Select an Amount:(Required) Frequency:(Required) Type of Donation(Required) Recognition Cards are a wonderful way to honor that special teacher, coach or staff member who has had a positive impact on your child’s life. These cards can be purchased for $20 per card or $50 for three cards. Your card can be sent directly to the honoree, along with your note that you can include with your donation.
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Please note, if your donation is in memory or in honor of an individual, provide information requested in order for the Fund to notify the appropriate person of your gift.
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This award honors the memory of John Blakemore Robbins by his fellow LM Class of 1968 graduates. The hope is to award a scholarship to a graduating senior who truly embraces school spirit.
The Jean Marie Sambor Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the loving family, friends and colleagues of Jeanie Sambor, who dedicated her career to the students of Merion Elementary. A bright light to everyone around her Ms. Sambor taught for 44 years at Merion Elementary from 1977 to 2022 as a special education teacher and 3rd grade teacher. She was known for making special connections with each of her students, working collaboratively with others and valuing the importance of literature and science. This award will honor her legacy and be awarded to a former Merion Elementary student.
This award was established in memory of Judy Bard by her family and friends. Mrs. Bard (Fishman)was a 5th grade teacher at Gladwyne Elementary for 35 years. This scholarship will go to support graduates pursuing a degree in education.
This award was established by the LMHS Class of 1972 from funds form the Reunion in 2022.
This award was established by The Women's Club of Ardmore to benefit a student who shows an interest in pursuing a career in the fields of medicine or education. The Club, a group of forward-thinking, civic-minded women, was disbanded in 1987 after 93 years of service to the community. Their legacy lives on in the Ardmore Free Library, which is housed in the two remaining wings of the Club’s original building.
Sean Hughes was a beloved principal at Lower Merion High School. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident in the fall of 2021. Sean was an exceptional principal whose enthusiasm and dedication was apparent to all of the LMHS family, He reminded the students of Lower Merion in every address that "character counts" and encouraged good choices.
This award was established from the proceeds raised by the Harriton High School Yearbook.
Jim Barr and Jean Thomas Barr were 1948 graduates of LMHS, where Jim was an outstanding football player for the Aces, and Jean was a cheerleader. They married in 1950 while Jim was a student-athlete at Penn State University, and together they raised 11 children. This fund was established by their grandchildren with love and appreciation for their devotion to family and community.
This award was established by the Bobby Bonds Memorial Foundation in Honor of Bobby Bonds, a Harriton High School graduate and active member of the Lower Merion community. His inspirational words, “Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle happens,” is a true testament to how Mr. Bonds lived his life and helped countless others.
Mr. Bottoms and his wife Lisa spent most of their lives in Narberth. Mr. Bottoms was a stellar athlete in football, baseball and golf, among many other sports. He had a very positive influence on the lives of many of the children he coached for the Narberth Baseball League. Mr. Bottoms’ example of helping others will serve as a legacy to continue to help the youth of Lower Merion in pursuing their academic dreams.
John J. "Fritz" Brennan is still considered one of the best high school football coaches in the East. As head football coach at LMHS, Coach Brennan led teams that achieved a record 32-game winning streak from 1954 to 1958 and won several suburban championships. Mr. Brennan was an assistant coach at LM from 1947-52, then served as head coach until 1969. His career record at LM was 105 wins, 33 losses, and 5 ties. From 1969 until his retirement he served as school athletic director.
This award was established in 1971 by Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brooks and has been given to more than fifty Lower Merion High School and Harriton graduates over the years.
Bill Brubaker was a beloved member of the Lower Merion community. He worked in the district for 38 years from 1962 until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Brubaker started as a social studies teacher at Bala Cynwyd Junior High School, then continued as the
assistant principal at BC, acting principal of the Narberth School, and then eventually became principal for both Welsh Valley Middle School and Cynwyd Elementary. Friends and family of Mr. Brubaker have established an award in his memory, hoping to pass along his love of education and the importance of higher education.
Kobe Bryant was a graduate of Lower Merion High School who then had a successful career playing professional basketball. This award was established by Nike while Kobe was playing for the Lakers.
This award was established to honor Mr. Cappalonga, a former principal of Narberth School.
Harriton High School started participating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) 25 years ago. With over 5,000, IB World Schools (IBWS) worldwide, this global school community develops well-rounded, caring, knowledgeable
and self-motivated students. The IB School community has an international reputation for excellence and quality.
This award was established in 2023 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the IB program at Harriton High School.
Under the leadership of Tom O’Brien, graduates benefit from this impressive multi-disciplinary program.
