MHS Senior Gets First Ever Democrats Scholarship

MILFORD, MA—Patrick DeFronzo, a senior at Milford High School, was named the first recipient of the Milford Democratic Town Committee scholarship. DeFronzo received the $500 award at the high school's senior awards night last week.

"Our goal as a Democratic town committee is to promote civic awareness and involvement," said committee chair Christine Crean in a statement. "What better way to do that than to engage young students and support their educational journey?"

DeFronzo was chosen based on his response to an essay about bringing the ideals and reforms of the progressive movement into the present day. DeFronzo's essay focused on the rise of "muckraking" journalists that worked to expose corruption.

"Today, we are experiencing a similar revolution in journalism, as the mass availability of the internet and camera phones effectively turn every witness into a grassroots journalist," DeFronzo wrote. "However, it is up to the incoming adult generation to use such technology wisely."

At Milford High School, DeFronzo was a member of the National Honor Society, competed in Science Olympiad, and was a regular contributor to Milford High School's student-run newspaper, The Scarlet.

DeFronzo is also a member of Milford's Boy Scout Troop 18, where he is currently completing his Eagle Scout project. DeFronzo will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall, where he plans to study chemical engineering.The Milford Democratic Town Committee meets the fourth Monday of every month.

Those interested in learning more about the group should visit the group's Facebook page at facebook.com/MilfordMaDTC, or follow them on Twitter at @MilfordMaDTC.

Photo (submitted): Milford Democratic Town Committee member David Probert (left) shakes hands with 2018 scholarship recipient Patrick DeFronzo at Milford High School's graduation Sunday, June 3.