The Black and White

By: Bridget Pouliot

The Gerald Habershaw Memorial Scholarship is intended to give hope to students who may not qualify for a “traditional scholarship”. It’s for graduating Pilgrim seniors who are planning to go into trade school, or who have persevered through academic hardships. The scholarship was inspired by Gerald Habershaw, a former principal at Pilgrim High School and Warwick Vets Memorial High School, and assistant principal at Aldrich Junior High School. Before he became an administrator, he worked as a special education teacher. 

“Habs (as he was affectionately known) was a champion for ALL students, and especially those who needed extra encouragement to make it to graduation,” Sarah Theberge, the president of Pilgrim High School’s PTSA, expressed. “He was a dedicated educator, coach and mentor who saw the good in every student he encountered and helped them to achieve what others considered unachievable.”

Last year, the Pilgrim High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)  awarded $4,800 in scholarships to four Pilgrim students. The number of students chosen and the amount changes based on how much they fundraise each year and the number of students who apply. 

On Saturday, September 20th, a cornhole tournament was held to fundraise for the Gerald Habershaw Memorial Scholarship. It was only the second annual tournament, Sarah Theberge explained, but they raised $10,380.50 from people’s generosity and support through donations, raffles, silent auction items, and event registration. Around 100 people attended the tournament and 30 teams participated. 

“The event was a HUGE success, and [it] exceeded our expectations,” Sarah Theberge expressed. “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.” She described how current Pilgrim principal, Mr. Gibbons, came to show his support, as well as several other Pilgrim teachers and school committee members.

“The PTSA hopes to fund this scholarship for years to come,” the PTSA president stated. “The current students at Pilgrim did not have the good fortune of knowing Mr. Habershaw, but our hope is that his legacy will live on through our scholarship.”