The ORR Bulldog Pride Alumni Association (BPAA) has announced the recipients of its 2025–2026 scholarship and grant programs, awarding a total of $6,500 to support Old Rochester students, teachers, and school initiatives. The awards reflect the Association’s ongoing commitment to celebrating student leadership and strengthening the broader ORR community.
BPAA President Thomas Peccini ’88 offered the following statement on behalf of the Executive Committee: “These scholarships and grants reflect the very best of the Old Rochester community – students who lead with heart, teachers who go above and beyond, and alumni who remain deeply committed to supporting the next generation. We are proud of every applicant and grateful to the volunteers who give their time to ensure a fair and thoughtful process. The BPAA is honored to continue investing in programs that strengthen our schools and uplift our students.”
The BPAA Scholarship Program awarded $5,000 to members of the Class of 2026. The program is overseen by the Scholarship Committee, chaired by Vice President Michelle (Gayoski) Tackitt ’87, with Danielle (Briggs) Brightman Heanue ’87 serving as Vice Chair. Committee members include Tom Fletcher ’88, Brett Fortin ’87, Lisa (Gayoski) Garabedian ’85, Thomas Peccini ’88, and Gracanne Graceanne (Reynolds) Zenga ’87.
The Bulldog Pride Award, which honors seniors who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and kindness toward their peers, drew applications from 15 students. After a thorough review and interview process involving 13 alumni volunteers, the BPAA selected Nina Pierre of Mattapoisett and Delilah Post of Marion as the 2026 recipients. Each will receive $1,500. Ms. Pierre, Executive President of the Student Council, championed mental health initiatives and expanded Kindness Week into an interactive program encouraging students to support one another. Ms. Post, a three‑sport team captain, is recognized for fostering inclusion and belonging, contributing to the Ambassadors Club, and volunteering at the local food pantry.
The Bulldog First Award, which supports a first‑generation college‑bound senior, provides $500 annually for four years, for a total of $2,000. Among the six student applicants for the award, Olivia Kinney of Rochester has been selected as the 2026 recipient. Ms. Kinney plans to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Quinnipiac University beginning this fall.
Vice President Tackitt ’87, who announced the awards at Senior Awards Night on Thursday, 28 May 2026, reflected on this year’s applicants: “Announcing this year’s scholarship recipients at Senior Awards Night was a true honor. The Class of 2026 is exceptional, and the strength of this year’s applicants reflected that. Nina and Delilah stood out for their leadership and kindness, and we are equally proud to support Olivia as she becomes the first in her family to pursue higher education. Each of them represents the promise and potential of this remarkable class.”
In addition to its scholarships, the BPAA launched the first cycle of its new Grants Program for the 2025–2026 school year. In development since 2024, the program now extends the Association’s giving to projects that benefit larger student groups and provide resources for faculty‑ or student‑led initiatives. Grants may be awarded as one‑time funding or, for larger projects, over a two‑year period.
The program funded $1,800 across four faculty‑led projects: Improvements to the ORRHS Disc Golf Course under the leadership of teachers Andrew Apperson and Nathan Kane; a rehearsal clinic for the ORRJHS band organized by teachers Richard Laprise and Tobias Monte; the purchase of adapted physical education equipment for ORRJHS students through a proposal submitted by teacher Ava Novakoski; and Year I funding for the ORRHS Drama Club’s replacement of the school’s light board, a project guided by the high school’s drama faculty advisors, Brayden Fanti and Vanessa Medeiros.
BPAA Treasurer Joyce (Senna) Messier ’87 also commented on the launch of the new grants program after attending Senior Awards Night: “The grants program allows us to support the teachers and staff who make Old Rochester such a vibrant and caring place for students. These first projects reflect creativity, dedication, and a deep commitment to student wellbeing. We are proud to have launched this new program in order to help reach even more students.”
The relevant committees’ recommendations were unanimously approved by the BPAA Executive Committee, and all decisions were made in alignment with the organization’s By‑laws and Standing Rules. The Executive Committee is chaired by President Thomas Peccini ’88, Vice President Michelle (Gayoski) Tackitt ’87, Secretary Lorraine (Jefferson) Gallagher ’90, Treasurer Joyce (Senna) Messier ’87, and Director Kendra (Findley) Resha ’96.
The ORR Bulldog Pride Alumni Association is a recognized charitable organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and operates as a 501(c)(3) non‑profit. Donations to the BPAA are tax‑deductible.
If you are an ORR alum or a friend of the school community in the tri-town and surrounding towns, please consider joining our 2026-2027 fundraising campaign here: https://givebutter.com/bpaa-fundraising-drive-2026-2027-2aesdg
To learn more about our mission, visit our dedicated website at: www.orralumni.org.