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TRISTAN SOUTHWORTH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Tristan Southworth of Walden was a 2007 graduate of Hazen Union School in Hardwick where he was a standout three sport athlete. In his senior year as a pitcher on the baseball team, he led Hazen to a championship game appearance by pitching all of the last 18 and 1/3 innings on their playoff run. In basketball, Tristan’s strong three point shooting and defense helped Hazen reach three championship games including winning the 2006 Div. III title. After completion of his junior season in 2006, he was selected by the VBCA to be honored as a member of Vermont’s Dream Dozen. Tristan always felt a strong need to serve his community and enlisted in the Vermont National Guard before beginning of his senior year in high school. He was deployed to Afghanistan in early 2010 where he was killed in his line of duty. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery in service to his country. Tristan was known statewide for his athletic achievements. However, those that knew him best were impressed with his character. Tristan exemplified what sports are all about. He was an intense competitor who always deflected praise to teammates and obsessively protected the feelings of those less gifted than him. Tristan did it all with a sharp wit and a general thoughtfulness. The Hazen community feels extremely fortunate to call him one of their own.
In Tristan’s memory the VBCA awards a $750 scholarship to someone who also represents their school and community with distinction. |
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THE TOMMY FINNELL SERVICE AWARD
Tommy Finnell served as the team manager to the boys’ varsity football, basketball and baseball teams at Brattleboro Union High School for over 25 years. During his time as a manager, Tommy touched the lives of many student-athletes, coaches, referees and fans of high school sports in Brattleboro and throughout the state of Vermont. Tommy passed away on December 21, 2010.
Tommy was born January 12, 1963 in Brattleboro. He was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. He began his involvement with BUHS athletics while he was a student at the school. His commitment to Brattleboro Union High School athletics continued until his health began to fail several years ago. Over the years, Tommy demonstrated a love for the teams he served and the players and coaches he worked with. His dedication and commitment to his teams was unsurpassed. Many times he would be the first to practice and last to leave. He would perform his duties to the best of his abilities. His only concern was for the team. In practice he was a person the players could count on for encouragement and friendship. During a game, Tommy wanted to win as much as anyone. When the team won he was happy for the players. When the team lost he wasn’t happy, but if he felt the players had given their best efforts he would give them a pat on the back and a kind word. As the years went by Tommy became someone the players enjoyed listening to as he told stories of how the previous teams and players had performed in their big games. He had an amazing ability to recall situations from events that took place many years before.
In Tom’s memory, the VBCA recognizes others who have exhibited similar services to their school and community. |
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THE ROBERT “STRETCH” GILLAM MEMORIAL AWARD
A $750 scholarship is awarded to a male student/athlete to honor Stretch’s memory. Stretch coached basketball for almost 60 years in this area. In that time, he won over 600 games, received various Coach of the Year honors, and was inducted into the VBCA Hall of Fame and The New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Stretch loved working with players, teaching them basketball, and teaching them life lessons that made them better players and better people.
This award goes to a player who has a passion for defense, loves the game, and is a good team player. |
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VBCA
317 Silver Street
Bennington, VT 05201 |
| Help contribute to the scholarships: |
To donate:
Mail Check to:
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To become a corporate sponsor to be
included in our
Senior Game Program and T-Shirts call Dave Fredrickson 802-442-8075 |
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