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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (May 9, 2025) – Two Chelmsford High seniors have been selected to receive $1,000 scholarships from funds established at Parker and McCarthy Middle Schools.

Both scholarship funds received 17 applications each; the recipients were recognized during the joint Parker and McCarthy Middle School PTO meeting on Thursday, May 8.

McCarthy Scholarship

Receiving the McCarthy Middle School scholarship is Chloe Bentley, who will be attending Merrimack College this fall to study nursing.

Chloe Bentley

As part of the application, Bentley was asked to respond to the following question: As a graduating senior, what words of wisdom and guidance would you pass on to an 8th grade McCarthy Middle School student who is getting ready to enter high school?

“High school may seem daunting, though I promise you all that every single one of you will find your place,” Bentley shared in her response. “I encourage every single one of you to explore all the different opportunities to get involved in high school, for it will only enrich your overall experience. Whether you play three different sports, join the math or science teams, participate in theater, volunteer through service-based clubs, like GIVE and Interact, or audition to be part of an a capella group, it is of utmost importance to join your school community in some way.”

Along with putting themselves out there, Bentley encouraged eighth graders to make an effort to build connections with teachers and administrators while in high school.

“Chelmsford High School has some extraordinary staff members who have completely transformed my outlook on the world,” she wrote, acknowledging several who had made a profound impact on her high school experience. “I promise, if you put yourself out there, are open to new things, and take the first step to building that connection with a staff member, you will have the time of your life. High school is a passageway to self-discovery, freedom, and learning, and it is your responsibility to make the most of your four years there.”

Parker Scholarship

The recipient of the Parker Middle School scholarship is Jennifer Yu, who will be studying political science at Northeastern University beginning this fall.

Jennifer Yu

As part of the application, Yu was asked to describe her experiences at Parker Middle School and how they influenced her high school years.

In her response, Yu attributed much of her success to Ashley Jean, a history-social studies teacher currently at McCarthy Middle School, as well as the Stand Up Parker program.

“As a public speaker in the eating disorder recovery community, I often ask myself how I have the courage to speak so openly about my struggles,” she shared. “Some days, I’m speaking to my senators about supporting mental health initiatives in schools, while during others, I’m ‘zooming’ into rehab centers with doctors and patients. Though difficult, speaking has taught me that I’m capable of being vulnerable while fighting fearlessly for the communities I love.”

During her time in middle school, Yu said she was able open up about her struggles with a supportive group of classmates and an encouraging network of teachers by her side.

“Now at the High School — as a student trying to facilitate these own community spaces for my peers — I recognize how important Ms. Jean was to my journey of both identifying positive ways to share my story, but to also use it to help others overcoming similar struggles,” she wrote. “As graduation nears, I’m eternally grateful to the positive skills and growth mindset that they have provided me with and will carry every lesson they gave me onto my next journeys in college.”

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.