Last night we hosted the 2019 Margolin Scholarship Presentation, awarding 13 of our West End House young adults with this scholarship to support them with their academic aspirations and dreams. Bill “Snoopy” Margolin has served West End House for over 45 years – first as a camper, then as a camp counselor, and most importantly as its Executive Director. Today West End House Boys Camp in Parsonsfield, ME, thrives under his leadership. The Margolin Scholarship Fund at West End House commemorates Bill’s tireless commitment to inspiring the youth of Allston-Brighton to realize their full potential.

Gerry Walsh, former West End House and West End House Camp member and current West End House Board of Directors Clerk, opened the evening with words concerning his experiences with West End House, West End House Camp and William (Bill) Margolin. Gerry spoke to the vibrancy of the two, dynamic organizations and their leaders, Bill Margolin and Andrea Howard, invested in the success of each and every young person at West End House.

College Success Coaches, Morgan Bondy and Portsha Franklin and College Pathways Coordinator, Chris Quaye then spoke a few words about each of our dedicated scholarship recipients, citing their educational and personal achievements throughout this past academic year, before Bill presented each of them with their award. And of course, there was another amazing and delicious dinner, along with apple crisp dessert provided by Senior Director of Fitness and Nutrition, Lisa Smith.

Congratulations to the 2019 recipients: Vanessa Guevara, Emma DeJean Louis, Lizbeth Montero, Quran Maiben, Oscar Torres, Jennifer Carbonel, Christina Alva, Joyce Ogbesoyen, Emmanuel Eke, Aleynna Quinones, Celine Gomes, Kelly Cryts  and Erick Ramirez.

Thank you Bill, Bryna, Gerry, Morgan, Portsha and the scholarship committee for making these resources available for young people to further their education!