Scholarship

Named in honor of Gary Atkinson, valedictorian of the Ledyard High School (LHS) Class of 1973, the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating LHS senior who exemplifies Gary’s virtues of strong character, leadership, and community-mindedness.

The Origin

As the LHS Class of ’73 approached its 50th reunion in 2023, its surviving members established the scholarship as a meaningful way to express gratitude for LHS, while also paying tribute to their fallen classmate, Gary. 

Selection Criteria

Be World-Class

Demonstrate leadership in making their world (LHS or their outside community) a better place

Is Always Learning

Invest in themselves to advance their capacity to make greater altruistic contributions

Have Heart

Exhibit kindness toward others, even under difficult circumstances

A Team Leader

Show a knack for bringing out the best in others

Recipients

2023
Benjamin Fieldsend

Benjamin, a LHS graduate and current UCONN student, received four scholarships recognizing his excellence across various fields. A Ledyard Scholar, he was active in soccer and tennis, served as a Robotics team captain, and competed on the math and physics teams. As a member of the National Honor Society, he led tutoring programs for LHS students and aspires to attend medical school. Gracious, poised, intelligent, and kind, Benjamin embodies a strong presence and is sure to carry forward Gary’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

2024
Sarah Banach

Sarah, a LHS graduate and current UCONN student, exemplifies leadership and dedication. At LHS, she served as a four-year class officer, graduated as Salutatorian, and was a Ledyard Scholar. A three-sport athlete, she organized summer volleyball camps, led toy drives for Yale New Haven Hospital, and supported literacy nights at local elementary schools. Praised for her “quiet confidence and sure-mindedness,” Sarah is now pursuing physiology and neurobiology with a minor in psychology at UCONN.

Legacy Giving

Legacy giving, or planned giving, is a way to make a lasting impact on GAISF through your will or estate plan, without affecting your current financial situation. This can include naming GAISF as a beneficiary in your retirement plan or life insurance policy, or creating a charitable bequest in your will.

Planning a legacy gift for GAISF is a meaningful way to ensure that future scholarship recipients can receive our financial support. Here are some ways you can leave a legacy gift:

  • Bequest: A charitable bequest allows you to specify in your will or trust that a portion of your assets go to GAISF.

  • Retirement Assets: You can name GAISF as the beneficiary of your retirement plan.

  • Life Insurance Policy: Designate GAISF as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy.

  • Other Options: Donating real estate, securities, or other valuable assets to GAISF can also be considered.

If you plan to leave GAISF a legacy gift, please connect with us and complete this Legacy Intention Form.