Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) recently awarded $5,000 scholarships to two exceptional young women graduating from area high schools. The 2019 Lique Human Services Scholarship was presented to Rudalys Ruiz, a recent graduate of Kipp Academy Lynn Collegiate (KALC), and Grace DiGrande, a Nahant resident and recent Swampscott High School graduate.

“We have been offering this scholarship for a number of years, and I am always amazed at the caliber of the young people who apply,” Paul Crowley, GLSS’ Chief Executive Officer stated.  “Each year, it is a difficult decision for our Committee to choose just two from among the many intelligent, thoughtful, and caring young people who contribute in so many ways to bettering our communities.”  The scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who have an interest in or are considering a career in human services and who have made an impact in their community or the world through community service.

The scholarship is named in memory of Vince Lique, who served as the Agency’s Executive Director for close to 25 years and devoted his career to helping others, particularly vulnerable senior citizens and people of all ages with disabilities, demanding that all people be treated with dignity and respect.  Lique passed away in 2006.  His wife Kathy is part of the Committee which selects the winners.

Ruiz, who will be attending the University of Southern California in the fall, has a strong interest in global health and aspires to become a doctor, specifically an OB/GYN.  “I want my career to have broader impact than simply working at a local hospital,” she said.  “I would like to create an international nonprofit to address the inequities that exist throughout the world in women’s healthcare.”  Ruiz noted that she understands this issue firsthand, as she has female family members who live in Venzuela and have little or no access to basic healthcare services.

DiGrande, a three-sport varsity captain at Swampscott High School, will be attending Bucknell University in the fall.  Among other activities, she volunteered during high school in a program called North Shore Rovers, which teaches children with intellectual and physical disabilities to play soccer.  “There is nothing like seeing the reaction on the players’ faces after helping them string good passes together or score a goal,” DiGrande said.  “It has been an honor to be an integral part of this program.”
Both young women are high-achieving students and have been involved in many leadership and community service activities through their schools and faith communities.  
GLSS is the nonprofit human services agency serving people age 60 and older, adults living with disabilities, and their families and caregivers in Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott.  The scholarship is offered in early spring each year to high school seniors who attend one of the eight high schools in GLSS’ service area.

The accompanying photos show GLSS Board of Directors member Mary Magner presenting the scholarship award to Grace DiGrande at the Swampscott High School Awards Night and Paul T. Crowley, GLSS’ Chief Executive Officer, presenting the scholarship award to Rudalys Ruiz, a recent graduate of Kipp Academy Lynn Collegiate.