Danny Pires Scholarship Award
Winners Announced at Annual Steak and Burger Night
On November 15, The Light Foundation teamed up with The Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford to put on its annual Steak and Burger Night. Matt Light was accompanied by his teammate, Sebastian Vollmer, and both were on hand to sign autographs and support the Boys and Girls Club and the children who attended this event.
The dinner, held at the Century House in Acushnet, MA honored children by raising money for their club and by presenting deserving individuals with different awards including the Danny Pires Scholarship Awards. Two $500 scholarships sponsored by The Light Foundation were handed out in memory of Danny Pires - a beloved local sportswriter and community leader who passed away two years ago. The two recipients of this award were Lindsey Houle and Jillian Silva-Jones, both of New Bedford. Students were scored on academic standing, community service/school involvement, financial need, work experience, and an essay.
Lindsey Houle of New Bedford is 14 in her class of 508 at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and a member of the National Honor Society. She wants to major in communication and is editor-in-chief of the school magazine. Her essay was entitled, "Because of Her" about her mother who is the most supportive person in her life. She works part-time at Tootle Chimney Sweeps and volunteered at Hathaway Manor nursing Home. She is the daughter of Cheri and Alan Armes.
Jillian Silva-Jones also of New Bedford is 30 out of 641 at New Bedford High School and a member of the National Honor Society. Jillian is a three-sport Varsity athlete at NBHS, soccer, basketball and track. She has participated in UMass Dartmouth's Spotlight and Upward Bound programs. Jillian has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club since she was young and is the 2010 Youth of the Year. Jillian has lots of community service at Gifts to Give, NBYSA Soccer Clinic, New Bedford Half Marathon and of course at the Boys & Girls Club. Jillian's essay was about Coach Bass, her High School Soccer coach, who she said cares about the whole person and has been a mentor to her. Jillian is second oldest of four children and her oldest sister is a student at Assumption College, so she needs help to pay for College next year and the scholarship will be a big help. Her parents are David Jones and Jean Silva.
Both winners and five other finalists will all be treated to a trip to the last home Patriot’s game of the season against the Miami Dolphins.
Matt would like to thank Fernando Garcia and the entire Pires Scholarship Committee for making this happen for the second year in a row.