Woodstock Academy Endowment

The Woodstock Academy Endowment is recognized as a lasting financial resource created and maintained to preserve the excellence of an Academy education for future generations.  During his initial involvement with the Academy, Henry C. Bowen was aware of the stability that an endowment would provide the school.  Remembering the Academy through Endowment Gifts ensures the Academy remains a permanent and accessible educational fixture for students today and tomorrow.

All funds contributed to the school endowment are permanently restricted as defined by the Academy’s investment policy. Principal may not be touched, and only a percentage of income will be used by the Academy on an annual basis. This prudent policy will help the endowment to grow over time, while providing vital resources to the school every year.

Named scholarships and special gifts to the Academy’s Endowment Fund are an opportunity to both enable the Academy to fulfill its mission and for the donor to honor a loved one. Named fund opportunities afford the donor the chance to direct funding towards a particular need in perpetuity.

You can help in several ways. Individuals, families, businesses, corporations and foundations can make donations to Woodstock Academy through gifts of cash, securities, life insurance, real property, life-income gifts or other deferred gift options. You may make a gift to any of our current endowed funds below, or start a scholarship fund by contributing to the endowment. We can provide important information about giving through confidential conversations with Kristen Willis, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations. She can be reached in the Development Office at (860)963-4926.

Scholarships & Awards

Marvin A. Barrett Masonic Memorial Award

Established 1995
The Marvin A. Barrett Masonic Memorial Award is given in memory of a long-standing member of the Israel Putnam Lodge #46 of Woodstock. Mr. Barrett was a life-long resident of Woodstock and a graduate of Woodstock Academy Class of 1922. In his early years he was a grade school teacher in Canterbury and was later employed by the State of Connecticut for nearly 30 years. He was Woodstock’s town assessor from 1961 to 1976 and was a long-standing member of the Academy Board of Trustees. This scholarship is awarded to a senior who is planning to pursue higher education and has demonstrated academic promise and community service.

Doctor David H. Bates Memorial Scholarship

Established 1992
The Dr. David H. Bates Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to the Woodstock Academy student who combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to community service. Given in memory of David Bates, M.D., the outstanding country doctor who treated everyone and anyone from his home/office on Woodstock Hill; a leader of the medical community with his honesty and dedication to healing and caring for his patients; a leader of his church; a leader of his town despite at times some unpopular and contrarian views; and a Trustee, physician and friend of Woodstock Academy. This scholarship was created by the family, physicians, colleagues, patients and friends of Dr. Bates.

Kenneth Beatson Memorial Award

Established in 2007
The Kenneth Beatson Memorial Award was established by the family of Kenneth Beatson. Mr. Beatson was an industrial arts teacher at Woodstock Academy for 38 years, retiring in 1989. He was not only a skilled and dedicated teacher, but gave generously of his time and talent in coaching Woodstock Academy athletic teams throughout his entire career, including boys and girls cross-country, boys track and boys freshmen basketball. He also served for many years as the Audio Visual Director and the Graduation Advisor. Outside of the Academy, Mr. Beatson was actively engaged for 15 years in the leadership of the former Quinebaug Valley Athletic Conference, serving as president and director of the annual basketball tournament. Woodstock Academy is proud to receive this award from the Beatson family to recognize a graduating senior who has achieved outstanding performance in the industrial arts program throughout their Academy career and has shown the qualities and skills that best reflect Mr. Beatson’s personal characteristics of dedication and craftsmanship.

Christopher Bradley Memorial Scholarship

Established 1996
The Christopher Bradley Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Chris Bradley. Chris was a Woodstock Academy graduate, class of 1992, who met his untimely death in July 1995. Chris was described by all who knew him as “a great guy” - an athlete, a kid with a terrific smile, well-liked by students of all different types, and a great sense of humor. In his memory this award is presented to a graduating senior who, although he/she may not have achieved academic recognition, has demonstrated strength in character and loyal citizenship throughout their career at Woodstock Academy. The student chosen for this award should have established a good rapport with teachers and peers by their trustworthy nature and charitable actions. The scholarship is also intended to provide financial assistance to a deserving student in need.

