Quinn Scholarship
Dear Editor:
Commencing in 1970, with Robert Irgens, as the first Quinn Scholar, and with Ann Marie Duffy Keane as the first Female scholar in 1977, we have perpetuated the mission of Michael Quinn’s Scholarship to help his fellow Townies. Michael received his United State Marine Corps commission upon graduating from The College of the Holy Cross on May 29, 1968. On a patrol 28 miles south of DaNang at 5 p.m. on August 29,1969, Michael, platoon commander of the weapons platoon, was killed in combat while serving with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Michael’s noble courage and character will never be forgotten. On Sept. 8, 1969, with the financial support of Edward Johnson and Stephen Driscoll, and my perseverance, the Lt. Michael P. Quinn Scholarship Fund was established. Since its inception, 47 college scholarships have been awarded in the amount of $171,000 to the fine youth of Charlestown.
We look forward to saluting the 47th Quinn Scholars, Hugh Bernard O’Donnell a 2016 graduate of Malden Catholic High School, who is matriculating with the class of 2020 at Nicholls College. Our 48th annual dinner dance will be held on April 1 at the Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus Hall, 545 Medford St. This year our program book will be dedicated to an altruistic Townie, Paul McGonagle, who passed away on Oct. 12, 2016. The featured speaker will be Brigadier General Christopher J Mahoney, Director, Strategy and Plans Division Plans, Policies and Operation Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
General Mahoney is a native of South Weymouth and a 1987 graduate of The College of The Holy Cross.
Another evening of fond memories of Michael, and the tribute to the McGonagle and O’Donnell families is planned. Tickets for this annual event are $40 per person and may be purchased by contacting Ronan J. FitzPatrick at 617-242-5493, or writing to our Post Office Box 290216, Charlestown, Ma 02129-0213. We look forward to your attendance. We follow the eloquent words of Benjamin Franklin in our mission, “If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
Ronan J FitzPatrick
Treasurer