North Haven College Student Wins Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship

A message from HP Hood:

Hood, New England's leading dairy processor, awarded 18 high school seniors $5,000 Hood® Sportsmanship Scholarships presented by Hood Milk during a ceremony at Gillette Stadium on May 19.

Michele Merwin of North Haven, who attended Sacred Heart Academy and is currently attending Quinnipiac University, received a $5,000 scholarship.

Three high school seniors from each of the six New England states – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont – were honored for their integrity and sportsmanship on and off the playing field.

HP Hood received more than 4,000 entries for this year’s Scholarship program, and 10 finalists in each state were determined by a general public vote, which was followed by in-person interviews by a panel of judges who identified the top three in each state.

As student debt continues to grow, New England students face an average debt of $28,383 upon graduation, which underscores Hood’s ongoing commitment to their scholarship program and supporting New England students. 

“Supporting our local communities is at the heart of what we do, and we are continually impressed by both the quality of applicants and the sportsmanship they display on and off the field,” said Lynne Bohan, Hood spokesperson.  “We wish each student the very best as they embark on their college career and are proud to add them to the Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship Hall of Fame.”

New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski presented the scholarships and spoke to students about the importance of good sportsmanship. 

Among the winners were these three students from Connecticut: 

• Michele Merwin of North Haven, Sacred Heart Academy; attending Quinnipiac University. 
  
• Jacob Zapatka of Wethersfield, Wethersfield High School; attending Nichols College. 
• Alicia Biske of Vernon, Rockville High School; attending University of Connecticut.