Nancy Brush Memorial Award

Established 1999
The Nancy Brush Memorial Award is given in memory of a young woman who met with an untimely death in September 1997. Ms. Brush was a Woodstock resident and a very talented painter who attended Woodstock Academy and who later left high school to pursue her artistic talents and interest in the care and raising of horses. She later returned to the Academy as a substitute teacher. This award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated Nancy’s personal characteristics of a strong work ethic, a willing helper and one who considers others before self in giving without limitation.

Class of 1943 Fund

Established 1968
This fund was established by the Class of 1943 at their 25th reunion to support an award for the Undergraduate Who Has Done the Most for the Academy. This award is chosen annually by the faculty in June and is presented at the Academy’s annual Academic Convocation the following fall.

John Conover Memorial Scholarship

Established 1997
The John Conover Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Mr. Conover, whose four children all graduated from Woodstock Academy. Mr. Conover possessed a high degree of appreciation for education and a great respect for knowledge throughout his life and worked to instill those qualities in others. This scholarship seeks to reward a graduating senior who has demonstrated these qualities through a strong work ethic, a genuine interest in learning as well as evidence of community involvement.

Charles Couture Memorial Scholarship

Established 1998
The Charles E. Couture Memorial Fund was established in memory of Charlie Couture of Woodstock. Charlie spent the majority of his career in the field of business. However, during the last year of his life he thoroughly enjoyed teaching accounting for the Department of Defense. Charlie was devoted to his family, God and his community. He faithfully attended his children’s concerts and sports events for over 30 years, served as a deacon at the South Woodstock Baptist Church for 20 years, and as a chairman of the town’s Board of Finance for seven years. The Charles E. Couture Memorial Fund is awarded to a graduating Woodstock Academy senior who has demonstrated the personal characteristics of integrity, leadership and enthusiasm for learning, and a willingness to volunteer for the school and community.

The Bethany T. Dauray Memorial Scholarship

Established 2001
The Bethany T. Dauray Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Beth Dauray, who died tragically in a car accident on March 12, 2001. Beth was a member of the Woodstock Academy class of 1998 and was an active member of the community, participating on several councils, running track and field and was a 4-year member of the women’s volleyball team. Bethany put others before herself, kept a positive attitude in hard times, and struck a balance between academics and athletics. She was known on the Academy campus for her infectious laugh and beaming smile. Beth was in her junior year in college when she passed away while pursuing degrees in Mathematics, Classics, as well as Political Science, intending to enter law school following graduation. The Bethany T. Dauray Scholarship is distributed annually to a graduating senior, who personifies the character and aspirations of Bethany and is intending to pursue a 4-year degree in Classics, Political Science, Mathematics or pre-law.

Douglas Foisy Memorial Scholarship

Established 1987
This scholarship is given in memory of Doug Foisy, a 1976 graduate of Woodstock Academy , a 1984 graduate of the University of Connecticut, and a United States Navy and Naval Reserve Hospital Corpsman. Throughout his life, Doug pursued an avid interest in medicine. He served as an Academy athletic trainer throughout his high school career, and ultimately worked in navy hospitals and studied pre-medicine at the University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1984. His lifelong dream was to continue his work in the field of medicine. Douglas passed away after an extended illness in December of 1986 at the age of 28. The scholarship was established in Doug’s name by his family to be given to a graduate who plans to pursue his or her education in some phase of the medical field; who is sensitive to the needs of others; and who has demonstrated a genuine interest in the field of medicine.

Susan Dorrance Gordon Fund

This fund was bequeathed by Susan Dorrance Gordon to recognize academic achievement in mathematics and Latin. The income derived from the fund annually is awarded in two equal parts to seniors who have attained the highest achievement in math and Latin during the year.