George Cerio was a student at Lower Merion High School in 1955 when he was injured during an automotive class, and was left paralyzed from the waist down. The students of LMHS held a carnival for many years to raise funds to aid in his care. When Mr. Cerio died in 1984, the Scholarship Fund received money from his estate to help students pursue their academic dreams.
This scholarship was established by the children of Ann and Frank Cestare, who were members of the founding group of parents that established LMTSF in 1964. This award is in honor of their commitment to the LM community.
This scholarship is funded by the Cynwyd HSA, which is committed to helping students reach their potential through education.
The Trey Davis Award was established in 2007. Trey Davis was the child of Mr. Brett Davis and the grandchild of Mrs. Dolores Davis, both of whom were teachers at Welsh Valley. It has been traditionally awarded to a student who attended Welsh Valley Middle School.
Sabrina Dechnik was a Biology and Science teacher at Lower Merion High School from 1944-79. This scholarship was established to commemorate her legacy.
The Harriton Student Council Officers and participants of the Mr. Harriton program (now called “Dr. Harriton”) have always generously donated funds to LMTSF over the years. The Harriton Class of 2018 decided to raise that year’s money in honor of their former classmate, Graham Dixon, who tragically died in February 2015. At the time of Graham’s death, Scott Eveslage (then principal of Harriton High School) wrote, “Graham was an extraordinary young man, whose warmth, curiosity and passion for life and learning has left an enduring impact on our school community and all those who knew and loved him. He was a dedicated student and was especially active in TSA (Technology Student Association), where he was highly successful in the recent Regional TSA Conference. He has a supportive circle of friends, many of whom are his TSA peers.”
The Donald Eppinger Award was established in 1992 in memory of Mr. Donald Eppinger. Many members of the Eppinger Family were graduates of LMHS.
Mr. Eppinger was founder and director of the Lower Merion Federal Savings and Loan Association in Ardmore from 1936-69. His contributions to the community were recognized through this special award established after his death.
Michael Fanning was a long-time supporter of the Fund, an active member of the Board of Governors, and extremely involved in assisting students and families to achieve their educational goals until his death in 2007.
The Lower Merion community, specifically Belmont Hills Elementary School, suffered a major loss in November 2019 when third grade teacher Michelle Florian lost her battle with cancer. Mrs. Florian was a world traveler who loved to incorporate in her classroom respect for other countries’ cultures and traditions. In 2021, friends of Mrs. Florian established a Special Award to be given to a graduating senior who attended Belmont Hills Elementary School, as a way to honor Mrs. Florian’s memory and the contributions she made to the Lower Merion community as a teacher for 20 years.
Dr. Foote was a dentist in Ardmore. His children graduated from Lower Merion High School and he was always involved in sports and community activities. This award was established in his memory in 2009 by family and friends. An annual football clinic organized by friends and LMHS has continued to raise funds for this special award.
Dr. Freedman was a true Renaissance man. A respected psychiatrist and clinician in the Philadelphia area, Dr. Freedman was also an avid sailor, fisherman, tennis player, and painter. Serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army in World War II, Dr. Freedman received the U.S. Army's Legion of Merit Award. He had a love for his Lower Merion Community, serving for 20 years on the Merion Civic Association. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather until his death in 2009.
Established in 2000 in memory of Albert A. Garthwaite, a local business executive and philanthropist, this award has helped many students pursue higher education over the years.
Mr. Gilbert was a teacher and former principal of Lower Merion High School. This special award was established to commemorate his many years of service to the district.
This award was established in memory of Nancy by her family and friends to be awarded to a deserving student who exemplifies the "Spirit of the Alternative West."
This award was gifted by the Class of 1964, in celebration of their 50th Reunion.
This award was gifted by the Harriton Classes of 1976 and 1977 in celebration of their 40th Reunions.
Over the years, the Harriton High School Student Council has raised money for LMTSF, most notably through the annual Dr. Harriton event.
The Hassel Foundation Award was established in 1995 by funds received from this family foundation, which is dedicated to supporting higher and other education, human services, and the arts. This award has helped many students over the years.
Mary Anne served as a secretary to the principals of Harriton High School for 23 years. She loved sports, students, and the pursuit of learning.
Trevor Hoffman attended elementary and middle schools before matriculating at LMHS, where he played on the Ice Hockey Club and Ultimate Frisbee teams. Tragically, Trevor died during the spring of his junior year. In honor of his memory, Trevor's family and friends established an award in his name. The Trevor Hoffman Scholarship began providing assistance to an LMHS student in his graduating Class of 2021. This award was established to support graduates of future LMHS classes as well.
This Special Award was established by the LMSD community in honor of Lower Merion High School counselor Bridgett Hull, who died in August 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Donations are still being collected to fund this Special Award with hopes to continue Ms. Hull’s legacy of supporting the students of Lower Merion for years to come.
