GAISF Announces Second Annual Award
By John Dunham
Ledyard, CT – The Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund is honored to announce the presentation of its second annual scholarship award. The ceremony will take place at 6:30 PM on June 4, 2024, in the auditorium of Ledyard High School (LHS), during the school’s prestigious annual Awards Night.
This significant event marks another milestone in recognizing the outstanding achievements of LHS’s graduating seniors who embody the spirit and virtues of Gary Atkinson, an alumnus whose legacy continues to inspire.
Established in 2023 in conjunction with the 50th reunion of the LHS Class of 1973, the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund commemorates the life and aspirations of Gary Atkinson, a former Student Council President and valedictorian of LHS. Gary and his wife, Judy, tragically lost their lives in the 1988 PanAm Lockerbie terrorist bombing. Despite the years, Gary’s connection to Ledyard remained unwavering, as his brothers John and David Atkinson fondly remember: “Gary would have been honored by this scholarship. He always considered Ledyard home, a place he was returning to that fateful night in 1988. We thank the Imagine Scholarship and its donors on his behalf.”
The scholarship aims to make a significant financial impact on the college aspirations of LHS graduates who demonstrate leadership, kindness, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to inspire excellence in others. These criteria reflect Gary Atkinson’s enduring values and his vision for a better world.
Last year’s award recipient, Benjamin Fieldsend, exemplified these virtues brilliantly and is currently pursuing his dream of a medical career at UConn.
The selection process focuses on students who not only excel academically but who also make a profound impact on their communities and peers. By honoring students who embody Gary’s spirit of leadership, kindness, continuous learning, and community impact, the fund aims to cultivate future leaders committed to making the world a better place. The scholarship represents not just financial assistance but a belief in the potential of Ledyard’s youth to make a global impact.
The Imagine Scholarship leadership invites the community to join in celebrating this year’s recipient at the upcoming Awards Night ceremony.
How to Donate:
Those interested in learning more about Gary Atkinson’s legacy or wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund can donate here.