TriCircle Memorial Scholarship
The recipients (2) of the TriCircle Memorial Scholarship will each receive a $1,000.00 scholarship to put toward their academic expenses for the upcoming school year.
The process of narrowing down a large applicant pool is a challenging one, especially when it is composed of many wonderful submissions. The Memorial Scholarship Committee extends a warm thank you to all our applicants and we wish each of you a successful school year. Together WE are Stronger!
Scholarship applications are available below, at our office – 169 Colony St. Rm 28, Meriden, CT 06451, or through email at [email protected]. The signed, completed scholarship application, with all supporting documentation, received in one email or mailed in one packet postmarked no later than June 7, 2024 to be considered.
2024 TriCircle Scholarship Information
In Memory Of...
Ben Iliff
To describe Ben is easy! He was funny, kind, polite, helpful, eager, intelligent, wise beyond his years, interesting, fun, creative, artistic, articulate, mechanically inclined beyond belief, silly and tons of fun. As a child, he had an insatiable, high-octane curiosity that was second to none! Ben made his transition on January 11, 2019, at the age of 28, due to a Fentanyl overdose. He is loved beyond measure and missed every minute of every day.
Christopher Yelmini
Christopher Yelmini passed away at 24 in 2011 after battling the disease of addiction for several years. He planned a career as an electrician. Life got in the way, and destiny had other plans for Christopher. It is important that his dreams may live on and be fulfilled by those who know the impact that substance abuse can have on a fragile life. Chris was always there with a helping hand and a smile on his face. His loss has left a hole in our lives and in our hearts that can never be filled. We hope that his legacy will help others succeed on their paths.
Luke Hopkins Bialobrzeski
Luke loved life, his family and friends. His personality was larger than life and his faith deep and sincere. He was a skilled carpenter and craftsman who gave freely of his time and talents to his family. From early childhood, Luke excelled academically. While attending UConn, he majored in Psychology and was on the Dean’s list every semester he was there, in spite of his addiction. Luke loved to read and was a talented artist and cook. He loved golf, snowboarding, backgammon and the Patriots. Luke always enjoyed a spirited conversation on any topic, especially politics. He made sure his brothers and parents gathered on Sunday for a meal and great conversation. Most of all, Luke was kind and embodied the spirit of generosity. He always preferred to give than to receive. Luke fought hard with his addiction but in the end his God said Son, you have done enough. Its time to come home. This scholarship is in his memory and to honor his life.
Richard Mavricz
Richard Mavricz (2/25/1976-7/30/2007) collected classical books, loved Einstein and the Grateful Dead. Brilliant mind and beautiful soul. He loved his job as a landscape artist. Was kind to everyone. Missed every day by his family and friends.
Michael F. Gagnon II
Michael F Gagnon II lost his life from fentanyl poisoning at the age of 22. Michael always was a gentle kind soul even when life for him was hard. He had a great sense of humor and loved all genres of music. He was a friend to all, and he would be so proud to see how this scholarship has grown to help.
Kyle M. Fitzgerald
Kyle M. Fitzgerald was 25 years old when he lost his battle to SUD, on 3/22/2013. Kyle loved life and was following his dream of being a Seafarer in the Merchant Marine Academy in Piney Point Maryland. His passions also included writing and making beats for fun. Kyle was a fun-loving young adult who loved to find humor and make others laugh. In honor of Kyle, we are including him in the Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Trades.
Matthew K. Fitzgerald
Matthew K. Fitzgerald was 32 years old when his life abruptly ended on 9/4/2017. Matthew struggled with mental health and addiction and lost his battle with SUD. Matthew was following his passion of being a plumber and was working on his journeyman license in the trades. He loved his daughter deeply and tried his best at recovery. Although Matthew battled with his own struggles, he was always helpful and compassionate to others fighting the disease. In honor of Matthew, we are including him in the Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Trades.
Preston Wagner
Preston Wagner 9/23/00-12/19/18 described by friends as someone who always wanted everyone to be kind to each other. Taught himself the guitar and played Pink Floyd. Loved his family and was working to become an EMT because he liked helping people.
Richard Mavricz
Richard Mavricz (2/25/1976-7/30/2007) collected classical books, loved Einstein and the Grateful Dead. Brilliant mind and beautiful soul. He loved his job as a landscape artist. Was kind to everyone. Missed every day by his family and friends.
Michael F. Gagnon II
Michael F Gagnon II lost his life from fentanyl poisoning at the age of 22. Michael always was a gentle kind soul even when life for him was hard. He had a great sense of humor and loved all genres of music. He was a friend to all, and he would be so proud to see how this scholarship has grown to help.
Christopher Yelmini
Christopher Yelmini passed away at 24 in 2011 after battling the disease of addiction for several years. He planned a career as an electrician. Life got in the way, and destiny had other plans for Christopher. It is important that his dreams may live on and be fulfilled by those who know the impact that substance abuse can have on a fragile life. Chris was always there with a helping hand and a smile on his face. His loss has left a hole in our lives and in our hearts that can never be filled. We hope that his legacy will help others succeed on their paths.
Kyle M. Fitzgerald
Kyle M. Fitzgerald was 25 years old when he lost his battle to SUD, on 3/22/2013. Kyle loved life and was following his dream of being a Seafarer in the Merchant Marine Academy in Piney Point Maryland. His passions also included writing and making beats for fun. Kyle was a fun-loving young adult who loved to find humor and make others laugh. In honor of Kyle, we are including him in the Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Trades.
Matthew K. Fitzgerald
Matthew K. Fitzgerald was 32 years old when his life abruptly ended on 9/4/2017. Matthew struggled with mental health and addiction and lost his battle with SUD. Matthew was following his passion of being a plumber and was working on his journeyman license in the trades. He loved his daughter deeply and tried his best at recovery. Although Matthew battled with his own struggles, he was always helpful and compassionate to others fighting the disease. In honor of Matthew, we are including him in the Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Trades.
Luke Hopkins Bialobrzeski
Luke loved life, his family and friends. His personality was larger than life and his faith deep and sincere. He was a skilled carpenter and craftsman who gave freely of his time and talents to his family. From early childhood, Luke excelled academically. While attending UConn, he majored in Psychology and was on the Dean’s list every semester he was there, in spite of his addiction. Luke loved to read and was a talented artist and cook. He loved golf, snowboarding, backgammon and the Patriots. Luke always enjoyed a spirited conversation on any topic, especially politics. He made sure his brothers and parents gathered on Sunday for a meal and great conversation. Most of all, Luke was kind and embodied the spirit of generosity. He always preferred to give than to receive. Luke fought hard with his addiction but in the end his God said Son, you have done enough. Its time to come home. This scholarship is in his memory and to honor his life.
Preston Wagner
Preston Wagner 9/23/00-12/19/18 described by friends as someone who always wanted everyone to be kind to each other. Taught himself the guitar and played Pink Floyd. Loved his family and was working to become an EMT because he liked helping people.