Dorothy Vaill Scholarship Information
Dorothy Vaill and the Holy Union Sisters
Dorothy Louise Vaill was born October 2, 1917 to Matthew J.
Vaill and Bridget Burke Vaill. When her family experienced
difficult financial times, the Holy Union Sisters allowed her to continue at the
Academy tuition free. This assistance enabled her to complete her foundational
education at the historic Academy in Fall River, MA. She continued her education,
graduating from Bryant College (now Bryant University) in Smithfield RI, and was
awarded a Diploma from the Executive Secretarial Course in 1938.
Records indicate that after graduation she held a secretarial position with the
Federal Government in Brockton, MA. During World War II, she joined the W.A.V.E.S.
(Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), and served as Chief Petty
Officer from 1943 to 1951. While serving her country, she spent time in Miami, FL,
Washington, DC, Quonset Point, RI and Boston, MA.
Sacred Hearts AcademyFollowing her military service, she pursued a successful
career as a speech pathologist. She received a Master's Degree from George
Washington University, Washington, DC in 1959 and became Director of Speech and
Hearing Services for the Washington, DC public schools. From the mid-1950's until
1980, she also taught English as a second language to immigrants in the
Washington, DC area. She retired in the early 1970's. She was a member of the
parish of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington, VA.
Dorothy died on March 2, 2011 at 93 years of age at Arden Courts, an assisted-living
facility in Annandale, VA. She is buried in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Fall River,
MA.Upon her death, Miss Vaill left a generous bequest to the Holy Union Sisters. This
fund was established in 2013 in her memory.
Mission
The Dorothy Vaill Memorial Fund supports learning opportunities for children and
women who value education but do not have needed resources that can assist them
in their academic pursuits. It is intended to help children and women wishing to
improve their quality of life by giving financial assistance for educational programs.
Eligibility
The Dorothy Vaill Memorial Fund is open to children and women who demonstrate
financial need for assistance in obtaining a quality well-rounded education. Children
must be currently enrolled or accepted at a Catholic elementary or high school.
Women must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited college/professional school,
or a certified job training program. Applicants must be residents of states in which
Holy Union Sisters are currently serving in ministry: Chicago, Kentucky, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
Grants
Grants are awarded for one (1) year and are dependent upon financial need. Grants
may be renewable contingent upon ongoing financial need and successful academic
performance, but for not more than three (3) additional years. Grants will be paid
directly to the school, college or training program for tuition only. Grants will not be
awarded for payment of student loads, textbooks and materials or past courses.
Grant amounts may vary dependent upon the earnings of the Dorothy Vaill
Memorial Fund and usually range between $500.00 and $1000.00.
Applications must be postmarked by FEBRUARY 10, 2017.
1. Must include a letter of Recommendation from a professional such as your
pastor, teacher, principal, advisor, or someone who can vouch for you. Send
this letter with your application in a sealed and signed envelope.
2. Parents/Guardians must submit a statement of no more than 250 words
detailing the need for financial assistance for their child’s education, as well
as any pertinent information.
Only complete Application Packets will be considered. Packets must include:
_____This Application Form (two pages)
_____ Copy of recent W-2 or 1099 IRS form(s)
_____ Letter of Recommendation in a signed and sealed envelope
_____ Statement of financial need and any other pertinent information (250 words)
_____ Proof of enrollment or acceptance. If acceptance is pending-Proof of
Application, with Proof of Acceptance to follow
In order to allow time for application review, the complete application package must
be returned and postmarked no later than February 10, 2017
ONLY DATED AND SIGNED PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NOT MORE THAN ONE GRANT WILL BE AWARDED PER FAMILY.
Awards will be announced mid-April to the recipients and to the United States
Province of the Holy Union Sisters.
If you have any questions regarding this application, please call the school office at
508-678-0266 for assistance.
If you are applying, and need a letter from Mrs. Leary, please send an email to
[email protected] upon receipt of this letter.