Riley Heim* received the Nancy Louise Fisher Comstock ’62 Memorial Scholarship Award. Riley is from Westford, Massachusetts and graduated from Westford Academy. At Westford Academy, Riley was President of the Gender Sexuality Alliance and of the Shakespeare Club. She graduated with High Honors. Riley plans to pursue a degree in Psychology at Wheaton College, a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a degree in social work to help others. While in high school, Riley upheld the Bradford Motto and volunteered at several organizations that helped others – The American Red Cross, The Nature Connection, It’s My Heart New England and the JV Fletcher Library. Riley was greatly influenced by her mother’s (Tricia Garcia-Dergay ’91) experience at Bradford and hopes to find something close to that experience at Wheaton College.

Claire O'Malley is a graduate of Haverhill High School, and like her father and aunt, an alumna of the Haverhill High School choir and a member of the National Honor Society. Her family has long had roots in Haverhill and a connection to Bradford College, where her grandmother, Dr. Patricia O'Malley, was a long-time professor, and her father and aunt both attended. Claire has had a life-long love of learning and curiosity, fostered by her family, and has always looked for new connections and new opportunities. She is now a rising senior at the University of New Hampshire, where she has been able to delve into tow of the r primary interests, and double-major in Marine, Estuarine & Freshwater Biology, and Comprehensive Theater. These areas of study have resulted in research opportunities, an open-water SCUBA certification, an in-progress AAUS scientific certification, a job working in the theatrical scene shop, and countless connections across two very different fields. Outside the classroom, Claire is a Resident Assistant. Additionally, as a student withing UNH's Hamel Honors and Scholars College, Claire helps to bring together the honors community to serve the greater area. Claire was nominated by her father, Terry O'Malley '85.

Brogan Arivella lives in Haverhill and graduated from Whittier Technical School. He is currently studying Nursing at Rivier University and plays lacrosse. Brogan writes, "This scholarship means a lot to me because it will provide more financial flexibility heading into grad school, as I pursue my goal of eventually becoming a Nurse Practioner." Brogan was sponsored by his mother, Megan Arivella Godfrey, class of 2000.

Fiora Moakley is an undergraduate student at Connecticut College double majoring in International Relations and East Asian Studies: Chinese. Fiora participates in several community service-based activities: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Connecticut College Giovora Chapter, and the college's own Honor Council. Working under Connecticut College's Chu-Kuo Fellowship for Chinese Language Study, Fiora had the opportunity to study abroad as a member of the "Princeton in Beijing" summer program. Fiora plans on using her focus in both Chinese and International Relations as a way to promote diplomacy and ensure international peace. Fiora was nominated by her father Brian Moakley '97.

Sedra Smith is a Rhode Island artist and entrepreneur with interests in photography, music production and songwriting. She uses creative work as a way to express emotion and personal experiences. Sedra is continuing to grow her skill set and explore her interests while attending Lassel University this fall. Her experiences include involvement with the Newport Folk Festivals Foundation and the Newport String Project. Sedra is especially interested in how the arts can be used to support emotional expression, connection and understanding. She hopes to continue developing her work in sports photography, academics, expressive therapies and business, while pursuing a liberal arts education. Sedra was nominated by her mother, Desiree Brunton, Class of 2000.

Brooklynn Baum is from Longmont, Colorado and attended Silver Creek High School where she was Student Body President and named Valedictorian of her graduating class. She is excited to be attending Princeton University to major in Politics and minor in both American Studies and German. She plans to attend law school to obtain her juris doctor and become a criminal defense and human rights attorney. Brooklynn was sponsored by Stephanie Kay Seale Baum ‘94.

Erika graduated from Bradford College in 1998. While at Bradford, she developed a lifelong love of learning and made lifelong friendships. Since then, she has spent most of her time homeschooling her two sons, working as a wellness coach and volunteering. Currently, she is working towards a masters in clinical mental health counseling at University of New Haven. She would like to thank the scholarship committee for this award, which will help towards her educational goals. Erika was sponsored by Philip Heyman ’98.

