Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
ELLSWORTH – A Gorham graduating senior is one of two recipients of the first Parsons Scholarship or LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies at the Maine Community Foundation.
Mavy Ho, of Gorham, will attend Bates College to study biology on a pre-med track with a minor in music performance on violin. The other recipient is Gabriel Flannery ,of Presque Isle, who plans to attend Husson University, where he will pursue dual degrees in criminal justice and psychology.
The scholarship is inspired by the life and work of Betsy Parsons and created by her family, who staunchly support her ideals and share her deep love for and commitment to Maine and its people. Parsons, who died in 2019, taught English in Portland high schools for 30 years and fiercely advocated for Maine LGBTQ+ youth. In 1996 she observed increasing anti-gay hostility, language, and verbal and physical harassment in high school hallways and classrooms and helped found the Southern Maine Chapter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), which fights to ensure safe schools and spaces for students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. She also led the way statewide in establishing about 90 student clubs called GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) and provided continued support as she encouraged student leaders and advisors.
“The selection committee was extremely impressed with the applications and wished we could have given scholarships to all the outstanding applicants,” said Scott Parsons, Betsy’s brother. “My family and I are very excited to award two scholarships instead of one this inaugural year, which we hope to continue in the future. Mavy and Gabriel show tremendous potential to be leaders in the community, and we couldn’t be happier to support them on their journeys. We wish them and all of this year’s applicants the very best.”
The deadline for 2023 scholarship applications is May 1, 2023. The Parsons family encourages Maine graduating high school seniors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background to apply online at www.mainecf.org.
PHOTO: Betsy Parsons (Submitted photo)
