Tsongas Scholars Honored for Their Academic Achievements Tsongas Scholars Honored for Their Academic Achievements BSC Tsongas Scholars Jennifer Koska, Brendan Kidwell and Melinda Mathurin pose for a picture with President Adrian Tinsley and Board of Trustees Chairman Frederick Clark at the State House. This is the second year the scholarships have been awarded. Brendan Kidwell, Jennifer Koska, Melinda Mathurin, Jennifer Simons and David White are this year's recipients of the scholarship created to honor the life and work of the late U.S. Sen. Paul E. Tsongas and for his service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Tsongas Scholars receive full, four-year scholarships to a state college. All nine-state colleges are allowed to award up to five Tsongas Scholarships each year.
Students selected are among the most academically talented students in the state.
The program is designed to further Sen. Tsongas's belief in the need for an educated citizenry and the role public higher education plays in meeting that need. Sen. Tsongas served as chairman of the state Board of Regents, a predecessor body for the Board of Higher Education. Remarks made at the luncheon held on April 14 focused on the achievements and attributes of the man for whom the scholarship is named. With this great opportunity comes a great responsibility to make the most of this experience and to become contributing members of the community and leaders in the Commonweatlth. The scholarship was created as a tribute to Sen. Tsongas's passion for public service leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community and service.