Wesley Pauli is a graduate of Pasadena (CA) High School where they received California’s “Golden State Seal Merit Diploma” for their “demonstrated mastery of the curriculum of at least six major subject areas.” Wesley will be attending Ohio Wesleyan University in fall of 2025. Wesley was selected to participate in Ohio Wesleyan’s Honors Program and intends to explore OWU’s ancient studies program. Wesley is also excited to continue creating music in OWU’s marching and concert bands as a flutist. They have participated in their schools’ various music programs for nine years. In their senior year of high school, following a very competitive audition process, they were selected to be part of the official Tournament of Roses Honor Band and marched in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2025. Wesley was nominated by their mother, Diana Pauli ‘83.

Ella Denney is a 19-year-old incoming junior at Merrimack College from Concord, New Hampshire. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media with a minor in Public Relations, with aspirations of becoming a news anchor. During her time at Merrimack, Ella has been actively involved in a variety of campus organizations, including the Orientation Team, Zeta Tau Alpha, Merrimack College Television, and Mack Gives Back. She also serves as a Resident Advisor.

Ella embodies the Bradford College motto, “Surgo Ut Prosim”, through her commitment to service. Her volunteer work includes supporting the American Heart Association, serving as a local titleholder within the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, promoting breast cancer education and awareness through Zeta Tau Alpha, and contributing as a committee member for Merrimack’s Annual Mack Gives Back Days. Ella was sponsored by Miranda Murray Matthews ‘96 Ella’s late father, Edward Denney ‘98, was an alum of Bradford College. She is deeply honored to be receiving the Bradford Alumni Association’s Scholarship, knowing how much her father valued his time at Bradford.

After a fifteen-year journey filled with many challenges, I will be officially awarded my PhD in Psychology on July 22, 2023. My degree will be conferred on me by Walden University. I dedicated my dissertation to my immortal beloved husband and beloved mother whom I was blessed to have in my life. I have decided to dedicate my professional career to supporting caregivers of people with dementia through sharing my lived experience by creating Podcasts, public speaking and writing. Without the support that I received during my time at Bradford College I know that my educational journey would have been much different. I am forever grateful to the Bradford College community, past and present, for the opportunities I was able to pursue while at Bradford and beyond. It was the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference.

Lana Murray, was born and raised in rural Northern California where she had the opportunity to do meaningful work in her community and enjoy California nature. Lana attended UC San Diego and graduated as Valedictorian in 2020. She had an unconventional college experience staying in the dorms through the height of Covid, navigating remote and hybrid classes, and trying to find her place in the world amidst the growing political and social unrest. Lana started at UC San Diego as a Math/Economics major, then applied and was accepted as a Data Science major. Although she has learned so much about working with data, statistics, and machine learning models, she has decided to finish her college career by majoring in Urban Studies and Planning, and minoring in Gender Studies and Data Science. In her future career, she hopes to help advocate for policies and projects that help disadvantaged populations and foster community. Lana was sponsored by her aunt Miranda Murray Matthews ’96. Lana writes, “Thank you supporting me on my educational journey!”

Tyler will be attending Merrimack College this fall in the Honors Program, where he will be majoring in Computer Science. Tyler attended Lowell Catholic and was part of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Club, Tennis and just recently played Colonel Mustard in “Clue: The Musical”. He was nominated by his parents, Juan Cruz ‘95 and Karen (Fournier) Cruz ’95.

Lily is attending University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. Lily hopes to become an Athletic Trainer. She has been upholding the Bradford motto, “Surgo Ut Prosim” through her volunteer work at Scouting for Food, Preble Street Soup Kitchen, Barbara Bush Ronald MacDonald House, Biddeford Youth Hockey and the Ogunquit Fire Association. She was nominated by her grandmother Rosemary Todd Clough ‘56.

