Maher Family Esperanza Academy Scholarship Fund Announced

Michael J. Schafer, Head of School, announced today the establishment of the Maher Family Esperanza Academy Scholarship Fund. This $100,000 scholarship was endowed by Tom and Nancy Maher of Andover, MA to assist a graduate from Esperanza Academy in Lawrence, MA in pursuing secondary education at Kimball Union Academy each year.

Esperanza Academy is a tuition free school for middle school girls from the City of Lawrence who are selected on the basis of financial need. The academy opened its doors in September 2006.

Tom Maher is a current Kimball Union parent and board member of both Kimball Union and Esperanza Academy. He and his wife Nancy are commited to offering educational opportunites to inner city students. They have also established other scholarship funds for students from Lawrence, MA and New York City to attend the College of the Holy Cross.

"Tom and I are excited to establish this scholarship opportunity for Esperanza girls at Kimball Union Academy. KUA has a solid academic program, fabulous arts center and so many opportunities in their athletic program. I can't wait to see an Esperanza girl make honor roll, run down the field to score a goal and sing in a performance. Mike Schafer and Laurie Bottiger (Esperanza's Head of School) are talented and passionate educational leaders. We see no better investment than in these Esperanza girls continuing their education at KUA," said Nancy Maher.

"We look forward to welcoming students from Esperanza Academy," said Head of School Mike Schafer. "This wonderful opportunity presented by the Mahers is very much in keeping with our commitment to provide broad access to deserving students and to enrich our diverse community."

Esperanza Academy is currently enrolls girls in 5thand 6th grade and will add 7th and 8th grade classes over the next two years. A student from the first graduating class of 2009 will be selected for admission to Kimball Union in the fall of 2009.

"We anticipate many future collaborations with Esperanza Academy," said Mike Schafer, "including summer enrichment programs, teacher mentorship, and community service opportunities for our students. We are hopeful that this partnership will encourage other schools like Kimball Union to offer similar opportunities to Esperanza girls."

"We are thrilled to know that Esperanza students will have an opportunity to continue their education at Kimball Union," said Esperanza Head of School Laurie Bottiger. "We look forward to sending our first girl, and to having her pave the way for many to follow."