This award was established in memory of Jacob Joyce, a Harriton High School Graduate, Class of 2002.
Kiran was a 2018 graduate of Harriton High School. She participated in Lower Merion’s district-run squash program beginning in elementary school through her high school years. She was a member of the nationally ranked Harriton Lower Merion (HLM) Squash team, often surprising her opponents with her ability to get to shots that seemed impossible to return. Kiran’s tenacity and work ethic were matched off the court with strong academic skills and a love for learning. Kiran had recently finished her first year at McGill University and had unlimited potential. The Harriton Lower Merion community misses Kiran and honors her memory.
The LMHS Class of 1959 held its 60th reunion in the fall of 2019. In honor of their reunion, they decided to "pay it forward" and help current graduates from the district.
This award is given to a Lower Merion High School graduate in honor of the 50th reunion of the Graduating Class of 1963.
When the Lower Merion High School Class of 1979 gathered in Manayunk for their 40th reunion, they did more than catch up with old friends. They decided to “pay it forward” by helping future LMSD graduates achieve their academic dreams by creating the LMHS Class of 1979 Scholarship.
This award was established in 2015 and was given as a gift after graduation.
This award is a gift given by the seniors of Lower Merion High School. Each LMHS graduating class has supported the Fund by making sizable donations through their various year-long fundraising efforts, such as the Amazing Ace (formerly Mr. LM) contest.
This award was established by the Lower Merion Education Association (LMEA), a merged local union for LMSD employees, consisting of approximately 1,400 members in both professional and educational support staff roles. The LMEA has two primary missions: to protect and enhance the welfare of its members and to deliver the best possible educational programs.
This award is given in honor of graduates who gave their lives serving their country in World War I.
The Agnes M. Mahon Award was established in 1971 by her five children, who have generously contributed to LMTSF over the years.
The Merion Community Award was established in 1995 by the Board of Directors of the Merion Community Association to provide financial aid to students who live in the Merion area.
This award was established in honor of Howard Miller and his wife Anita, who spent the majority of her life devoted to the enrichment and education of the children in her community. Anita was a reading tutor for the Lower Merion School District, established a variety of educational and recreational programs within the district and her local community, served as Home and School President in three different schools, and was actively involved with the Scouts.
The Moment of Integration Committee established this special award in celebration of the integration of schools in Ardmore in 1964. This award was first given to a Lower Merion graduate in the same year LMTSF was formed.
Jamie S. Moss was a parent of LMSD graduates and beloved realtor in the Lower Merion community. Her colleagues at Fox & Roach, et al., established this award in her memory.
This scholarship award was established in honor of Norma Myers. Mrs. Myers believed in helping others (young and old), taught cooking classes, loved spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, and lived life to the fullest. This award was established by her daughter, who is an active member of the Lower Merion community, following Mrs. Myers’ death in 2018.
Mr. O'Donnel was a Narberth Soccer Club Coach. This award was established in his memory for his many contributions to the club.
Mr. John Osipowicz was a beloved English teacher at Lower Merion High School for 34 years. During his time at LMHS, Mr. O was actively involved with coaching Boys’ Baseball, outside work programs for students, and the Faculty Senate. After his retirement from teaching, Mr. O pursued his other passion, writing detective and murder mystery novels. Since 2004, Mr. O wrote 63 novels! This award was established to honor Mr. Osipowicz following his death in 2018.
The Pacifico Family established a scholarship in 1998 in memory of Joseph Pacifico, which was later named the Joey Pacifico/Class of ‘69 Award. Over the years, the Pacifico family has continued to generously support LMTSF and our scholars.
This memorial award was established by the colleagues and friends of Mr. Plumly, who was a beloved teacher at Welsh Valley Middle School.
LMTSF was a named beneficiary of L. Isobel Rigg's estate. She was a child psychologist whose late husband also has a special award in his name (Abraham Freedman).
Lower Merion High School graduate Gilroy Roberts was a sculptor, gemstone carver, and the ninth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, serving from 1948 to 1964. His most famous work is designing the obverse of the John F. Kennedy Half Dollar.
This fund was established in honor of David Schall, who was a Lower Merion HS graduate and Narberth resident. Although he died suddenly at the age of 25, his memory lives on through this award.
This award was established by the children of Albert and Beverly Schiffrin to honor their legacy of service to the Lower Merion community. They were part of the founding group of parents who established LMTSF in 1964 and continued to serve on the board for many years.