Gracyn is attending Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. She plans to major in International Affairs and will be a member of ROTC. Gracyn states, “My desire is to serve my country through the military, and eventually through (shaping) public policy….The army will allow me to hone my leadership skills, and I hope to take these lessons to improve the lives of other young women in my local community, at a national level and perhaps even globally.” Gracyn has had many Bradford relatives including Evelyn Vaughan Shaw ’28, Virginia Gatchell Booth ’42, and her grandmother, Ann Shaw ’01.

Steven will be attending Northeastern University this autumn. He will double major in Finance and Economics. Steven is one of six children and writes, “I have been greatly influenced by my late grandfather Paul Bresnahan.” As one of six children, Steven learned the virtue of working hard. Steven was nominated by his grandmother, Kathleen Bresnahan ’88 who was former Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Bradford.

Ashley will be attending the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida this fall. As a student at Haverhill High School, Ashley volunteered at Merrimack Valley Hospice House, Bethany Communities Assisted Living, and Lawrence General Hospital. Her interest in medicine and helping others has inspired Ashley to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. Ashley was nominated by her mother, Erika Raschella Cook ’94.

Isabelle Vernalila is a 2019 high school graduate who will be studying at Regis College this fall where she hopes to major in education. She is the daughter of two Bradford graduates and as such has been surrounded by the “Surgo Ut Prosim” motto for her entire life. Her teachers say she is a “energetic and charismatic student who can always be counted on to step up to the plate”. She happily helps wherever she is needed giving tours to incoming freshman and teaching anti-bullying education programs at the district’s three elementary schools. She is a four-year member of SADD/Project Purple and is currently serving as Vice President of her school’s chapter. Within these organizations Isabelle has promoted being your best self, being substance free, creating PSA videos about bullying, addiction and making good choices. She has also been a member of the GSA and No One Walks Alone- a group focused on eliminating stigmas about mental health issues. She is also a member of the Gender Equality NOW club promoting numerous feminists and discussing cutest events that are topics of interest.She also hosted a March for our Lives walkout on her campus in 2018. Isabelle has been very involved in theater both in and out of school and has recently been inducted into the Merrimack Valley Playwrights. One of her works was elected for the Cannon Theater’s 10 Minute Play Festival last spring. No stranger to the other arts, Isabelle is also a dance student who has served as a teaching assistant for a middle school hip hop class and is a member of her school’s honors chamber singers. She also holds a position on the Chorus Board.

Through her church Isabelle has also volunteered at Easter Egg Hunts, soup kitchens, neighborhood block parties, Operation Christmas Child, Rise Against Hunger and the Anne Marie House Shelter. She also volunteered to be an elementary crew leader for vacation bible school. Through all of this volunteering Isabelle discovered her love of teaching and decided to focus her future career in education. She hopes to use education to be important to others, shaping the future to make an impact no matter how big or small. Isabelle is sponsored by her parents Lynda Blair '91 and Drew Vernalia '93.

Elijah Falk is a 2016 high school graduate who attends Pitzer College in Claremont, CA

He is looking forward to a future career in education. His professor says, “Elijah has been a pleasure to have in my class because of thoughtfulness, empathy and compassion for others, maturity, analytical skills, and passion for social justice which will be an asset not only in his future career in education, but also to our society as a whole.”

As a high school junior Elijah became aware that the federal government had introduced a new mandatory standardized test for 11th grade students as part of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. This 8 1/2 hour assessment was only available on computers and the testing time was spread out over a week, replacing core Language Arts and History classes. The failure rate was estimated to be over 60%, and for those who did pass, the test didn’t offer many rewards. This test was not required for graduation and was not significant in college acceptance. State employees were required, by law to administer the test, but students did not face the same obligations when it came to take the test. As a member of the student senate at his high school, Elijah had access to detailed information about the test and was able to make careful, calculated decisions about how he felt about it. This was not true for most of his classmates. Many didn’t know what the test was, let alone that they had the option to refuse to take it. By creating a class Facebook page and using flyers he succeeded in informing all of his peers to read about the test and decide for themselves whether or not to take it. This resulted in 100% refusal rate by the students. Instead of taking the test they all attended their Language Arts and History classes.

