Cheshire’s Lights of Hope has selected Cheshire High School graduates Kathleen Moran and Jessica Mollin as the organization’s 2019 scholarship recipients, awarding each $2,000 in recognition of extraordinary community service and volunteerism. Recipients were announced on May 21 during the Cheshire High School Senior Awards Night.
This is the 11th year Cheshire’s Lights of Hope has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors who best exemplify the organization’s mission and vision. The Scholarship Committee considers the amount of type of volunteer work performed, focusing on community service within the town, of Cheshire; the number of years of service; and the impact of applicant’s service in the Cheshire community and beyond. It is not necessary to have participated in the Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Annual Luminary Event to apply.
“We had several excellent applicants again this year and were impressed to learn about the commitment to volunteer work, accomplishments and activities happening here in Cheshire and outside our community,” said Don Walsh, president of Cheshire’s Lights of Hope. “Kathleen and Jessica are both passionate about building a community that is kind, inclusive and engaged. We know they will both continue to be successful in their college careers and beyond.”
Kathleen Moran has supported several organizations and served as president of the Cheshire High School Best Buddies, where she provided hundreds of hours. Kathleen is committed to inclusiveness and served as a volunteer with Special Olympics, Unified Sports, Cheshire Parks and Recreation Therapeutic programs, the Community Pumpkin Patch benefitting Best Buddies. She served as a volunteer Future Educator in the Cheshire High School Life Skills Class, a Peer Health Advocate and a member of the Link Crew.
Moran will study special education at Assumption College.
Jessica Mollin began volunteering with Cheshire’s Lights of Hope when she was in elementary school and remained involved through high school as a member of the Cheshire High School Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Club, where she served as President during her senior year and was instrumental in growing the club to more than 85 members. During her junior and senior years, Jessica served as a Youth Ambassador to the CLOH Executive Committee and assisted in volunteer nights and engaging more students in the organization’s mission and purpose. During her tenure at Cheshire High School, Jessica has been involved in DECA Inc, Peer Advocates, Best Buddies and the Cheshire High School Winterfest, which benefits the Ryan T. Lee Foundation. She has also volunteered at her church and through Dance City & the Arts participated in show fundraisers benefitting The United Way, Salvation Army and the CT Children’s Medical Center.
Mollin will study marketing at Endicott College.
The Cheshire’s Light of Hope Scholarship program is funded by the Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Annual Luminary Event, which this year raised $75,000, the highest amount in five years, thanks to an increase in contributions, additional volunteers and sponsors, and for the first time selling out of luminary kits. The annual event has now raised more than $915,000.
The next Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Luminary Event is scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2019.