To our dear family and friends,

It has been almost six years since we lost our son Jay. May 9, 2014 will
be the sixth anniversary of his birthday into heaven. It is also the fifth year for the scholarship we began in Jay’s memory at Trumbull High School for
a deserving student pursuing a higher education in art. Thanks to your generous donations, we are once again able to raise the scholarship amount. This year's scholarship will be $900 and will be presented at THS Awards Night in May this year.

Once again we are offering Star Wars figures to be selected for you from Jay’s collection as a thank you for a donation of $25 or more to the scholarship fund.

As always, we appreciate your donation of any amount. This donation is
a powerful tribute to Jay and will enable a worthy Trumbull High School
senior to help cover some of the ever rising costs of obtaining a higher education in Art.

Jay graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Animation. Ever since he was a child he wanted to be an artist. This experience was greatly rewarding for him; it not only enhanced his creativity and art skills; it also enriched his life in many ways with the lasting friendships he made and the wonderful experience of being in New York City. Our intent is to help another art student in some small way to achieve their dreams in Jay’s memory.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely yours,
MaryAnn and Jim Salvatore

DONATE to THE JAY SHANNON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

2014 Award Speech

Good Evening. In a few moments I will announce the name of the student that will receive the Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship for 2014. Jay Shannon was a Trumbull resident and graduate of Trumbull High school. He was a very talented, creative individual. When he was a young boy he developed an interest in drawing and cartooning. I recall him spending countless hours alone with a pad and pencil drawing original and amusing characters. Jay’s mother MaryAnn and I encouraged his creative development because we realized his art was what defined him as a person. While Jay attended Trumbull High School he worked very hard to keep pace. He was not the best or brightest student; he kept moving along seeking help when he needed it. We were happily surprised when Jay received the award for the most improved student from the Greater Bridgeport Retired Teachers Association at his awards night. Jay attended the Schools of Visuals Arts in Manhattan and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in animation. Sadly, Jay passed away suddenly in 2008.  His family and friends miss him very much.

The Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship was created as a legacy to Jay and to encourage and assist a Trumbull High School graduate pursue their creative arts ambitions. The 2014 recipient of the Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship is a student that is a member of the Thespian Society as well as the National and Spanish Honor Societies; a tutor for third and fourth grade students; and will be studying Digital Media and Film at University of Connecticut.  The 2014 Jay Shannon Memorial Scholarship is proudly awarded to Michael Ell.