Elijah has logged over 130 hours of volunteer work at Huerta del Valle, a food justice organization in California.

He was also involved in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange course at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, CA where he sat in on a class composed of 12 Pitzer students, 12 prisoners and 1 Pitzer Professor. It was there that he was inspired by the revolutionary potential of empowering education and began to consider a career in education.

Elijah also worked at Jump-Start, an organization committed to closing the achievement gap that affects children from under-resourced communities and spent time abroad in Costa Rica and Ecuador where he taught English to 6th and 7th grade students.

We have no doubt that Elijah will “impact the world through his education” as he hopes. Elijah is sponsored by his grandmother, Leta Weiss Marks ‘51.

Liam is a second time BCAA Award winner who is heading into his Junior year at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. Our first impression of Liam was that he lives by the Bradford Motto “Surgo Ut Prosim” and has done so for most of his life. Before college he contributed over 1,000 hours of community service working with The Boy Scouts of America. He has been recognized with four gold level Presidents Volunteer Service awards for working with building reconstruction efforts, youth education, community infrastructure creation and maintenance. He is an Eagle Scout award holder with Gold Palm recognition. Once he aged out of The Boy Scouts he stayed on as an adult volunteer.

This year Liam took on a job as a community assistant at St. Lawrence University. He realizes that the community connections he makes on campus will last a lifetime and states “fostering that community and keeping it safe and happy bring me great pride and joy at the end of the day.”

Liam has begun taking classes in Arabic and realizes that there is a need for “more English speakers to bridge the language gap that is partially to blame for the destruction of countless lives.” He is studying International Economics and has recently decided to add Arabic language to his major. This coming semester Liam will be studying abroad in Amman, Jordan where he hopes to improve his skills in Arabic to the point of fluency. Liam was sponsored by his father, Tade Sullivan ‘93.

Fatima will be attending Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar this fall. Originally from Gambia, Africa, Fatima is a second year Liberal Arts student at North Shore Community College. There she is a supplemental instructor assisting in the classroom for courses she which she excelled. She is part of the Student Advisory Committee for the TRIO program which is a federally funded program supporting students who are the first generation to attend college or low-income college students. She is a Trustee on the Student Government Association as well as Vice President of the Multicultural Society. Outside of school she volunteers at My Brother's Table, a social services organization in Lynn, MA with the college's new Mobile Food Market, with American Red Cross' blood drives, the Lynn Museum and Catholic Charities. As a result of all of her community service, she was named the NSCC 2018 Newman Civic Fellow. At Smith, Fatima will pursue studies in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations/ Diplomacy. As an immigrant whose first language is not English, Fatima has overcome many challenges. She works full-time while attending school and also is raising a young child. We were so impressed with her motivation, ambition and positive outlook on the world. She is a true inspiration!

Charlie will be attending Saint Anselm College this fall where he will study nursing. Logging over 188 hours of community service, Charlie hopes to add to that number this year. Charlie's goal of becoming a nurse started while he was doing the First Aid Merit Badge with Scouts. He distinctly remembers "loving the feeling of patching someone up and making them feel better". With goals of becoming either an operating room nurse or an emergency room nurse, Charlie believes that he will be living the "Surgo Ut Prosim" motto every time he steps into work. Along with the numerous hours of community service, the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout, and maintaining an excellent academic record, Charlie also played Varsity Soccer as well as Varsity Lacrosse. He has run indoor track and played Varsity Hockey. He also spends a lot of time on stage and has performed in numerous high school drama productions. To Charlie, "Surgo Ut Prosim isn't just a motto, it's a way of life.” Charlie was sponsored by his grandmother Rosemary Todd Clough ’56.