.  The scholarship recipients were honored by Mayor Pangallo and the Committee at a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, May 22.

From Salem high schools, the 2025 scholarship recipients are:

• Leena Burae of New Liberty Innovation School, who plans to attend North Shore Community College.
• Nestor Castillo of New Liberty Innovation School, who plans to attend North Shore Community College.
• Jaylitza DelRosario of Salem High School, who plans to attend Florida Institute of Technology.
• Mariangela Diaz of Salem High School, who plans to attend the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
• Sophia Fritz of Salem High School, who plans to attend University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
• Ethan J. Jones of Salem High School, who plans to attend University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
• Whitney New of Salem High School, who plans to attend University of New Hampshire.
• Linus Owen of Salem High School, who plans to attend University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
• Quinn Rocco Ryan of Salem High School, who plans to attend University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
• Kyra Lynne Walker of New Liberty Innovation School, who plans to attend Juvenux Esthetics Academy.

“Congratulations to the 2025 scholarship recipients and thank you to all the students who applied for consideration,” said Committee Chair Yamilis Cruz, “The pool of applicants this year was highly competitive, showcasing the quality, potential, and accomplishments of Salem’s youth. The Scholarship and Education Committee is deeply grateful to the many Salem residents who have donated to the fund, making these scholarships possible. I encourage all community members and businesses to consider donating to the Scholarship Fund or the Education Fund to continue supporting these vital efforts. Donations can be made online at www.salemma.gov/scholarship.”

“My congratulations to the seventeen Salem students who were awarded a scholarship this year,” said Mayor Pangallo. “And thank you to the members of the Scholarship and Education Committee who volunteer their time and energy for this important City program. Thanks also to the many donors who make these scholarships possible. This year, we are especially grateful to Doug Burke and The Derby restaurant, who hosted a fundraiser throughout the month of March to allow the City of Salem to award even more scholarships to recipients as they embark on their futures.  In Salem we support our students in their academic careers, and we approach education as a community mission. The work of the Scholarship and Education Committee is a furtherance of that important effort.”

The City of Salem Scholarship and Education Funds, established in 1987, are largely funded through small donations by Salem taxpayers on their tax bills. Donations to both Funds are entirely tax-deductible, with 100% of all contributions going directly to scholarship and grant recipients. Funding support also comes from grants and gifts from businesses, foundations, and other community members. The Scholarship Fund provides educational financial aid to Salem students pursuing higher education, while the Education Fund offers supplemental educational funding for local educational needs. Scholarships are awarded annually, and Education Fund grants are distributed on a rolling basis throughout the year. For more information about the Committee or either of the Funds, including how to make a tax-deductible donation or apply for funding, visit www.salemma.gov/scholarship.