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The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) is pleased to award two CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley students with scholarships to attend the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights (OCHR) in England in 2026. Putnam residents Keegan McOsker and Rebecca Shea will spend a week at the interactive conferences along with students from thirty universities and community colleges across the country and additional students from South Korea, Kenya, and Brazil. Supported by funds raised from the Foundation’s annual golf tournament and Tackle the Trail events, the scholarship covers program fees and travel expenses up to $5,000 each, giving students a rare opportunity to study abroad and learn from international scholars in the field of human rights. NCEF President Joseph Adiletta commented on the impact of the program, “This international exposure to students from Northeast Connecticut can be a life changing experience. NCEF’s ability to support students derives directly from the generous donations of so many of our community friends, businesses, and organizations, to whom I extend NCEF’s sincere appreciation.” Thanks to Steve and Marge Townsend, past OCHR scholarship winners include Emmalee Fritzsche of Canterbury, Julia Revellese of Dayville, John Murray of Pomfret Center, and Kenna Lavallee of Danielson.   Keegan McOsker, who will participate in the Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency program in March of 2026 noted, “I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of human rights as a whole and specifically the ways in which we can help the many lives that have been upturned by war.”  Rebecca Shea expressed her gratitude to the Foundation, “I am incredibly grateful and profoundly honored to have been selected to attend the consortium. This is an exciting opportunity to be immersed in a different culture and meet students from around the globe.” The mission of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation is to provide scholarships and other financial support to residents of Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education. In addition to the OCHR scholarships, the NCEF also provides $300,000 in scholarships and block grants supporting local students each year. Visit necteducationfoundation.org for more information. To learn more about CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley and ways to support local students attending the college, please contact Monique C.K. Wolanin at (860) 932-4174 or [email protected]. OCHR Scholarship Recipients Rebecca Shea and Keegan McOsker with CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley President Mary Ellen Jukoski and Director of Institutional Advancement Monique Wolanin

On Monday, November 17th, Jewett City Savings Bank President and CEO Michael Alberts and Executive Vice President Diana Rose invited the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) to the bank’s Dayville branch to present a $12,000 donation. The funds will add to the JCSB endowed scholarship with the NCEF. This contribution demonstrates the confidence Jewett City Savings Bank has in the NCEF and their mission to provide scholarships and other financial support to local students who want to pursue higher education. JCSB President and CEO Mike Alberts noted, “Jewett City Savings Bank, a mutually-owned community savings bank, is rooted in the fabric of eastern Connecticut. We have a responsibility to support those organizations like the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation that are likewise committed to improving the lives of our area residents.” The presentation included NCEF President Joseph Adiletta and Coordinator Sarah Wolfburg. President Adiletta shared his appreciation for the donation, “The NCEF is pleased to accept this significant donation from Jewett City Savings Bank. The bank has been a longtime supporter of the Foundation, both financially and with a commitment to volunteering with over 20 bank employees volunteering their time at the Tackle the Trail event in 2025. JCSB truly understands the value of education and demonstrates it by their ongoing support.” Scholarships endowed with the NCEF are available to local students through an annual application process that opens for a six-week period from February through mid-March. With over 100 individual awards ranging from $500 to $2,500, scholarships can be used for direct educational expenses including tuition, fees, books, course supplies, and technology. More details about scholarship amounts and criteria will be available at the NCEF website in February of 2026. Jewett City Savings Bank President/CEO Michael Alberts and Executive Vice President Diana Rose present a $12,000 check to Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation Coordinator Sarah Wolfburg and President Joseph Adiletta

