The Parkway Rotary Club is happy to announce this year’s recipients of the Marilyn Larosa Education Scholarship. The scholarship goes to students headed to college from the Parkway neighborhoods of West Roxbury and Roslindale. Criteria for the award include public service, merit, need, and academics.This year’s scholars and humanitarians are Johanna Brait and McKenzie Barnwell. Johanna Brait attended the Dexter Southfield School in Brookline where she played tennis and violin. She participated in the Make-A-Wish program as a volunteer and was a tennis instructor. She is enrolled at Holy Cross College where she will be studying biochemistry and Spanish.
McKenzie Barnwell attended Mount Alvernia High School in Newton where she participated in student government, winter cheerleading, math team and campus ministry. She worked as a counselor and lifeguard at the Parkway YMCA. She is enrolled at Mass College of Pharmacy where she will be studying nursing.
Miss Barnwell said, “This is such an honor to be recognized. And this will be a big help.”
The Parkway Rotary Club changed the name of the scholarship to honor former Rotarian Marilyn Larosa. Marilyn was a grassroots humanitarian who chaired the Parkway scholarship committee for over ten years. This is the second year since the scholarship was renamed.
Present for the luncheon was Marilyn’s husband Sal and her son John. John said, “My mother found so much joy in helping people in the community.”
The scholarship applications are accepted in the spring. Applicants must be residents of Roslindale and West Roxbury.