Alyssa Messier Memorial Scholarship Alexandra Healey The Alyssa Messier Memorial Scholarship honors a beloved member of the Class of 1999 who coped with the debilitating disease of epilepsy until her death in 2000. Alyssa inspired those around her by showing an enthusiasm for life and sports that made it difficult to remember her private burden. Alexandra Healey participated in swimming, basketball, field hockey and cross country at Presentation, even winning four consecutive “most inspirational” team member awards. She has not allowed her own health challenges to define her, and she meets them with determination, grace, hope and humor, inspiring those around her. “She is a contributing, compassionate and positive presence,” said counselor Jean Meyer. “Her teachers comment on her strength as a student and her ability to see all sides of an issue.” She makes time for her community through involvement in the Presentation Ambassadors Club, volunteering at Holy Spirit and her temple, and serving as a regional representative for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She will attend Occidental College in the fall.
Alison E. Smith Memorial Scholarship Carolyn DiLoreto The Alison E. Smith Memorial Scholarship honors a beloved member of the Class of 1996 who learned she had an inoperable tumor during her sophomore year. Alison fought bravely for a year and half before succumbing to cancer in 1995, and the grace and dignity with which she handled her illness were an inspiration to all who knew her. Carolyn DiLoreto has shown courage, determination and a positive attitude both in and outside the classroom. She is a strong student who took numerous honors and AP classes. “Most notable to me, she began her college search with a variety of majors under consideration – not due to a lack of focus but more a sincere interest in an array of subjects ranging from computer science to film to business to musical theatre to digital media and production,” said college counselor Mary Connolly. During her senior year, as she tended to class work, college apps, and time-intensive school activities, she was dealing with health issues that resulted in numerous absences. Through this, she stayed connected and positive, continuing to support her classmates and teammates in activities that, while she couldn’t always participate, she could attend. SUMMER 2014 | 33