By Carolyn Dwyer
The Lincoln Scholarship Committee has the incredible honor of providing financial support to Lincoln-resident high school seniors (and those who are not residents but attended middle and high school here), as they head off to college and pursue their dreams.
While some of the scholarships we administer are supported by donors such as the Codman Trustees and the Todd Family, the remainder are funded by you, the residents of Lincoln, who generously support these students by contributing regularly to our annual Spring fundraising appeal. These students are the recipients of Lincoln Community Scholarships.
These one-year Community Scholarships were originally established by a $1,000 donation to the town by Miss Fanny S. Campbell. Her desire with this initial donation to the Lincoln School Association in 1956 was to create the Lincoln Permanent Scholarship Fund. Since then, the Committee has worked to build upon Miss Campbell’s legacy so that we may support Lincoln graduates in the best way we can. Thus began our annual fundraising appeal. We rely solely on your donations to administer the Lincoln Community Scholarships and we are incredibly grateful for the folks who recognize that there is real need in Lincoln and that investing in our children is our greatest hope for the future we desire.
This year we had a larger than normal pool of applicants, all of whom brought enthusiasm, intelligence, and promise to our table. They also brought significant financial need as well as a number of instances of overcoming personal challenges that make their journeys more challenging. We were able to support these students, though we always wish we could provide more support, especially as college costs continue to escalate.
We have the privilege and joy of interviewing each applicant, and hearing their stories. These are amazingly talented young Lincoln residents who clearly have drive and purpose. We would love to be able to give them even more, but we can’t do that without your continuing support.
These scholarship recipients are likely your neighbors, your babysitters, your lifeguards, or your volunteers at local events. We would like to share below one note of gratitude (with her permission) from a June 2026 recipient of a Community Scholarship. While Kaylynn’s note was handwritten, we have typed it up for easier publication. When you read it you will understand the time it took her to write this gracious and grateful note to you all. When she handed it to me, she said it was for the people of Lincoln. Enjoy and please consider donating to support future scholars from Lincoln. Donations can be sent to Lincoln Scholarship Committee, PO Box 6283, Lincoln, MA 01773 or clicking here.
Thank you, yet again, to all who have already generously supported our children.
Dwyer is chair of the Lincoln Scholarship Committee trustees.
Dear kind person,
Thank you for your generosity and for investing in students like me. I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the Community Scholarship.
Receiving this award means more to me than I can fully express. As someone raised in a single-parent household, I have seen firsthand how sacrifice and hard work can open doors, but I have also learned that determination alone cannot pay a college tuition bill. Every scholarship, regardless of the amount, makes a meaningful difference in my ability to pursue higher education and focus on my future.
Education has always been important to me. I moved from Indiana to Massachusetts in search of greater educational opportunities and a community that would challenge me to grow. I like to think I have an Indiana heart and a Massachusetts open mind. Indiana taught me resilience, gratitude, and the true value of community, while Massachusetts encouraged me to ask questions, advocate for others, and dream bigger than I ever thought was possible.
Throughout high school, I have dedicated myself to academics, advocacy, writing as an aspiring author, theater, and volunteer tutoring while working toward my goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This fall, I will be attending Haverford College. As exciting as this opportunity is, it also comes with financial responsibilities that remain even after receiving significant financial aid. Your scholarship helps make that opportunity more accessible and allows me to begin this next chapter of my life with greater confidence and less financial uncertainty.
I hope to pursue a career in law, particularly in advocacy and civil rights. I am passionate about ensuring that people (especially those whose voices are often overlooked) have access to representation, opportunity, and justice. The opportunities I have been given have inspired me to create opportunities for others, and your support brings me one step closer to that goal.
Your generosity is a reminder that there are people willing to invest in the dreams of students. At a time when college can feel financially daunting, your support gives both financial help and encouragement/hope.
One day, I hope to be in a position to give back in the same way. I want to support students with the same big dreams, difficult circumstances, and determination to keep going. Until then, please know that your kindness is making a genuine difference in my life.
Thank you again for your generosity and belief in my future. I am deeply grateful.
With much gratitude,
Kaylynn Ellison
“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.
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