The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) held the 12th annual Tackle the Trail event on Saturday, October 18. Known as Northeast CT’s unique race in an amazing place, Tackle the Trail features multiple distances, including marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 10K, and TackleJR. This event attracts runners from near and far. To date, runners from 34 states and 5 countries have Tackled the Trail. For 2025, the 10K male winner hailed from New Zealand. Monique Wolanin, Race Director and CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley Director of Institutional Advancement shared her appreciation for all who support the race each year, “Since our inaugural race in 2014, Tackle the Trail continues to grow, raising over $650,000 to help local students reach their educational goals and dreams. We could not put on this race without the generous support of so many, including our runners, volunteers, sponsors, and partnerships with many local organizations. On behalf of the hundreds of students who benefit from this event, heartfelt thanks.” 2025 winners include: marathon male Travis Godley, female Sara Tarascio; half-marathon male Chris Churchill, female Shelley Buchbinder, non-binary Dylan Lomangino; 10K male Willie Gunn, female Annie O’Sullivan, non-binary Liz Paglione; marathon relay male team Pomfret School XC, female team Trail this Pace, and mixed team Striding to the Top. For a complete list of 2025 results, sponsors, partners, photos and all race information, please visit tacklethetrail.org. To learn more about CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley and ways to support local students attending the college, please contact Monique C.K. Wolanin at (860) 932-4174 or [email protected] The mission of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation is to provide scholarships and other financial support to residents of Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education.

Northeast CT Education Foundation Golf Tournament Raises Over $60K The Northeast CT Education Foundation (NCEF) held its first golf tournament on Wednesday, September 17 at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, CT. The tournament is one of several annual events held to help students from Northeast CT pursue their dreams of higher education attainment. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and players, the NCEF raised over $60,500 at this year’s outing. Foundation Vice President and 2025 Golf Committee Chair Peter Deary shared, “I am honored to lead this year’s tournament and want to thank our ‘Village’ of sponsors, volunteers, golfers, partners and all Foundation Members whose amazing support, both monetary and physical, helps us achieve our mission.” The NCEF extends its sincere appreciation to the staff at CT National, The G7 Catering Company, National Anthem singer Linda Colangelo, and all volunteers. With beautiful weather and a full field of teams, golfers enjoyed a fantastic outing. The mission of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation is to provide scholarships and other financial support to residents of Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education. For more information on how to support local students at CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley, please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Monique C.K. Wolanin at (860) 932-4174 or [email protected]. Congratulations to 2025 Winners: Tournament Winners First Place Team with a score of 54, Roger Noll, Scott Vose, Sean Vigue, and Patrick Kozelka Second Place Team Putnam Plastics with a score of 57, Jim Dandeneau, Deb Dandeneau, Ryan Dandeneau, and Brad Rabitor Third Place Team Bakers Dozen with a score of 57, Trevor Cardinal, Jeremy Hendrickson, Dan Durocher, and Mark Lowell. Closest to the Pin Hole 7 – Rocky Bedard at 6’ 1” Hole 9 – Patrick Kozelka at 22” Hole 11 – Ryan Dandeneau at 5’ 1” Long Drive on Hole 18 Women’s Long Drive: Kelley Rochefort Men’s Long Drive: Brendan Meehan Thank you to our 2025 Supporters

On Tuesday, September 16th members of Donahue Industries visited the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) at CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley. They presented a check to the Northeast CT Education Foundation (NCEF) for the AMTC Fund which supports AMTC students and the program at Quinebaug Valley. The story of how this donation came to pass is an excellent example of how this region thrives through collaboration and connectivity. After initially learning about Donahue Industries through an ad on WINY Radio, AMTC Director Steve LaPointe contacted the company’s President Kyle Wojcik and VP of Operations Joe Draleau to invite them for a tour of the Center. Both were impressed with the facility and the programs offered. Donahue Industries President Kyle Wojcik commented on what a valuable resource the AMTC is to his business and other manufacturers, “When we first visited the AMTC at Quinebaug Valley, we were blown away by how amazing the facility is, how professionally it is run, and the fundamental skills that students learn during their training. Knowing that an employee came from the AMTC instills the confidence that we are getting the best candidate for the job, someone who is prepared and professional.” AMTC Director Steve LaPointe noted the importance of partnerships between the college and local manufacturers, “Connecting the students we serve with our business and industry partners is crucial to growing the pipeline of skilled employees to benefit our community.”