Bay State Games Announces 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship Recipients
WOBURN (November 16, 2022) – The Bay State Games has selected six statewide scholarship recipients for the 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship Program. These student-athletes were selected from a large applicant pool after a process that included committee reviews of all applications and virtual interviews with selected applicants.
These future leaders were selected based on their achievements and involvement in academics, community service, athletics, and leadership roles. The Bay State Games Future Leaders Scholarship program was established in 1989 and has since distributed nearly $400,000 in financial aid. Each of these high school seniors will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
“For over 30 years, the Future Leaders Scholarship program has recognized the remarkable achievements of Bay State Games student-athletes and provided financial resources to continue their education in college” said Kevin Cummings, Executive Director of the Bay State Games. “The class of 2023 recipients were chosen from a large group of highly qualified candidates and have exhibited outstanding success in academics, community service, athletics, and leadership. They are truly deserving of these scholarships and Bay State Games is honored to recognize their achievements.”
This year’s six scholarship recipients are:
Sydney Blaney is a senior at Rockland High School where she is ranked second in her class. She is an AP scholar, vice president of the National Honor Society, a member of a mentoring club for incoming freshmen, a committee chair on the student council and has served as president of her class for two years. Sydney is a member of the Rockland High School Basketball team, serving as captain. Sydney is a gold level figure skater who has medaled in numerous New England and state competitions. Sydney also participates in multiple volunteer programs, accumulating hundreds of volunteer hours while in high school.
Gwendolyn Duggan is a senior at Palmer High School where she is a high honors student ranked 2nd in her class. She has been selected for the National Honor Society and serves as secretary for the Palmer High School Student Council which produces many student events and external community service projects. Gwendolyn actively volunteers her time as an altar server at her church, at a local Day Care Center and as a youth soccer referee. Athletically, Gwendolyn is a four-year member of the soccer team where she serves as captain. She is also a four-year member of the varsity basketball team.
Owen Jin is a Boston native who attends Boston Latin School with a 4.41 GPA. He is active in school serving as captain of the math team, vice president of the Income Tax Assistance Club, Vice President of the Diablo Club and a flute player in the Band. Owen volunteers as a teacher’s assistant for a third grade math class and as a tutor for elementary school students. He also served as an intern at Boston City Hall. Owen is an accomplished fencer and is the 2022 US Fencing Division 1A National Champion. He also captained the Boston Latin Fencing team and led them to a state championship.
Sophia Latham lives in Rowley, attends Triton Regional High School, and is ranked third in her class. She is a member of the National and World Foreign Language Honors Societies, serves as a class officer, an AP French Teachers Aid, president of the French club and founder of the knitting club. Sophia volunteers for the Essex County Greenbelt, has planted a native bee garden and donated knitted blankets to the pregnancy center at a local church. Sophia is currently the 18th ranked archer in the nation by USA Archery for females under age 21 and is ranked 1st in New England with several state championships.
Peyton Maloney is a senior at West Boylston Middle/High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and a Student Council Class Representative. She also participates in Girl Scouts of America and is an organizer for Day of Change. Peyton is an intern for the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, preparing anti-drug and bullying campaigns for middle and high school students. Peyton is a three-time captain of the West Boylston High School softball team, receiving team and league MVP awards as well as selection as an all-central Mass softball super team member.
Abbie O'Brien is a senior at Somerset-Berkeley High School and is ranked fourth in her class. She serves as a Big Buddy Freshman Guide, president of the Anti-Bullying coalition, vice president of Model UN, President of National Honor Society and Vice President of Student Council. Abbie is the youngest member of the town of Somerset Democratic Committee. She is a three-sport athlete in field hockey, track, and tennis, serving as captain in two sports. Abbie is also an accomplished dancer. She volunteers for the Somerset baseball league and recreation departments, the Family Service Association and Cradles to Crayons.
For more information on the Future Leaders Scholarship Program, click here.
For a list of past recipients and the colleges and universities they've attended, click here.
