Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that Leonard Murphy, fifth in his class of the top ten seniors graduating from Bishop Stang High School, is this year’s chosen scholar to receive the Blanche B. Perry Scholarship for $1000.
Leonard is the son of Marigloria and Leonard Murphy of Rocky Hill, in Mattapoisett. Leonard is headed for Harvard College to pursue pre-medical studies.
Leonard is no stranger to the Mattapoisett and Marion communities, as he has performed many community service hours and volunteer activities in both towns. “He was one of the earliest core junior friends of the Mattapoisett Library, “said Mrs. Linda Burke, the children’s Librarian. She remembers, “Lenny and his sister Mari were among the most polite and courteous of the young patrons. Leonard was always available for fundraising activities and organizing clean up, he was a hard worker, with a quick and high quality sense of humor.” Mrs. Burke said, “It has been a privilege to watch him succeed into a fine young man” For the second summer, Silvershell beach in Marion has him back again.
In addition to the Mattapoisett Land Trust award, Leonard received highest honors in Theology, Fine Arts, World Languages, Math, and the Saint Julie Billiart Service award. He is a recipient of the U.S Presidents’ Education Award, which is awarded to the top ten seniors with a GPA of 3.8 or better and who also achieved a combined SAT score of 1800 or more in Math, Verbal and Writing. Leonard is a National Honors Society member and varsity cross-country, swimming, and tennis athletic achiever. Mr. Murphy received the National Hispanic Recognition award, and he has had a perfect attendance for four years at Bishop Stang High School.
Janice Foley, Mattapoisett resident and Bishop Stang Director of Advancement, said “Lenny demonstrates a shared vision of improving the quality of life for others and he is certainly smart, but more importantly, he is a compassionate, creative and humble young man that gives his all.”
Ellen P. Flynn, Chair of Education said, “The Mattapoisett Land Trust is thrilled and honored to have such a high quality achiever as Leonard Murphy to grant to him their scholarship. The Land Trust is looking forward to Leonard’s even greater achievements during his college career and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”