2006 Scholarship Winners

For Immediate Release  June 22, 2006

ANDONA SOCIETY ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Each spring, the Andona Society recognizes five high school seniors from Andover for their commitment to community service, outstanding scholastic performance, and participation in extracurricular activities.  Andona chose five graduates from the Class of 2006, each to receive a $2,000 scholarship toward college next September.  This year's winners:   Maureen Gaj, Christopher Gibson, Michael Stewart, Christina Pierro and Jake Allard. The scholarship recipients and their families attended the Andona Society annual dinner meeting at the Stevens Estate in North Andover on June 19^th where their accomplishments were both recognized and celebrated.  

  Back Row:  Proud Parents of the Students

Seated From L-R - Christopher Gibson, Maureen Gaj, Michael Stewart and Christine Pierro. Missing 

from photo, Joseph (Jake) Allard

A member of the National Honor Society, Maureen Gaj, was also a member of the AHS indoor and outdoor track teams, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and the JV and Freshman Soccer teams.  Active in the community, Maureen volunteered for the recycling club, Lazarus House, youth track, the Outreach Program, PALS tutoring program and at Lawrence General Hospital .  Maureen is described as a “powerful force destined to make her mark on the world”.  Maureen will be attending Yale University in the fall.

Christopher Gibson, a graduate of St. John’s Preparatory High School , was Vice President of the National Honor Society as well as a member of the Men’s Chorus, JV Soccer and Winter Soccer teams, the Prep Pride, Spanish, and Irish clubs.  Christopher helped his community by creating “ Camp Christopher to provide summer camp experience for local boys and girls. Christopher volunteered as an assistant coach to the 7^th grade Andover Travel Basketball Team, as a campus ministry leader, as an Eagle’s Wings Leader, and Special Olympics Soccer Counselor.  Christopher is a “concerned citizen devoting time and talents to make positive changes within his community and exhibits a compassionate voice speaking for the needs of the poor and marginalized.”  Christopher will attend Boston College .

An Eagle Scout, Michael Stewart, was involved in many activities at AHS, including the School Swim and Dive Teams, National Honor Society, Lacrosse Team, and Marching Band and has volunteered for two years, at the Bread and Roses Soup Kitchen.  In addition, Michael gave his time to support the Project Bread Walk for Hunger, Young Neighbors in Action and the AHS Snow Busters. Michael possesses “a rare level of maturity and respect concurrent with a seemingly endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.” Described as a leader, an intellectual, hard working and highly motivated, Michael will attend Villanova University .

Christina Pierro, considered by her teachers and peers to be a leader, is an active member of the National Honor Society, Student Government, SAAD, (Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Community Service Club, the Small Schools Club, and Growing Up and Taking a Stand.  Christina held the Student Volunteer position on the Andover School Committee, and volunteered for the Andover Church League Basketball, Feaster Five Road Race and Beyond the 11^th Charity which supports widows of terrorism in Afghanistan.  Christina’s work ethic is “awesome” and her character “outstanding”.  Christina will be attending Boston College.

An honor student all four years at AHS, Joseph (Jake) Allard attended several leadership conferences and formed a new club in his sophomore year.  Outside of school activities, Jake has always held a part time job and volunteered in the community as a counselor at the SHED Program   He is interested in foreign languages and the military.  Jake will attend Norwich University.

###