Good evening. In a few moments I will be announce the name of the student awarded the first Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship. Jay Shannon graduated from Trumbull High School in 1996. Jay was not a scholar, athlete, or performer. He was Jay. From an early age he was interested in cartooning. In his quiet times he could be found with a pen and pad creating and drawing unique and amusing characters. As parents, Jay's mother MaryAnn and I encouraged his creative artistic development. In high school Jay faced academic challenges and struggled to keep pace. He was not discouraged and did not quit. We were pleasantly surprised when Jay received the Award for most improved student from the Greater Bridgeport Retired Teachers association at his awards night.
Jay attended college and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Jay never became discouraged when he was searching for art positions and always had a smile on his face. Sadly, our son died suddenly and unexpectily from a seizure in 2008. His family and friends miss him terribly. The Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship was established as lasting legacy to Jay and to help and encourage a Trumbull high school graduate pursue their creative arts ambitions. It has been funded in large part by many of Jays family and his countless friends.
I am pleased to announce the 2010 recipient of the Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship is Emily Clemente. |
