A longstanding component of the DCA mission is providing college scholarships to Darien High School (DHS) graduates.
Celebrating our 82nd year of granting scholarships, the DCA awards at least $50,000 each year. Since its inception, the DCA scholarship program has provided over $2 million in funding to more than 1400 DHS graduates. The DCA is the largest provider of scholarships to DHS graduates — with funding for both new and returning college students — and the only DHS scholarship program offering recipients the opportunity to reapply for all four years of college.
Scholarships are based on both merit and need, and are funded by a wide range of DCA programs – from the Thrift Shop to the Darien’s Men’s Association — and with the support of donations including those of our named scholarship sponsors.
Congratulations to Our 2023 Darien High School Scholarship Recipients!
Congratulations to the Darien High School (DHS) Class of 2023 and those who are DCA scholarship awardees. The DCA is proud of the accomplishments of DHS graduates, and pleased to help contribute toward their college education.
To hear what some of our recipients have to say about the impact of a DCA scholarship, please see our Testimonials page.
The scholarship program, including interviews and selection of recipients, is managed by the dedicated volunteers on our Scholarship Committee: Kate Larson (Co-chairman), Tammy Sload (Co-chairman), Ulla Kremer, Judi Linskey and Terrie Van de Graaf.
The DCA hosted an evening reception thanking the local businesses, families and foundations who sponsor named college scholarships through the DCA.
The highlight of the evening was remarks from three past DCA scholarship recipients, representing a range of ages and backgrounds. These speakers included Althea Perley (DHS Class of 2011), Tricia Rogers Prokop (DHS Class of 2001) and Susan Harrington Hamill (DHS Class of 1976). Rogers, who now has her doctorate and teaches at the University of Hartford in their doctoral physical therapy program, said “As a college student, I was grateful for the DCA scholarship. As a professor who is working with graduate students who are academically successful but may be struggling with the costs, I have an even greater appreciation for the support I received.”
Slide 1
“I sincerely appreciate your support and recognition of my past accomplishments as well as my future goals. I am forever grateful for your generosity and will be in contact in the months to come. Thank you again.”
Slide 2
“My heart was missing a part since I lost my mom. I never thought that I was going to get that love and care back…Darien has picked me up. Darien has brought me back to life…You are part of my family. You are part of my life and I thank you so much for everything you are doing for me. I know that one day I will make you all proud of me…”
Slide 3
“My kids are sooooo happy at their colleges! Happy kids = happy Mom! I can’t thank the DCA enough for your support for our family. Not only have the scholarships helped out monetarily, but even more so, the kids are proud to have received them.”
Slide 4
“Thank you so much for seeing something in me worthy of this most gracious gift…I could not be any more grateful that you’ve made my college dreams that much more of a reality. Again, thank you so much and I hope you’ll continue to bless young adults the way you’ve blessed me.”
Slide 5
“My greatest loves are writing, reading and discussion, and you have helped make it possible to pursue these passions…I hope one day my education will allow me to support other students, as you have me.”
Slide 6
“Thank you so much for your generosity. It means so much to my family and me that I can continue my education, and the scholarship is truly an honor to receive.”
Slide 7
“With your generous grant, not only am I one step closer to achieving my college degree, but also to obtaining valuable skills that will last a lifetime.”
Slide 8
“It’s nothing short of a dream come true that with this scholarship (as well as the others I’ve received), going to Middlebury is now a reality.”
Slide 9
“It means a lot to me that I’ve gotten so much help on the first steps of my journey.”
Slide 10
“I am truly thankful and appreciative of how this scholarship will help my family and me. I will work hard at college to do my best to represent the meaning of this scholarship.”
Slide 11
“Thank you for assisting my son with his college tuition. We are very proud to represent Darien!”
Slide 12
“I promise to continue the success which I’ve garnered at DHS. I won’t let you down!”
Slide 13
“Thank you so much for the opportunities you have given my family and me. We appreciate the scholarship and everything the DCA does for the community.”
Slide 14
“I can’t wait to go to school next year and work hard for you guys. My family and I are very grateful.”
Congratulations to the Darien High School (DHS) Class of 2023 and those who are DCA scholarship awardees. The DCA is proud of the accomplishments of DHS graduates, and pleased to help contribute toward their college education.
The DCA hosted an evening reception thanking the local businesses, families and foundations who sponsor named college scholarships through the DCA.
