Newtown Student Awarded $1,000 Scholarship

HARTFORD — Caitlin Weber, a 2004 graduate of Newtown High School, recently received a $1,000 scholarship from the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Scholarship Program at a reception held in the honor of the recipients.

The scholarship program, administered by the Connecticut Association of Schools, awarded 50 separate $1,000 scholarships to Connecticut high school seniors who excel academically, demonstrate leadership skills, are involved with the community, and have a clear goal for the future. It is one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind in Connecticut

The Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship Program demonstrates the franchise’s longstanding commitment to supporting youth and education-based programs in the community. 

“With the rising costs of higher education, traditional means of paying for college — financial aid, student loans and part-time jobs — are often not enough to cover the tuition, fees, and technology needed for school,” said John Coughlin, chairman of the Dunkin’ Donuts market advertising committee in Hartford. “All applicants were deserving of this scholarship, and it was a very difficult choice, but the academic record, leadership skills, and commitment to school and the community set these recipients apart from the thousands of applications we received,” he continued.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal noted, “Such scholarships are a lifeline to higher education — often the only one available — for thousands of Connecticut high school graduates.”

“A degree in higher education is critical to success in today’s highly competitive job market, an educated workforce is also critical to the long-term success of our state,” said Michael Savage, executive director for Connecticut’s Association of Schools. “Unfortunately, due to skyrocketing costs, a degree remains out of reach for many families. I commend Dunkin’ Donuts on the vital contribution they are making through this scholarship program to the future of our youth and our state.”

Dunkin’ Donuts Incorporated is the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world with 5,800 locations in 29 countries worldwide.