On Wednesday, May 15, David Gravel, president and chairman of the Board, joined with members of the Peabody Education Foundation, Mrs. Carol Murtagh and Ms. Kim Murtagh, to present Ava DeCicco and Clara Oliveira with the 2024 Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship.
The PEF established this scholarship to honor Oliveira’s memory, her dedication and commitment to education, and for her love for the school children of Peabody. She will always be remembered for her kind and loving personality, her enthusiasm, flawless diligence, and her ability to develop strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, and administrators. This scholarship is awarded to a PVMHS senior who is interested in the field of education, possesses a strong work ethic, demonstrates excellent preparation and organizational skills, is engaged in the community, has achieved good academic standing, and is initiative-taking.
The PEF selected DeCicco and Oliveira , as a result of their persistence and commitment to pursuing a career in education. DeCicco believes that “education is an extremely personal profession that is based on the meaningful connections and relationships you form within your school’s community. Ms. Murtagh was an exceptional example of an involved educator. I aspire to be as active and involved in my schools’ community as she was!”
Oliveira deems that “Education is more than a pathway to opportunity – it is a transformative force that shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. It is the foundation upon which we build our futures and a powerful tool that can uplift communities. For me, education has been a beacon of light, guiding me through personal growth and opening doors to a world of possibilities!”
“Ava and Clara clearly demonstrate their resolve to better the lives of future generations in their daily work. They will respect their students, regardless of their age and skill, and make them feel special, important, and unique,” Gravel said. “They both possess a passion for teaching and working with children which fully embodies the life of Cara Murtagh.”