Hannah L. Green Memorial Scholarship

Established 2007
This memorial scholarship was established to commemorate and honor Hannah L. Green, a young woman whose courageous battle with cancer was an inspiration to everyone who knew or was associated with her. Hannah was a graduate of the Class of 2001 and is remembered by her classmates as a beautiful, lively, free spirited young woman full of spunk, laughter and love – voted “Most Outgoing” in their senior superlatives. She was an active member of the Academy community, playing soccer and basketball, and actively engaged in Academy theater productions. Hannah went on to attend Central Connecticut State University and graduated with honors in Communications in 2006. Although confronted with cancer several times throughout her life – first at the age of 11, and finally succumbing to the disease at the young age of 23 – she was never defeated by it. Hannah will be remembered as a beautiful, gracious spirit and a gift to all who knew her. This award is given to a student who inspires others through their optimism and their appreciation and value of what each day can offer, and a student who aspires to continue their education.

Peter D. Laskey Memorial Scholarship

Established 1980
This award was established in memory of Peter D. Laskey, a member of the class of 1980, who passed away in 1978. This scholarship is awarded to an Academy senior by vote of the faculty, who, during their time at Woodstock Academy, has shown consistent commitment to providing service to school, community, and peers; shown unselfish participation in school activities; while not achieving at the highest level has performed close to potential in his or her chosen program of studies; and through his or her actions, has earned the respect of faculty, peers and administration as an individual who has had a positive effect on the atmosphere of the school.

Law Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by bequest to honor academic achievement by undergraduates who attain the highest rank each year in U.S. History, English I, English II, and Math/Algebra I.

Eleanor Peterson Lawton Memorial Scholarship

Established 1986
This scholarship was established in memory of Mrs. Lawton who was a graduate of Woodstock Academy, class of 1926 and attended her 60th class reunion here on June 21st, 1986, shortly before she passed away. She was also a graduate of Worcester Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1929. Established by her three daughters who are also nurses, this memorial scholarship is given in her memory to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in nursing.

Linemaster Switch Corporation Business Scholarship

This award was established by Linemaster Switch Corporation, a local business in Woodstock. Linemaster Corporation has been very supportive of Woodstock Academy students over the years in a variety of ways including job shadows, internships, fundraising sponsorships, and scholarships. This annual scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to pursue higher education with a major in the field of business.

August Walter “Gus” Loos Memorial Scholarship

Established 2009
This scholarship was established to commemorate and honor August Walter Loos, known to all as “Gus”, a native of the town of Pomfret. He was a true “entrepreneur”, with the determination and drive to succeed in every venture he entered into. Serving his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II before having the opportunity to complete his education, he returned to high school to receive his diploma after his service and eventually went on to Brown University for a business degree. He was inspired by his education and equally by his first experiences in manufacturing. Gus applied his practical knowledge and love of business to many successful ventures throughout his life – from a hamburger stand, to a gas station, to a winery, to a golf course. Most significantly, he founded Loos & Co., Inc. in 1958 in a small garage in Pomfret and grew the business into a major wire rope manufacturer, from two employees which included himself and his wife Joan, to over 400 employees and a cable division in Florida. He was a student of life, achieving success through practical experience and initiative. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior male from the town of Pomfret with the entrepreneurial spirit and ambition that Gus Loos stood for.

Elsie Jean Luppi Memorial Scholarship

Established 2009
This memorial scholarship was established in honor of Elsie Jean Luppi by her family. Elsie Jean spent the majority of her working life as an accountant for her husband’s CPA firm in North Haven, Connecticut. She was an avid sports fan and loved the UCONN Huskies women’s basketball team. She was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren and particularly enjoyed attending their sporting events and concerts. This award is given to a senior female scholar musician or female scholar athlete who is pursuing a college education.

Scholarships Continued

David H. Marsland Memorial Scholarship

Established 1994
The David W. Marsland Scholarship was established in memory of David Marsland, who passed away on October 14, 1994. This scholarship was established to remember a man who was a 25-year veteran teacher and Department Chairman here at Woodstock Academy. In addition to his many years as a teacher in the Business Department, Mr. Marsland was a very talented artist who had his work on display in many local shows and galleries. The David W. Marsland Scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior at Woodstock Academy who is planning to pursue additional studies in the field of Business or Art.

