Courtesy photos Maggie Paratore, left, and Paige Garland are the first to receive scholarships from the Brian McCarthy Memorial Foundation.

NASHUA – Two 2020 graduates – one each from Nashua High School South and Nashua High School North – have been selected the recipients of the first two Brian S. McCarthy Memorial Foundation scholarships.

Paige Garland, from NHS South, and Maggie Paratore, from NHS North, each received $2,500 scholarships from the foundation, which was created in memory of longtime city alderman whose “unwavering commitment” to public education in Nashua included presiding over the construction of Nashua High North and the renovation of NHS South and other schools.

McCarthy, who served as Ward 5 alderman for 10 years and alderman-at-large for 15 years, was president of the board at the time of his sudden passing in November 2018.

Both scholarship recipients happen to be headed for Worcester Polytechnic Institute, according to brief biographies included in this week’s announcement.

Garland is planning to major in environmental engineering at WPI and plans to play volleyball.

“A well-rounded and engaged student, Paige loves the outdoors and is eager to protect and enhance our natural resources,” the bio states.

Paratore also plans to enter “the field of engineering at WPI … she has taken the opportunity to participate in various programs, such as a pilot course that resulted in a curriculum course on drones.

“Maggie welcomes the opportunity to advance women in science and engineering.”

The McCarthy foundation, according to its founders, was created “in recognition of McCarthy’s devotion to education in Nashua, and his affinity for the sciences and mathematics.”

Established in 2019, the foundation “advocates for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and provides scholarship opportunities to students from Nashua High North and Nashua High South who seek to continue their education in a STEM-based field.”

McCarthy, who was 64 when he passed, graduated from UMass Dartmouth in 1975 with a bachelors degree in mathematics, and was employed as a software engineer until his passing.

“Brian enjoyed many hobbies, including interests in aviation, astronomy, fly fishing, science fiction, trivia, cooking, HAM radio and Boston sports teams.

“He was a member of AMSAT, an organization that advocates for the advancement of space science, education and technology.

“Along with other members of AMSAT, Brian worked on a satellite design that was included as a part of a NASA mission.”

Members of the foundation’s scholarship committee stated they were “delighted to receive numerous applications” for the first two scholarships.

“The energy, intelligence and community-mindedness of each applicant was impressive,” the committee stated, adding that “the future of the world is in good hands.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.