Winter Happenings at TSF

News & Updates

Winter 2024

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Read all about the 2024 Trivia Team Challenge held at a new venue! Online applications have been delayed due to FAFSA changes.

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Annual Trivia Team Challenge!

This mid-winter tradition keeps getting better!

Read all about the exciting 32nd Annual TTC held at the Wakefield Lodge of Elks

The 2023 Scholarship Awards and Contributions booklet includes all the awards made to students from each of our funds and lists our top business, organization and individual supporters. It can be viewed here.

2024 Annual Appeal

The tradition continues!

Much has changed since the inaugural Phonathon was held in 1980 and the photo from 1989 shown above. What hasn't changed is the Annual Appeal, formerly known as the Phonathon, remains TSF's largest fundraiser of the year. Also unchanged is the pivotal role played by TSF's Student Directors in ensuring the success of this annual event.

Today's Annual Appeal focuses on a mailing to residents and a color flyer included in the March WMGLD bills. The 2024 Annual Appeal mailing will take place on March 16th at the Americal Civic Center. TSF student and adult directors will assemble and address this mailing to Wakefield residents urging their support for scholarships to benefit local students pursuing education after high school.

Download the 2024 Annual Appeal Flyer

Helping Students Achieve Their Goals....

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your support, which will play a pivotal role in propelling me closer to my goals. Your generosity and faith serve as an inspiration not only to me but to countless others. I hope one day I can replicate the profound impact you have had on my life and positively influence others in a similar way.

2023 TSF Recipient

Spotlight on a Fund

While TSF’s mission is providing scholarship aid to local students, an equally important role we play is remembering and honoring many of our townspeople and local organizations. This is a role that is very meaningful to TSF. The stories behind each of our funds, including those of individuals who gave much to our town and those whose promise was not realized, are a key part of our success. To remember community members, both young and old, families, local groups and businesses in a positive and active way is a significant reason for our accomplishments since 1960 and our continued growth in aiding Wakefield students.

Catherine M. Simpson Fund

Catherine Simpson was a lifelong resident of Wakefield and a leader in local government, the business community, and social and church organizations throughout town. Actively committed to Wakefield’s youth, she played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, now known as TSF.

In 1959 she brought a newspaper article detailing "The Fall River Plan" to the attention of Attorney William Lee. This plan, initiated by Fall River optometrist Dr. Irving Fradkin, aimed to support students in his community through scholarships. To learn more, Mr. Lee, accompanied by John McCarthy, Sr., ventured to Fall River to explore the program further. Their investigation led to the formulation of a plan for the Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a scholarship foundation in town.

Ms. Simpson also served as a Selectman and Tax Collector and was a founding member of the Wakefield Business and Professional Women's Club. It was noted at her passing that "one of her most cherished activities was her long service to CSF. She took great pride in the knowledge that the local foundation is one of the most successful of its kind in the country and has provided scholarship aid far out of proportion to the size of the community.”

Catherine Simpson, the first woman to serve as CSF President, passed away suddenly in 1971 at the age of 58 while serving in that role. This fund, established by fellow town employees and CSF directors, continues to honor Catherine Simpson's legacy of service to the community.

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