Nelson Morse Memorial Fund

Established 1935
The Nelson Morse Fund supports the Most Deserving Senior Boy Award, established by Sydney Morse in memory of his father, Nelson Morse, at the time of Sidney’s passing in 1935. Nelson Morse was a farmer and blacksmith from North Woodstock who was a great supporter of education. His son, Sydney, schooled at Yale and became a professor at the Williston Academy in East Hampton, Massachusetts, a school which many Woodstock Academy male graduates attended for college preparatory study many years ago. This award is chosen annually by the faculty to honor a Woodstock Academy graduating male senior, and a resident of Woodstock who, in the judgment of the faculty is the most deserving, based on purpose, scholarship, and character.

Kristina Noé Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1997
The Kristina Noé Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Kristina Noé by her family and friends in 1997. Kristina was a graduate of Woodstock Academy, class of 1989, and went on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1993. In March 1994 she lost her life as a victim to a highway accident when she was en route to an internship appointment in Ohio. Kristina was also planning to start her graduate study, pursuing her interests in nature preservation and animal rehabilitation. As a Woodstock Academy student, Kristina was chosen to be a charter member of the Academy’s “Natural Helpers” peer assistance team. She was an individual who eagerly responded to and was always ready to serve the needs of others. This memorial scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who exemplifies Kristina’s personal characteristics and has elected to continue their education in a field related to Kristina’s interests.

Charles, Millicent, and Richard Noren Memorial Scholarship

Established 1989
The Charles, Millicent & Richard Noren Memorial Scholarship was established by Judge Noren shortly before his untimely death and is supported by relatives and friends of the Noren family. Judge Noren served as a member of the Academy Board of Trustees for several years and was a past president of the Board of Trustees. This memorial scholarship is presented annually to graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to academic study and earned admission to an institution of higher learning as a result of realizing the value of their Academy education, as well as their academic potential.

William L. Parkerton Memorial Music Award

Established 1995
The William L. Parkerton Memorial Award is given to a deserving music student in recognition of the individual’s talent and over-all commitment to music. William Parkerton was a graduate of Woodstock Academy, Class of 1962. He enthusiastically contributed his musical talents throughout his high school years as a vocalist and clarinetist. He later graduated from Dartmouth College in 1966 and then entered the Peace Corps, serving in India until 1968. While William did not pursue music as a vocation, his love of music remained a major part of his life. He participated in several musical plays and he was a member of the Unitarian Society of New Haven Chorus, the Unitarian Church of Hartford Chorus and the New Haven and Hartford Chorale. William lost his life in April 1994 after a battle with cancer. His family and friends are pleased to support this music award in his memory and in his honor.

Winifred Potter Wiltsie Fund

This fund was established by Mr. David Wiltsie in memory of his wife, Winifred Potter Wiltsie. An award is given annually to a graduating senior who shows the most improved in science.

Martha G. Paul Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2004
The Martha G. Paul Scholarship was established by her family to commemorate and honor a woman who lived her short life to its fullest. Throughout her life, Martha Paul was always helping someone overcome a personal struggle, giving her love, compassion and assistance in any way that she could to make their lives better. This scholarship is awarded to a student at Woodstock Academy who, had she had the opportunity, Martha Paul might have helped to overcome adversity in his or her life to allow them to graduate from high school and continue on to college.

Abraham & Evelyn Rodensky Memorial Scholarship Award

Abraham & Evelyn Rodensky Memorial Scholarship Award for Excellence in Writing

Established 1985
This scholarship is given in memory of his mother by Mr. Abraham Rodensky, a long standing member of the Board of Trustees of Woodstock Academy. Mrs. Rodensky emigrated from Ukraine in 1907. Her dedication to the written word and her desire to see that people would appreciate the beauty and significance of the literary form, best describes the characteristics of the individual who is selected for this honor.

Bud Rondeau Memorial Scholarship

Established 1984
Bud Rondeau was a well-known Woodstock resident and very much appreciated automotive mechanic. His family and friends established this memorial scholarship in his name to be given to a Woodstock Academy graduate who has demonstrated a sense of industry and who plans to continue in a vocational/technical field.

