TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jason Ritchie Hockey Scholarship Foundation (Foundation), based in Tampa, Florida, announced today that Frederick “Freddie” Giroux of St. George de Beauce, Quebec, Canada, and class of 2012 at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts, has been awarded the first annual Jason Ritchie ‘05 Scholarship Award. The Foundation presents scholarships to student athletes in honor of Jason Ritchie who was tragically lost his life in 2009. The official scholarship presentation will take place during the dedication ceremony of the Jason Ritchie ’05 Ice Arena, Saturday, February 26, 2011, Winchendon school campus in Massachusetts.
Freddie, who was a standout at Canada’s Harrington College, continues to be a successful student and is a player in soccer, hockey and golf. He excels in academics and will pursue a degree in civil engineering. When asked about being named the first recipient of the Jason Ritchie Scholarship Award, Freddie stated, “I’m honored to be the first student to receive this award and to reach my goals at Winchendon.”
“The Winchendon School fondly remembers Jason Ritchie, Class of 2005, and his commitment to his team on and off the ice. Freddie was the clear choice for this scholarship, displaying Jason’s spirit to persevere in all aspects of his Winchendon experience. We are grateful for the generosity of the Ritchie family,” stated John Kerney, head of school.
In December of 2010, the Ritchie family established the scholarship legacy at Winchendon with a commitment of $500,000 from the Ritchie Hockey Foundation. It is the first named endowed scholarship award in honor of a Winchendon alumnus. “Like Freddie, Jason was a goalie. We are pleased to be assisting this young future leader as he pursues excellence and further develops life skills to succeed,” stated Donna and Bob Ritchie.
The Ritchie Hockey Foundation: The Ritchie Hockey Foundation (www.ritchiehockeyfoundation.org) was established by the Ritchie family in honor of Jason Ritchie who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2009. The Foundation’s mission is to mentor youth so they can gain the life skills necessary to succeed both on and off the ice. We also seek those who share Jason’s drive and dedication. Funded by individual and corporate donations, the Foundation focuses on helping children realize their dreams by providing them the tools needed to succeed. http://www.ritchiehockeyfoundation.org/howtogive.html
The Winchendon School: The Winchendon School, a coeducational multicultural community, provides college-bound students of good character and promise with the essential study skills and learning strategies that propel each student to achieve academic success. Gifts given to The Winchendon School are tax deductible and may be earmarked to support a wide range of initiatives. To contribute a gift, please contact Patrick Tevlin, Director of Development at 978.297.1223 ext. 158 or ptevlin@winchendon.org