Gleason Establishes Continuing Scholarship

For Newtown Students

When Newtown realtor Bob Gleason was applying to college during his senior year at Newtown High School, he learned about the Newtown Scholarship Association and the financial help that the organization provided to Newtown students seeking to further their education. He applied for and was granted the Falwell Scholarship by the Newtown Scholarship Association. However, because of a change of plans, Mr Gleason did not use the scholarship. He did go on to graduate from the University of Connecticut in 1986.

Eventually Mr Gleason married, returned to Newtown, and started his own business. Wanting to give back something to the community, this year Mr Gleason decided to establish an on-going scholarship, to be awarded on an annual basis.

During the summer, Mr Gleason had a chance to meet David Clancy, the first recipient of the scholarship, and to share some common interests with him. Mr Clancy graduated from Newtown High School last June, and recently left Newtown to attend the University of Connecticut. He will be majoring in photography with a possible minor in computer science. Over the summer Mr Clancy gained some valuable experience by working at Ritz Camera and he hopes to land a job at ESPN, the Sports Channel, upon graduation.

The Newtown Scholarship Association has awarded almost $2 million since its establishment in 1937. Each year it awards over 60 scholarships totaling more than $150,000 to June graduates as continuing aid to undergraduate students. Currently in the middle of its annual fund drive, the NSA hopes to encourage increased community participation and support in its goal to help deserving Newtown students further their education.