The Winthrop Foundation voted unanimously Tuesday night to award an emergency grant of $2,500 to the Winthrop High School Class of 2020 for various graduation-related, end-of-the-senior-year events.
Matt Crombie, principal at WHS, had submitted the grant application that read as follows:
“Due to the pandemic, we are forced to change our normal plans for the end-of-the-year senior events. We are planning several different versions of Class Night and Graduation that require us to utilize more and different materials, contracts, etc., than we had originally planned. In addition we are hosting several new events in lieu of planned events that have been canceled like the Senior Prom, Senior Night, and the All-Night Party.
“These new events include Ceremonial Senior Poster Event at the tennis courts, as well as a Town-Wide Parade. These events will require materials and resources that were not a part of our original budget planning. The grant will help support and celebrate seniors.â€
Foundation Chair Russell Sanford said the senior class had requested a grant in the amount of $2,500 and the Foundation decided to appropriate the entire amount of the request.
Sanford, a 1971 graduate of Chelsea High School, said he has fond memories of his graduation ceremonies that were held outdoors at Chelsea Memorial Stadium.
“I remember my graduation and what a big day it was for everyone,†said Sanford. “We all feel badly that these Winthrop students are not getting the opportunity, right now at least, to cross the threshold and receive a diploma which they worked so hard for.â€
The Winthrop Foundation consists of Chair Russell Sanford, Police Chief Terence Delehanty, secretary Vincent Crossman, treasurer Jeffrey Turco, Brian Leslie, School Committee member Gus Martucci, and Vasili Mallios. The Foundation was formed to help distribute the $2.5 million in funds that were appropriated to the Town by the Massport Authority. Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo was helpful in securing the funds for the town.