Congratulations to the 2026 Merit Award Winners on their outstanding achievements!
These exceptional students are recognized for their academic, extracurricular, and leadership accomplishments.
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 2026 Bill Spaulding Merit Award recipients from Wakefield Memorial High School are: Hailey Allocco, McKayla Herzog, Jake Morris, Ellie Ortega, Ellie Pritchard, and Kara Salm. Also receiving this award is Martin Vedrashko of Mystic Valley Regional Charter School.
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. Emma Ickes is the 2026 winner of the Dan Blanchard History & Athletics Award.
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 Emanuelle Dias.