The Merrimack Valley Striders running club announced 11 area high school seniors as the recipients of this year’s MVS Memorial Scholarship presented by Schneider Electric.
Students were honored at a dinner reception at Salvatore’s in Lawrence hosted by The Striders.
“These student-athletes are strong representatives of the running community,” said Dianie Jannetti, MVS club president. “Each of these students has a special connection to the sport, and found that running has made a positive impact on their lives. In addition, all of these students have made positive contributions to their schools and community and we’re proud to honor them for their hard work.”
The MVS Memorial Scholarships presented by Schneider Electric are given to eligible seniors preparing for college who have participated in cross country, indoor track or outdoor track during their high school years.
The scholarships – each student is awarded $2,000 – are funded through donations and proceeds from the Feaster Five Road Race, presented by Schneider Electric. The Feaster Five is the largest Thanksgiving Day road race in Massachusetts, annually attracting 7,000 participants in the family-friendly 5K and 5 mile event. The 38th annual Feaster Five will be held November 27, 2025.
The MVS Memorial Scholarship began in 1992 and has awarded $280,000 in scholarships to date. The MVS Memorial Scholarship program honors the memory of seven MVS members: Mike Dowe, Greg Gumbinner, Dean Peterson, Sam Denopoulos, Ralph Rockwood, Lou Peters, and Makarand Joshi who all exemplified the character and dedication to running and fitness that the MVS organization encourages.
Meet the Recipients of the Merrimack Valley Striders Memorial Scholarship Presented By Schneider Electric:
Colin Bowler – North Andover High
Colin ran four seasons of cross country, two of indoor track and played four of volleyball. He was involved with the Karate Club, DECA and the National Honor Society. He has been a member of MVS since his sophomore year and plans to continue his running as he cited the family like connection he had with his teammates.
Molly Burke – Pentucket Regional
Molly was presented with the Merrimack Valley Striders Special Recognition Scholarship. Molly has been an active member of the Striders by participating in numerous road races with her father and volunteering at the Feaster Five Road Race. She plans to continue running when she attends Stony Brook University in the fall. She was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Science League and was active with the Concert, Jazz, and Winter Pep Bands.
Madeline Courtemanche –Central Catholic
Madeline ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track all four years. She mentioned winning a 50-yard dash race in the first grade and never thought that she would eventually win a Conference title. She praised her coaches for her personal and athletic growth. The National Honor Society member has served as a Student Ambassador and tutor.
Brock James – Salem High
Brock was coached by his father at an early age and cited him and other athletes as great role models. After his father’s passing from injuries he suffered in an accident, Brock looked at running as something he needed to do as well as honoring his father’s legacy. He served as a peer mentor and Youth Basketball referee. He will continue running cross country and track at Merrimack College.
Nicole Kroon – North Andover High
Nicole said she learned many things about being a team leader while serving as a captain. For her, it was all about the relationships and memories created while running four seasons of cross country, indoor and outdoor track. She has been a volunteer for North Andover Youth Track and the Middle School Cross Country program. The National Honor Society member has served as a senior marketing and communication intern and plans to continue running in the future.
Emmett LaRosa – North Andover High
Emmett ran four seasons of cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He started running when he was eight and was involved with North Andover Youth Track at an early age and continues as a volunteer coach. He said his various injuries taught him patience. After getting involved with the Robotics Club, he felt he found his future. He received a scholarship from Central Connecticut State University where he will continue his career.
Aidan Loucks – Andover High
One of Aidan’s proudest accomplishments in his four years of running cross county, indoor and outdoor track was seeing the steady progress in lowering his mile time from 7:06 as a freshman to trying to break five minutes today. He found great comfort in running and his teammates. The National Honor Society member also served as a Class Representative for four years.
Joshua Pelletier – North Andover High
Joshua has been around the running community since his time with North Andover Youth Track. He cited running as having a significant impact on his life from motivation and goal setting during his four years of cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He said the team was like a second family. He plans to continue running in college. He is also in the North Andover Choir and has worked as a summer camp counselor.
Hannah Shea – North Andover High
Hannah said she learned from the seniors the importance of mentoring and encouraging younger teammates. She evolved into that role during her four years of running cross country, indoor and outdoor track. She has served as a counselor and coordinator with North Andover Youth Track seeking to inspire them. She has also been involved in social media management.
Ryan Todisco – Andover High
Ryan plans to run at Colby College after his four years of cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He lost time from injuries, including two stress fractures and dealing with Lyme Disease. He has attended Webinars on the disease hosted by his local state representative to support pending legislation. He said running gave him a purpose and value in his life. He enjoyed testing his limits during competition and building a running community.
Trevor Wlodyka – North Andover HighTrevor cited running as helping him make friends and get into shape when he was a freshman. He quickly found his place during his four years of running cross country and indoor track. He was grateful for those he met and all the memories. He is very involved in umpiring for Little League baseball. He has also been a volunteer for youth basketball for disabled children in North Andover.