TSF announced the winners of its 2025 merit awards at the WMHS Senior Award ceremony held on June 3rd, 2025.
Bill Spaulding Merit Award
The Bill Spaulding Merit Award honors an esteemed member of TSF’s Board of Directors. For almost forty years, Bill Spaulding provided outstanding financial guidance and generous support to the organization. These merit awards were named in his honor following his death in 2003. Each year these awards are granted to recipients who must be college-bound high school seniors ranked in the top 10% of their class and residents of Wakefield.
The 2025 Bill Spaulding Merit Award recipients from Wakefield Memorial High School are Ali Atoui, Charles Gagne, Marc Gagne, Christopher Lock Zanzotto, Aliza Margolis, Abigail Myette, Riya Patel.
Dan Blanchard History & Athletics Award
This award honors the memory of Dan Blanchard, a beloved history teacher and coach in the Wakefield school system from 1957 until his retirement in 2004. For 26 years, he also served as chairperson of the Social Studies Department at Wakefield Memorial High School. A strong supporter of WMHS athletics, Dan was known as the “Voice of the Warriors,” announcing football and basketball games. He also coached the varsity tennis team through several winning seasons. He was committed to TSF, served as President from 1991 to 1992, and remained a member of the Board of Directors until his sudden death on January 19, 2006. This award recognizes achievement in the study of history and participation in sports at Wakefield Memorial High School. Aliza Margolis is the winner of the Dan Blanchard History & Athletics Award.
Rhudine Johnson Unsung Hero Award
Rhudine Johnson pursued her studies at a small Methodist college and instilled in her ten children the belief that education was the key to success. Her eldest son, Jasper, earned a Ph.D. from Duke University and this award was established to honor his mother’s legacy and the values she instilled in her children. This year TSF Student Directors and faculty members selected two members of the graduating class of Wakefield Memorial High School, who best exemplify the quiet strength and commitment to education that defined Rhudine Johnson’s life.
The 2025 Rhudine Johnson Unsung Hero Award recipients are Juliet Bonner and Joshua Marson.
Boston College Academic Achievement Award
Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, TSF annually grants a partial 4-year scholarship to the top graduating senior from the class who will be attending Boston College. This year’s winner of the merit-based Boston College Academic Achievement Award is Marc Gagne.