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Fitzroy and Mildred Parkinson Memorial Scholarship - Community Service

Background

The late Fitzroy N. Parkinson was one of the founding members of both the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. in 1950 and later in 1978, the West Indian Foundation, Inc. and served for many years as Treasurer for both organizations. He demonstrated a steadfast belief in the commitment to education and community service. Mr. Parkinson worked for many years as the Food Service manager of the O.J. Thrall tobacco farm and was instrumental in launching the West Indian Migrant Scholarship program, assisted by His Excellency Howard Felix Cooke, the then Governor-General of Jamaica.

The late Mildred (Derr) Parkinson, wife of Fitzroy H. Parkinson, a resident of Hartford for over 50 years, retired from Mount Sinai Hospital, Hartford after many years of service as a Registered Nurse.  She was a graduate of Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina; a graduate of the Hartford Seminary Black Ministers program and had attended the University of Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Parkinson fully supported her husband in his efforts, playing a pivotal role in encouraging, promoting and assisting him in his endeavors.

Scholarship Focus

The Fitzroy and Mildred Parkinson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior of West Indian heritage graduating from an accredited high school in Connecticut who demonstrates an acute commitment to the community through service and education.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicant must be a high school senior graduating from an accredited high school in Connecticut

  • Applicant must hold a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher, on a 4.0 scale.

  • Applicant must be applying to and/or accepted to an accredited 4-year college or university.

  • Evidence of community service engagement and leadership in education.

Application Requirements

A complete application packet must include the following:

  1. One (1) letter of recommendation: one letter written by the applicant’s current high school teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or professor.

  2. A current transcript from your graduating high school(s)

  3. A 300-word (minimum of 250-word) essay responding to the statement, “Describe your most meaningful achievements and how they relate to your commitment to community service and education.”

  4. A resume that details your community service experiences, employment, and extra-curricular activities (include varsity, junior varsity, clubs student government, etc.).

Applications must be submitted by March 1st of each year to be considered.