LAWRENCE — The Merrimack Valley Striders’ running club has announced 12 area high school seniors as the recipients of this year’s MVS Memorial Scholarship, supported by Schneider Electric.
Students were honored recently at Salvatore’s in Lawrence with guest speaker Becca Pizzi, an elite runner and champion of the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons, in 7 days on 7 continents).
“Honoring students for their hard work is one of our favorite activities as a non-profit organization,” said MVS club president Robin Condon. “These students inspire us not only for their love of the sport of running, but for their contributions to their school, their academic achievements and their strong character. We’re excited to see what the future holds for these talented individuals.”
The MVS Memorial Scholarships are given to eligible seniors preparing for college who have participated in cross country, indoor track or outdoor track during their high school years. All high schools throughout the Striders’ membership area are notified of this scholarship opportunity. The students must submit a profile form along with an essay on “What running means to me,” demonstrating their character and dedication to running.
In addition to the $2,000 scholarship, recipients receive a five-year membership in the Merrimack Valley Striders and one entry into the Feaster Five Road Race held on Thanksgiving morning in Andover.
The scholarships 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 37th annual Feaster Five will be held November 28, 2024.
The MVS Memorial Scholarship began in 1998 and has awarded $300,000 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 2024 MVS Scholarship Winners:
Aaliyah Anaskevich – Lawrence High
Aaliyah said she learned a valuable lesson from her eighth grade coach about focusing on the moment, which she always kept in mind while running cross country, indoor and outdoor track. The National Honor Society student and three-sport captain said she listened to her thoughts to overcome her limitations. She has been a volunteer instructor at the Middle School Cross Country Clinic and plans to run at Division 3 level.
Brenna Corcoran – Haverhill High
Brenna comes from a family of runners. She ran her first Feaster Five race at 4-years-old with her family, and continues the tradition. She considered her indoor and outdoor track teammates a family and enjoyed mentoring the younger ones. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, respect and camaraderie. The former field hockey captain and National Honor Society member plans to run at UMass Lowell where she will major in Exercise Science.
Natanael Vigo Catala – Haverhill High
Natanael said he originally viewed running as a means to get ready for basketball, but then discovered indoor and outdoor track. The two-sport captain mentioned the team aspect, which fostered love, support and collective success. He is enrolled in the Classical Academy at Haverhill High. The member of the New England Elite Track Club plans to continue his running at Georgetown University.
Grace Silver — Salem High
The three-sport captain said she was a competitive runner from age 10. She talked about the feeling of excitement at the starting line and the exhilaration at the finish, but a stress fracture in her back derailed her plans. She fought back and did not want her running to be defined by setbacks. Grace cited the determination and strength she felt going forward. She plans to continue her running at New England College.
Kaylie Dalgar – Pentucket Regional
Kaylie said she learned very early about the highs and lows of running. She always wanted to present a positive image to others and a commitment to excellence which she carried over to her younger teammates. The four-time state champion has volunteered at a local food pantry and served as a counselor with the West Newbury Summer Recreation Program. She will continue her running at UMass Amherst.
Spencer Belson – Andover High
Spenser cited his long journey from his days of running the Feaster Five pre-school race to being cross country captain his senior year. He cited his injuries as giving him the ability to adapt to change which gave him a new meaning to running, rather than just competition. His greatest joy was helping his younger teammates in their development. The Eagle Scout and Patrol Leader wants to continue his running in college and after graduation.
Jack Courtney – Lowell High
Jack said that he was proud to be part of one of the less recognized high school sports. The 2023 MVC cross country Runner of the Year cited running as a journey of self-discovery and learning to push one’s limits. Running became his passion, therapy and source of inspiration. He cited it and the role as a three-sport captain as helping him develop determination, communication skills and empathy. The National Honor Society member plans to continue his running at UMass Lowell.
Anthony Danella – Methuen High
Anthony placed a big emphasis on being a good teammate by becoming a better listener and showing more understanding. He cited his running as giving him resilience. His time as a volunteer with the Methuen Youth Track and Field Program made him want to continue this in the future. His academic success has included membership in the National Honor Society, as well as the NHS for Science.
Sydney Ng – Central Catholic
Sydney said she was never a runner, but a decision to join the cross country team as a freshman changed her life forever. She cited the love of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that raised her self-confidence. The National Honor Society member and cross country captain has volunteered the past three summers at a local meal center. She has served as a Student Ambassador to the MIAA Girls Leadership Conference and plans to continue her running in college and beyond.
Luke Manzi – North Andover High
Luke mentioned that he changed schools after his freshman year which resulted in him joining the cross country team as a sophomore. His long runs on Saturday with his teammates provided him the opportunity to form bonds which he expects to last a lifetime. He cited the skills he learned which will carry over to his adulthood. The National Honor Society student and three-sport captain has been part of the North Andover Umpire Program the last three years. He plans to St Anselm College and run for their cross country team.
Peyton Acker – Salem High
Peyton started running cross country in middle school. He said he was attracted to the physical and mental challenge which fostered discipline and determination. He enjoyed bonding with his teammates during long runs. The Boy Scout, Student Council member and Vice-President of the National Honor Society was also cross country captain. He plans to join a running club in the future.
Lexi Lippman – North Andover High
Lexi is the second winner of the MVS President’s Award. She comes from a three-generation family of Merrimack Valley Striders who have been deeply involved in the local running scene. Her volunteering at the Feaster Five Road Race started in middle school and evolved to becoming a member of the Organizing Committee, including coordinating the VIP Speaker Program. Her extensive school activities include National Honor Society, Captain of Color Guard and Winter Guard, and three years as the Drama Stage Manager. An accomplished pianist, she was also part of the Wind Ensemble, and was a Leadership Intern at Camp Invention.