Clifford Spelman Boys Tennis Sportsmanship Award

Established 2003
This award was established by Mr. Clifford Spelman, a former faculty member at Woodstock Academy who began the boys’ tennis program at the Academy in 1986 and coached the team for 16 years. This award recognizes the player who shows a true dedication for the game of tennis, understands the idea of teamwork, respects the rules of the game and brings honor to Woodstock Academy by their performance on and off the court. The recipient shall be a senior who has participated on the varsity level for at least two years; has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship as a member of the team; has made both athletic and leadership contributions to the team; and has been accepted into an institution of higher learning.

John R. Suleski, Jr. Memorial Golf Awards

Established 1991
The John R. Suleski, Jr. Memorial Golf Awards were established by the Suleski family in memory of John R. Suleski, Jr., a 1982 Academy graduate. These awards recognize the Most Valuable Senior Golfer and the Most Improved Senior Golfer and are given annually at the Senior Athletic Awards Banquet in June.

Gerry Suprenant Memorial Scholarship

Established 2001
This scholarship was established in memory of this Woodstock Academy graduate of the Class of 1996. While at the academy, Gerry played soccer and raced motorcycles. He was a student who exerted true effort in his studies and really appreciated the friends he made while studying here. Gerry was a student at Eastern Connecticut State University until he was killed on his way home from classes in a tragic car accident at the age of 22. The recipient of this award must be a student who, in the eyes of his teachers, has shown true effort in his or her studies and will be attending Eastern Connecticut State University.

Alfred C. Warren Soccer Sportsmanship Award

Established 1998
This award was established in honor of Alfred C. Warren by his family to recognize those players who show a true love for the game of soccer, understand the foundation of teamwork, respect the rules of competition, and bring honor to Woodstock Academy by their perforemance on and off the field. The recipient of this award shall be a senior who has been a member of the varsity team for at least two years; has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship as a member fo the team; made both athletic and leadership contributions to the team; and shall have been accepted into an institution of higher learning.

Marvin K. & Susan Weed Sherman Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1979
This scholarship was established to honor and commemorate two outstanding Wodostock Academy Alumni. The scholarship is awarded to a senior who is continuing on to higher education and is alternated between concentrations in nursing, music, physical education, and agriculture. Recipients are considered on the basis of financial need, citizenship, and scholarship.

Donald B. Williams & Hope K. Williams Scholarships

Established 1997

The Donald and Hope Williams Scholarships are awarded to members of the senior class who have exhibited outstanding academic performance as students of Woodstock Academy. The individuals selected have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and willingness to accept the challenge presented to them during their tenure at the Academy. These young men and women have excelled as students, as active participants in the Academy community through service to others, and as leaders. This award is distributed annually to the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Girls’ and Boys’ Yale Honor Cup recipients and to the winner of the Kathryn Robertson Essay.

Michael Wlaskiewicz Memorial Scholarship

Established 1990
The Michael Wlaskiewicz Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of an Academy graduate, class of 1982, who met with his untimely death at the age of 24. Following his graduation from the Academy, Michael worked in the field of sales. His winning smile and willingness to help others made him a great salesperson. He loved people and life to the fullest. His family and friends honor his memory in awarding a scholarship in his name to a graduating Academy student who plans to pursue higher education in the field of business.

Woodstock Academy Alumni Association Scholarship

Established 1966
The Alumni Association Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving member of the senior class selected by a sub-committee of the Alumni Association. The scholarship is available by application and is awarded to a senior who: is a member of the class in good standing; shows evidence of good scholarship, excellent character and integrity; and has been admitted to a post-secondary program or college. Financial need may also be considered. It is the hope that, when possible, the scholarship may be awarded to a student in cases where the scholarship may serve as the incentive for said student to pursue further their education where they may not otherwise have taken the opportunity to do so.

Contact Us

Kristen Willis
Kristen Willis - Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Doreen Holt
Doreen Holt - Development & Alumni Assistant
Jim Dyer
Jim Dyer - Development Advisor

Department: Development Title(s): Development Advisor Education: Bachelor of Arts, Economics, College of the Holy Cross