Recognizing Future Leaders
The Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund (GAISF) celebrates students with strong character, leadership skills, and a commitment to creating positive change.
GAISF empowers future leaders to make meaningful contributions to their communities, in the spirit of Gary Atkinson.
GAISF pays tribute to Gary Atkinson, a Ledyard High School (LHS) graduate who died in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. The scholarship supports students who reflect Gary’s strong character and dedication to serving others.
In addition to financial aid, GAISF provides mentorship to help guide recipients in their academic and professional journeys.
GAISF Recipients
Most scholarship funds recognize academics and athletics. The LHS Class of ‘73 saw an opportunity to make GAISF a character-focused award while memorializing their beloved classmate.
Benjamin Fieldsend (LHS ‘23) was the first GAISF recipient, and Sarah Banach (LHS ‘24) is the second.
“It’s nice to feel that compassion from [the GAISF community] and know that they’re rooting for me. I want to be more involved as a mentor to future recipients. ”
— Benjamin Fieldsend, 2023 GAISF recipient