Scholarship

Named in honor of Gary Atkinson, valedictorian of the Ledyard High School (LHS) Class of 1973, the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating LHS senior who exemplifies Gary’s virtues of strong character, leadership, and community-mindedness.

The Origin

As the LHS Class of ’73 approached its 50th reunion in 2023, its surviving members established the scholarship as a meaningful way to express gratitude for LHS, while also paying tribute to their fallen classmate, Gary. 

Selection Criteria

Be World-Class

Demonstrate leadership in making their world (LHS or their outside community) a better place

Is Always Learning

Invest in themselves to advance their capacity to make greater altruistic contributions

Have Heart

Exhibit kindness toward others, even under difficult circumstances

A Team Leader

Show a knack for bringing out the best in others

Recipients

2023
Benjamin Fieldsend

Benjamin, a LHS graduate and current UCONN student, received four scholarships recognizing his excellence across various fields. A Ledyard Scholar, he was active in soccer and tennis, served as a Robotics team captain, and competed on the math and physics teams. As a member of the National Honor Society, he led tutoring programs for LHS students and aspires to attend medical school. Gracious, poised, intelligent, and kind, Benjamin embodies a strong presence and is sure to carry forward Gary’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

2024
Sarah Banach

Sarah, a LHS graduate and current UCONN student, exemplifies leadership and dedication. At LHS, she served as a four-year class officer, graduated as Salutatorian, and was a Ledyard Scholar. A three-sport athlete, she organized summer volleyball camps, led toy drives for Yale New Haven Hospital, and supported literacy nights at local elementary schools. Praised for her “quiet confidence and sure-mindedness,” Sarah is now pursuing physiology and neurobiology with a minor in psychology at UCONN.

2025
Jordan Yeung

Jordan, a Ledyard High School graduate, is known for his warmth, humility, and powerful sense of empathy. A four-year member of Concert Choir and Select Singers, Jordan brought heart and harmony to the LHS music program and was admired for mentoring younger students with patience and care. Outside the arts, he advocated for youth health equity by submitting public testimony in support of Connecticut’s Bill No. 2 to expand access to children’s healthcare. A valued teammate on the LHS tennis team, Jordan also helped secure key victories during ECC competition. His inclusive spirit and quiet leadership make him a lasting embodiment of Gary Atkinson’s legacy of compassion and community.

2025
Josephine Withbroe

Josephine, a Ledyard High School graduate and National Honor Society officer, brought excellence to every facet of her high school journey. A Ledyard Scholar and student council leader, she excelled academically while also competing at the state level in both cross country and track. She served as a Freshman Orientation Leader, contributed to Key Club volunteer efforts, and helped improve her school through beautification projects. Admired for her maturity, perseverance, and compassion, Josephine now studies Allied Health Sciences at Union College and aspires to become a physician assistant. She truly reflects the spirit of service and integrity that Gary Atkinson stood for.

Legacy Giving

Legacy giving, or planned giving, is a way to make a lasting impact on GAISF through your will or estate plan, without affecting your current financial situation. This can include naming GAISF as a beneficiary in your retirement plan or life insurance policy, or creating a charitable bequest in your will.

Planning a legacy gift for GAISF is a meaningful way to ensure that future scholarship recipients can receive our financial support. Here are some ways you can leave a legacy gift:

  • Bequest: A charitable bequest allows you to specify in your will or trust that a portion of your assets go to GAISF.

  • Retirement Assets: You can name GAISF as the beneficiary of your retirement plan.

  • Life Insurance Policy: Designate GAISF as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy.

  • 401K or Rollover IRA: You can easily set GAISF as a fractional beneficiary on your account.

  • Other Options: Donating real estate, securities, or other valuable assets to GAISF can also be considered.

If you plan to leave GAISF a legacy gift, please connect with us and complete this Legacy Intention Form.