Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Announces Scholarship Recipients
Cheshire’s Lights of Hope has selected Cheshire High School graduates Madelyn Falcone and Lindsay Mollin as the organization’s 2022 scholarship recipients, awarding each $2,000 in recognition of extraordinary community service and volunteerism to the Cheshire community. Recipients were announced during an awards ceremony at Cheshire High School on May 24.
This is the 14th year Cheshire’s Lights of Hope has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors who best exemplify the organization’s mission and vision. The Scholarship Committee considers the amount of, and type of volunteer work performed, focusing on community service within the town of Cheshire; the number of years of service; and the impact of the applicant’s service in the Cheshire community and beyond. It is not necessary to have participated in the Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Annual Luminary Event to apply.
“We continue to remain impressed by the dedication, leadership, and compassion shown by the high school students who are active members of our community and beyond,” said Don Walsh, president of Cheshire’s Lights of Hope. “We are proud to recognize Madelyn and Lindsay and shine a light on the difference they have made in our community. They exemplify our mission to help each other through acts of kindness and we look forward to their continued success in their college careers and beyond.”
Madelyn Falcone is an engaging leader and dedicated volunteer who, after realizing how expensive prom gowns were during her sophomore year, created The Prom Closet. Over the past three years, Maddie launched a far-reaching publicity campaign to spread the word, and this year she collected over 200 dresses and enabled girls who otherwise couldn’t afford a new prom dress to select a dress to wear to the prom. Madelyn was also a volunteer with Cheshire’s Lights of Hope and has served as a Youth Ambassador on the Executive Board and as a Co-President and Fundraising Coordinator for the Cheshire High School Lights of Hope Club where she encouraged students to participate and helped organize events and youth volunteers. As a Peer Health Educator during her senior year, she was selected to co-lead run the Cheshire Town Wide Food Drive. Madelyn served as a Cheshire Junior Cheerleading Student Coach and a reading and writing Volunteer Tutor for elementary school students. Madelyn will graduate from Cheshire High School and attend the University of Connecticut where she plans to major in physiology and neurobiology.
Lindsay Mollin is an active Cheshire’s Lights of Hope and community volunteer. Lindsay served as a Youth Ambassador on the Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Executive Committee and a Co-President of the Cheshire High School Lights of Hope Club where she helped expand the membership, increased peer involvement, and volunteered at multiple events and fundraisers. In addition to serving as a Street Captain in her neighborhood, Lindsay volunteered at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish in Cheshire, including helping with Bingo Night, the annual Parish Picnic, and the Stuff a Truck event. She was a member of the Cheshire High School Best Buddies Club and participated in school and community activities. As part of her Peer Health class, Lindsay and her senior class volunteers raised over $1000 for CT Children’s Medical Center by hosting a pajama party. Lindsay will graduate from Cheshire High School and will attend Bryant University where she plans to major in Accounting.