OXFORD — The Board of Directors of The Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund Foundation proudly announce the 2026 recipients of this prestigious 4-year scholarship!

This renewable scholarship has been awarded to two Oxford residents who are both graduating from Oxford High School Class of 2026: Massimo Sirgado and Tessa Hatch!

The 2026 award for each student is $7,700 for their first year of a 4-year degree program. If each recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements, they can renew this annual scholarship for the next 3 years as they pursue their bachelor’s degree.

Since 2018, The Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund
Foundation has annually awarded this 4-year scholarship to two (2) Oxford residents in
their senior year of high school.

Annually, applications have been submitted by Oxford residents who attend high
schools such as Nonnewaug, Emmett O’Brien, Notre Dame, Holy Cross, St. Joseph’s
and Hopkins, in addition to those who attend Oxford High. Students learn of this
scholarship through their guidance departments, the Town of Oxford website, local
online news sites and from previous recipients.

The Rowland R. Strong & Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund was established
through the bequest of Miriam S. Strong (a long-time Oxford resident) in memory of her
late parents who advocated the support of students who want to earn a 4-year degree.

Recipients of this scholarship have gone through a competitive process which includes
an essay, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview. The intent of the
scholarship is to provide financial support to Oxford student(s) who plan to attend a 4-
year college or university upon their graduation from high school.

The Rowland R. Strong & Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund is administered
by the Valley Community Foundation, a 501c-3 non-profit organization located in Derby,
Connecticut.

The availability date of the application and eligibility criteria for the 2027 Rowland R.
Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship will be announced in October 2026.
All eligible Oxford residents who will graduate from high school in 2027 are strongly
encouraged to apply.