Michael Susalka, a sixth degree black belt and a headmaster at the Independent Martial Arts School, introduces Kaitlyn Frye of Nashua as one of two recipients to receive the $10,000 Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship. Frye, a first degree black belt, is a longtime Girl Scout and a two-time captain of the field hockey team at Nashua High School North. Courtesy photo/Independent Martial Arts School

NASHUA — Annika Hayden and Kaitlyn Frye, black belts at the Independent Martial Arts School, have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship.

Hayden and Frye are both seniors at Nashua High School North. Hayden, a second degree black belt, is a volunteer writer for 350 New Hampshire and a dedicated runner. Frye, a first degree black belt, is a longtime Girl Scout and a two-time captain of the Nashua North field hockey team.

The scholarship awards, each in the amount of $10,000, were recently announced at the IMAS Tournament at Bishop Guertin High School.

“We could not be prouder of these two exemplary students,” said Michael Susalka, a sixth degree black belt and a headmaster at the IMAS. “We know that Annika and Kaitlyn will carry on Craig’s legacy of courage, integrity, and care for others in their future endeavors.”

The scholarship was established in 1993 to honor an outstanding student and instructor at the Independent Karate School, the predecessor of the IMAS. To the great loss of all who knew him, Hutchinson died from complications of mononucleosis during his sophomore year at Carnegie Mellon University.

IMAS students are eligible to apply for the scholarship once they have attained the rank of first degree black belt. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of character, academic performance and community involvement.

Newsletter