August 31, 2023 By South Shore SNAP
South Shore Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP) is proud to announce the Class of 2023 scholarship recipients. SNAP provides recreational and athletic opportunities for South Shore students with disabilities, and each year awards scholarships to outstanding High School Mentors. The Class of ‘23 scholarship recipients are as follows.
Caroline Schiffmann (Jess Adams Memorial Scholarship): Caroline is a dedicated SNAP Basketball and Soccer Mentor, and was an active participant in Hingham High School Unified Sports and the Best Buddies Club. “When I first got involved with the Special Needs Athletic Partnership my freshman fall, I had no idea the strength and the power of the community I was joining.” She added, “While playing soccer and teaching new skills was fantastic, it was the bonds I formed with the players that made SNAP so incredibly special. SNAP inspired me to apply myself in other Special Education programs at the high school, including Unified Track and Best Buddies, all of which I am so grateful to have been a part of.” SNAP Vice President and Hingham School Committee member Kerry Ni noted Caroline’s dedication to the SNAP Soccer program, Unified Sports, and Best Buddies as reasons that she was an easy choice for the Jess Adams Scholarship recipient. “The Unified Sports Programs at Hingham High School have greatly increased awareness of and support for students with disabilities,” said Ni, “and the enthusiasm of Mentors is key. Caroline is a prime example of an outstanding SNAP and Unified Mentor. She has a passion for working with kids with disabilities on and off the field.” Caroline will attend Villanova University this Fall and hopes to continue working with children with disabilities.
Evan Doherty (Andrew Warhaftig Memorial Scholarship): Evan served as a Mentor in both the SNAP Soccer and Hockey Programs, as well as on the Hingham High School Unified Sports teams. “Whenever I come to SNAP or Unified Sports events I realize that I am at the peak of my day. Seeing so many athletes, mentor athletes and classmates is such a cool feeling to me and so many others,” Evan stated. “Seeing how much SNAP. has helped so many of my good friends who have disabilities has been a life changing experience for me. The confidence build up I have seen from different athletes has been an honor to watch and I am so proud to be a part of it.” SNAP Coach Fred Hussey notes that “Evan not only participated himself but recruited a number of his friends to also attend the sessions. His self-confidence allowed him to be himself which in turn allowed the SNAP players to be comfortable to be themselves. Evan has also advocated for students with disabilities at Hingham High School.” Evan will attend Bryant College this Spring. He hopes to continue working with children with disabilities at college and plans to help out with SNAP programs in Hingham when he is home from school.
Jack Kelleher SNAP Scholarship: Jack served as a Mentor for the SNAP Soccer Program and worked as a Mentor in the SNAP Summer Program. When asked why SNAP is important to him, he stated “Every Spring and Fall, Sundays at 1 pm were always marked off on my calendar, to participate in SNAP soccer. These were always some of the most meaningful hours I spent in the week. Every one of those kids starts in a different spot in terms of soccer ability in the first week, but they all leave better than they came, in both soccer skill and self-confidence. To see kids, kick the ball for the first time, score their first goal, or learn a trick is great, but to see them start to open up to another mentor or me is truly special.” SNAP President Warren Pelissier remarked that “No one has been more dedicated to the SNAP soccer program than Jack! He has a quiet confidence that connects so well with the children.” Jack will attend Notre Dame this Fall and hopes to continue his passion of working with children with disabilities