HCN News & Notes

Amherst Area Chamber, Cooley Dickinson Hospital Partner Again on Scholarships

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cooley Dickinson Hospital, announced the recipients of the 21st year of their joint scholarship program. This long-standing collaboration highlights their commitment to supporting the academic and career ambitions of local high school students.

This year, one outstanding senior from each of the following schools — Amherst Regional High School, Belchertown High School, Frontier Regional School, and Hopkins Academy — was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to pursuing a future in business or healthcare-related fields in Massachusetts.

“The Amherst Area Chamber and Cooley Dickinson Hospital have partnered for over two decades to invest in the future of our region’s youth,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to mark the 21st year of this impactful initiative and to celebrate the academic excellence of our scholarship recipients.”

This year, the awards were presented at an event held at the Inn on Boltwood on June 25, with representatives from both the Amherst Area Chamber and Cooley Dickinson Hospital, state Rep. Mindy Domb, Amherst Town Council President Lynn Griesemer, the students, and their families in attendance.

The 2025 recipients are Alana Texidor Melendez of Amherst Regional High School, Meera Berryhill of Belchertown High School, Ariana Miller of Frontier Regional School, and Chase Simonich of Hopkins Academy.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the chamber in supporting higher education for exceptional local high school students,” said Dr. Kevin Whitney, president and chief operating officer of Cooley Dickinson Hospital. “This scholarship program reflects our shared commitment in investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our community.”