The following information was provided by the Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship Committee:
Congratulations to the 55th Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship recipients. A total of 7 awards were presented on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Sons of Italy Hall.
Paul was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Watertown and a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Waltham in 1961 and a 1965 graduate of Boston College. During those years he participated on many area athletic teams, most notably in the areas of basketball and baseball. He worked for the Watertown Recreation Department as a park instructor. After his college graduation, Paul taught at the West Jr. High School in Watertown and coached at Sacred Heart High School in Newton and St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown. He volunteered for the Army, graduating from OCS and Ranger training. He was sent to Vietnam in early July 1968 and was killed in combat on August 9, 1968. He left behind his wife, his family, and his friends, all of whom had been deeply touched by his life.
This Scholarship was established in his memory by his family and friends to be awarded annually to that young person who best exemplifies the kind of person Paul was. Over the years, 56 young men and women have been recognized as recipients of the Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship and over 300 other young people have received recognition and financial assistance as finalists and award winners. Thousands of dollars have gone to college scholarships, sponsorship of athletic teams, and support of programs for youth.
The 2023 Scholarship Winners
Alessia Visocchi of Waltham, 2023 Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship Winner, Waltham High School, attending the University of Connecticut.
Ciaran Flanagan of Watertown, Lt. Paul Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Father Robert Sullivan S.S.J., Catholic Memorial High School, attending Northeastern University.
Maggie Driscoll of Watertown, Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Rosemary “Rori” O’Grady, Watertown High School, attending Boston University.
James O’Connor lll of Watertown, Lt. Paul J Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Lt. Edward Walsh B.F.D., Boston College High School, attending the College of the Holy Cross.
William Curley of Waltham, Lt. Paul Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Paul Cusick, Waltham High School, attending Providence College.
Elizabeth McGrath of Watertown, Lt. Paul Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Joan Walsh, Watertown High School, attending Simmons University.
Maeve Lawn of Watertown, Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Sister Eileen Sullivan S.B.S., Watertown High School, attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Two students from New Orleans received awards at ceremonies in May:
Charli Jones of New Orleans, Lt. Paul Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Sister Eileen Sullivan SBS, St. Katherine Drexel Preparatory School, attending Louisiana State University.
Jamal Bonner of New Orleans, LA, Lt. Paul J Sullivan Scholarship in memory of Father Robert Sullivan SSJ, St. Augustine High School, attending Morehouse College
Other students received awards in honor of William and Helen Sullivan, the parents of Dr. Bill and Kathy Sullivan, through their support of the scholarship. They are:
Alique Haserjian, Robert Iannetta, Matthew Marini, Matthew Tuccinardi, and Casey Williams all of Watertown High School, James Grady of Catholic Memorial High School, and Rory Kennelly of Boston College High School.
A total of $32,000 was awarded this year.