Shawn J. McDuff Memorial Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

Shawn J McDuff passed away at the age of 49 on December 31, 2017. He was afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and outlived all the expectations that were given to him by his medical team. He was the consummate and most loyal New England sports fan that lived. He served as the Muscular Dystrophy State Poster Child for two years which enabled him to teach people about his disease and that he was a typical child that wanted to play and learn as others do.

Shawn was the one of the first disabled students to attend public school versus homeschooling. He received his Bachelor’s degree of Social Work from Salem State University and worked his entire career at the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann. He was the Deputy Director of the Center. He was an advocate for all his clients and helped them with services, support and compassion so that they too could live independently. He had the use of only one finger and had a breathing machine on his chair to assist him yet he went to work every day to help others. He gave of himself for others at the job he loved for 27 years.

Eligible applicants must possess the qualities and traits that Shawn personified. Preference will be given to a student who achieves their academic goals, strives to live independently despite their disability with the intention to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

To review eligibility guidelines, click McDuff Application Guidelines

For an application, click McDuff Application