Mary Anne Gray memorial Scholarship awarded to Peyton Lightbody

MALDEN – On Tuesday, May 30th, the Malden High School Class of 1981, through the MHS Alumni Association, awarded $1000 to Senior Peyton Lightbody. Kevin Larson and Mary Ellen O’Meara represented the Class in memory of Classmate Mary Anne Gray.

“Mary Anne Gray embodied the spirit of MHS and kept the class together all these years, organizing the reunions. Her final act of kindness and cohesion was the coordination of the 40+1 class reunion event in September 2022. Sadly, she passed away after a long-time illness on November 18^th, not even two months after the reunion,” explained O’Meara in her award speech. “Her friends and classmates celebrated her life with a Comedy Night Fundraiser at Prince Pizza in April 2023 and an additional Go-Fund-Me campaign for all those who were unable to attend,” Larson added.

The Class of ‘81 will keep Mary Anne’s memory alive by awarding a scholarship in years to comew to a deserving MHS senior. Cheryl LaRosa, another class leader, emphasized, “The account is open with the Alumni Association and checks can be sent at any time for those who missed this opportunity.” LaRosa coordinated the scholarship fund in Mary Anne’s honor with the MHSAA office.

The recipient, Peyton Lightbody, was chosen for being an example of citizenship, kindness, helping others and MHS spirit. “In today’s society, gifted people with these social skills make a difference in the world, just like Mary Anne did,” noted O’Meara.