The Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship

The Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship is provided by our foundation to honor our dear friend Cara’s memory. On a yearly basis, we will be awarding a PVMHS senior with a scholarship to help with their college education. Cara was an active member of our foundation where she spearheaded many of our programs and events. After Cara’s passing, the Murtagh family had generously asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Peabody Education Foundation. Donations and messages came in from across the country attesting to the love and admiration so many shared for her. Through this scholarship, we hope to preserve Cara’s dedication and commitment to the education of the school children of Peabody for years to come.

The Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a PVMHS Senior who:

Is interested in the field of Education

Is engaged in the community

Possesses a strong work ethic

Has achieved good academic standing

Demonstrates excellent preparation & organizational skills

Is self-motivated

Congratulations to our 2024 Recipient Winners, Ava DeCicco & Clara Oliveira!

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, David Gravel, President & Chairman of the Board, joined with members of the Peabody Education Foundation (PEF), Mrs. Carol Murtagh and Ms. Kim Murtagh, to present Ava DeCicco and Clara Oliveira with the 2024 Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship.

The PEF established this scholarship to honor Cara’s memory, her dedication and commitment to education, and for her love for the school children of Peabody. She will always be remembered for her kind and loving personality, her enthusiasm, flawless diligence, and her ability to develop strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, and administrators. This scholarship is awarded to a PVMHS senior who is interested in the field of Education, possesses a strong work ethic, demonstrates excellent preparation and organizational skills, is engaged in the community, has achieved good academic standing, and is initiative-taking.

The PEF selected Ava and Clara, as a result of their persistence and commitment to pursuing a career in education. Ava believes that “Education is an extremely personal profession that is based on the meaningful connections and relationships you form within your school’s community. Ms. Murtagh was an exceptional example of an involved educator. I aspire to be as active and involved in my schools’ community as she was!”

Clara deems that “Education is more than a pathway to opportunity – it is a transformative force that shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. It is the foundation upon which we build our futures and a powerful tool that can uplift communities. For me, education has been a beacon of light, guiding me through personal growth and opening doors to a world of possibilities!

Ava and Clara clearly demonstrate their resolve to better the lives of future generations in their daily work. They will respect their students, regardless of their age and skill, and make them feel special, important, and unique,” stated David Gravel, “they both possess a passion for teaching and working with children which fully embodies the life of Cara Murtagh.”

“Dream Big, Never Give Up, Do Your Best, Set a Good Example and Have a Generous Heart.”

2023 Recipient Winners, Sydney Campbell & Siobhan Smith!

2022 Recipient Winner, Gabriella Drinkwater!

2021 Recipient Winner, Paulina Straticos!

2020 Recipient Winner, Kassidy Butt!

Peabody Education Foundation

The Peabody Education Foundation provides unique programs and advanced technology to thousands of students and teachers who might otherwise not enjoy such experiences due to budget constraints.

P.O. Box 233
Peabody, MA 01960

info@peabodyedfoundation.org