Spater Scholarship Fund awards $12,000 to eight students

A total of $12,000 from the Tom Spater Scholarship Fund has been awarded this year to eight area students who are graduating or have graduated from Green Mountain Union High School and are pursuing college degrees.

From right, Emily Tornquist, Tory Spater, wife of the late Tom Spater, and Rachel Martel. Photo provided.

The scholarships recognize their academic achievements, excellence in athletics and the arts, community service a clear demonstration of leadership among their peers.

The fund is in memory of Tom Spater, who had been chairman of the Chester Select Board, a school board member and moderator, a trustee at the University of Vermont, a Vermont state legislator and a small business entrepreneur who encouraged others to take on leadership positions and to be involved in their community. This is the 12th year of awarding the scholarships.

Receiving scholarship awards for their college undergraduate studies are:

• Rachel Martel, a freshman at Saint Michael’s College;
• Emily Tornquist, a freshman at Clark University;
• Katherine McNally, a sophomore at Berklee College of Music;
• Jessica Ralston, a sophomore at Colby Sawyer College;
• Melanie Thompson, a junior at the University of Vermont;
• Alexandra DeRosia, a junior at the University of New England;
• Laura Hofmann, a senior at Middlebury College;
• Alyssa Farrar, a senior at Castleton State College.