Chelmsford black belt receives Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship

Nashua, N.H./May 18, 2025—Independent Martial Arts School black belt Michael Mwaniki has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship award, in the amount of $10,000, was announced today at the Independent Martial Arts School Tournament at Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, N.H.

The Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship was established in 1993 to honor an outstanding student and instructor at the Independent Karate School, predecessor of the Independent Martial Arts School (IMAS). Tragically, Hutchinson died from complications of mononucleosis during his sophomore year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Students at IMAS, located at 138 Lake Street in Nashua, are eligible to apply for the scholarship (in support of post-secondary education) once they have attained the rank of first-degree black belt. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of character, academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.

Mr. Mwaniki, a second-degree black belt IMAS, is a 2024 graduate of Chelmsford High School (North Chelmsford, Mass.). In addition to serving as a volunteer IMAS instructor, his high school activities included basketball, football, participation in the Black Student Union, and service as a Lion League basketball coach. Now a rising sophomore at Boston College, he is studying biology and finance, with future plans to become an oral surgeon.

“As a board, we are all very excited to grant this award to Michael,” said Jeffrey Maistrosky, President of the Craig P. Hutchinson Scholarship Foundation and a master Instructor at IMAS. “Michael’s accomplishments, character traits, and aspirations showcase him as a prime example of the leader that we hope will grow, in part, from the influence of the Independent Martial Arts School. His journey is a challenging, yet noble one, and we sincerely hope the award can play a role in his future success.”

The Independent Martial Arts School offers self-defense classes for children and adults on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. For more information on the school and on the Craig P. Hutchinson Scholarship, see: https://www.imasnh.com/