Four Methuen college students have received the Rita Sanguedolce Memorial/Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Scholarship, an award created to honor the memory of Rita Sanguedolce, a longtime Methuen Public Schools educator remembered for her dedication to students and community.
The $7,000 in scholarships were awarded by program chairman Bob Sanguedolce to students who reside in the Arlington neighborhood and have successfully begun their college education.
This year’s recipients are:
● Darianna De La Cruz Deaza, Simmons University, nursing,
● Jenneysha Martinez, University of Massachusetts Lowell, psychology,
● Jenny Nguyen, University of Massachusetts Lowell, nursing,
● Rhaelyn Gutierrez, Northern Essex Community College, nursing,
Gutierrez, a future nurse, who coaches and does Door Dash deliveries to cover college costs, said the award has taken financial pressure off her family and gives her “peace of mind to focus on succeeding in school.”
Martinez, who will graduate from UMass Lowell this spring and hopes to work with individuals dealing with substance abuse, said the scholarship has provided more than financial relief.
“It represents belief in my potential,” she said. “It allows me to continue pursuing a career where I can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
Bob Sanguedolce said he established the scholarship in 2023 to give back.
“I’m happy to fund these scholarships to repay the many people who helped me in college and throughout my career,” he said. “Our hope is that these students will achieve their goals and one day pay it forward by helping another student.”
Linda Soucy of MAN Inc., praised the recipients for their academic achievement and commitment to learning, noting that they serve as strong role models for others in the community.
Applicants were required to submit a detailed application and essay, maintain a strong academic record, reside in the Arlington neighborhood of Methuen, and major in a science or technology-related field.