This Special Award was established by the LMSD community in memory of Peter Schiffrin, who died in January 2018. Peter was a graduate of the LMHS Class of 1969 and played on their championship soccer team. Following LMHS, he attended the University of Pennsylvania and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Afterwards, he and his family moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a management consultant and corporate executive in human resources for Marriott International. Peter’s parents, Albert and Beverly, were two of the founding members of LMTSF, and Albert was the first Chair of the Board of Governors. Peter and his siblings, Susan and Richard, previously created a Special Award in their parents’ names.
Mr. Seaman was a well-loved former Harriton HS Principal. This special award was established to honor his legacy.
Phil Selim was an active member of the LMTSF Board for 25 years. He taught and served as assistant principal at LMHS before his retirement in 2003. He firmly believed in education being the key to success in life and did all he could to ensure as many of his students as possible had a chance at higher education.
Florence Sheperd was the secretary of the original Board of Governors of the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund and a music teacher in the Lower Merion Schools.
Ms. Smith was a teacher, an LMSD School Board member, and an active LMTSF board member. This award was established to memorialize her many contributions to the greater Lower Merion community.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith were active members of the Lower Merion community and school district for many years. Anne worked her way through college where she met Bradford, who had received a full scholarship. As parents, they worked hard to put their own children through college and instilled in them an ardent appreciation for education.
Jackye Smith taught at the elementary level for 38 years in the LMSD, teaching last at Penn Valley Elementary School. She was instrumental in the establishment of tutoring programs at the Ardmore Community Center and Bethel A.M.E. Church, located in Ardmore. She continues to pursue avenues to assist minority students in reaching their educational goals. She currently serves on the LMTSF Board of Governors.
Mr. Smith is a retired art teacher who taught for many years at Harriton High School. This award was established in his name to commemorate his 65th birthday.
Mrs. Sosangelis-White was a beloved Cynwyd teacher who retired in 2007, due to health issues. At that time, she established this fund for friends and family to make contributions as a form of wishing her well during her recovery. This effort enabled her to continue helping students attain their educational goals even if she could not be teaching herself. Unfortunately, Mrs. Sosangelis-White lost her battle with cancer soon after she retired.
The Maurice Strauss Award was established in 1984, in honor of Mr. Strauss, who was a resident of Lower Merion for many years. He was one of the founders of The Pep Boys, and was popularly known as “Moe” of the company’s “Manny, Moe and Jack” brand name.
Caroline Turner was very active in the West Ardmore community. She was instrumental in starting, promoting, and supporting neighborhood activities such as Boy and Girl Scouts, the “Soul Shack,” and the Ardmore “Steppers” marching group. Although she did not graduate high school, she maintained a life-long belief in the value of education and proved this by earning her GED late in her 50’s. It is the family’s hope that Mrs. Turner’s love of home, friends, and family will live on and continue to endure in our community through this award; and that it will remind each recipient that they are blessed and fortunate to call Lower Merion home!
The John A. Turner Award was established in 1988, and has helped many students pursue their post-secondary dreams over the years.
This award was established by colleagues, friends, and students of Judy Vietri, who served as principal of Merion, Penn Valley and Belmont Hills Elementary Schools. During her 33 years in the LMSD she was a strong advocate for students, especially those with special needs, and was well-loved by her students and their parents. She currently serves on the LMTSF Board of Governors.
This memorial award was established by the colleagues of JoAnn Waters, a well-loved teacher at Welsh Valley Middle School, to honor her legacy.
“Coach Z” was a teacher at Harriton High School for close to 40 years and was the Wrestling coach from 1961 until his retirement in 1994. With a record of 336 wins, 122 losses and 2 ties, Bill Zimmerman was one of the "winningest" wrestling coaches in Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) history and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) Hall of Fame.
This scholarship was established in 2021 by a group of Harriton High School wrestlers who were coached by him throughout his career. Coach Z dedicated his professional life to teaching and coaching others (in both wrestling and tennis). This scholarship will be awarded annually to the student who best exemplifies his spirit. In the words of Geoff O’Donnell, Co-captain of the undefeated wrestling team of 1973: “It was in that wrestling room under Coach Zimmerman where we learned about hard work, desire to win, overcoming limits, and the triumph of high achievement! ”
This award was established by the Gladstone family in 2020, in gratitude for and honor of Marita Williams and Kelly Clarke, two Lower Merion Special Education teachers who both made a special impact on their student, Seth Gladstone, and his entire family. This scholarship recognizes Williams and Clarke, as well as their colleagues in LMSD’s Special Education department, for the invaluable work they do helping their students maximize their ability. This scholarship is intended to support graduates who plan to pursue a career in special education, general education or have meaningfully participated in organizations such as Best Buddies or Special Olympics.
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