GAISF Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Ledyard, CT - At Ledyard High School's 2026 Awards Night, the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund (GAISF) announced this year's scholarship recipients: Caitrin Cassidy and Porter Wisniewski. Each received a $1,000 award in recognition of the strong character, leadership and community-mindedness they have demonstrated at Ledyard High School and beyond.
The awards continue the Fund's mission to honor William Garretson "Gary" Atkinson III, a 1973 Ledyard High School graduate remembered as a humanitarian, scholar, student leader and Eagle Scout. GAISF recognizes graduating seniors whose choices and contributions reflect the values Gary embodied throughout his life.
Cassidy received GAISF's college-bound scholarship. Wisniewski received the Fund's trade school scholarship, established in 2025 to recognize that leadership, service and community spirit flourish along many paths after high school.
The 2026 awards come as GAISF marks another milestone: the Fund has grown in three short years to more than $100,000 in assets. That support strengthens its ability to sustain scholarships for future Ledyard graduates and to pursue a long-term vision of expanding the reach and value of its awards.
2026 GAISF Award Recipients
Caitrin Cassidy earned respect in her communities as a selfless, service-minded student whose leadership centers on inclusion and advocacy. Her involvement in Ledyard High School's Unified Sports and Unified Skills programs reflects a sustained commitment to supporting others. She also served as the student representative to the Ledyard Board of Education, bringing a student voice to the district's public decision-making.
Porter Wisniewski is the 2026 recipient of GAISF's trade school award. A leader in Ledyard High School's music program, he participated in both band and choir and contributed to the sense of community those programs create. He plans to pursue training for a career in welding, carrying his creativity, discipline and collaborative spirit into the skilled trades.
Together, Cassidy and Wisniewski represent the qualities at the center of the Imagine Scholarship: strong character, leadership and a commitment to making their community better.
The Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund invites community members, alumni and friends to help sustain and grow this work. For more information or to donate, visit imaginescholarship.org.
About the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund
Founded in memory of Ledyard High School alumnus William Garretson "Gary" Atkinson III, who perished in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund supports graduating Ledyard High School seniors who exemplify Gary's humanitarian spirit. GAISF is a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Contact:
John Dunham, President
The Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Phone: (415)412-7770
Email: info@imaginescholarship.org
Web: www.imaginescholarship.org