Two Foxboro High Graduates Receive Michael G. McGinty Scholarship

The Michael G. McGinty Scholarship recognizes high school graduates who embody the values and community spirit of Foxboro resident Michael McGinty who lost his life in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11th. Mike treasured spending time with family and friends and giving back to his community: a Naval Academy graduate, he proudly served in the Navy; was employed by Marsh McLennan; and was active in Bethany Congregational Church.

Since 2003, with the support of Foxboro Never Forgets, the Foxboro Regional Charter School, Partners in Patriotism, and hundreds of volunteers and local businesses, McGinty's Family Fun Day provided opportunity for families to enjoy themselves on the Foxboro Common while raising money for the scholarship and awarded over $100,000 to local high school students who embody the sense of community and service as Mike.

Class of 2020 Foxboro High School graduate Josh Bertumen will enter Bentley University Honors Program this fall in the Bachelors in Economics-Finance with a minor in either management or accounting. He hopes to become a “prominent leader in business and in the field of philanthropy” as he has “been moved and inspired by the figures and personal anecdotes in [his] life that have taught … the value and importance of giving back.”

“Receiving McGinty Scholarship is truly an honor,” explains Josh. “I have the utmost appreciation and gratitude for both his actions as well as for those who have inspired me to think beyond myself and towards provision for the better good. I will uphold the honor of this scholarship with integrity, class, and empathy.”

Josh is excited to explore Bentley’s student organizational atmosphere to provide plenty of philanthropic activities: “Giving back and lending a helping hand has always been and will continue to be a part of who I am, as there will be influential instances down the road that may strengthen my own devotion, and perhaps, even the devotion of somebody else too.”

Class of 2020 Foxboro High School graduate Isabel Hallal will enter Worcester Polytechnic Institute as an engineering major and hopes “to create something that will impact and improve our society” and “leave a lasting imprint on my community, my country, and the world.”

Isabel credits the dedication of Michael G. McGinty, who served his country and community, as an inspiration to others and is honored to be one of two Class of 2020 recipients of this scholarship in his name. Isabel has been an active community volunteer since second grade: volunteering “has taught me to see things from other people’s perspectives” and “be more appreciative of my family, friends, and neighbors.” Active with the Girl Scouts, Relay for Life, and Foxboro Warriors, Isabel notes that helping others raises awareness that life is not easy for everyone and that it keeps people humble. She plans to explore service opportunities in college because “it brings me great joy to see how it positively impacts others.”

Congratulations to both of these amazing young adults! The McGinty Scholarship Committee will not be hosting the annual Family Fun Day in September. The Committee is grateful for so much support from Foxboro's amazing community, volunteers, and local businesses. We are honored to have been embraced with so much enthusiasm.