5th Annual Martha Kennedy Goalie Scholarship

In March of 2018, I decided to honor my late wife, Martha, by setting up the Martha Kennedy Memorial Goalie Scholarship and award it to 10-U goalies. Why 10U, you ask? Great question. In 2017, Scott spent the summer helping the 10U goalies during summer skates and Martha loved the contrast in size between Scott, 6’1”, and 10U goalies, some of whom were barely taller than the boards. She loved watching Scott work with them, giving back to hockey, as before, we were just another hockey family. Cancer wasn’t there.

2018 was the first year of the Martha Kennedy Memorial Scholarship, which saw six goalies submit applications. I awarded all six with scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100. He also bought new leg pads for a 10-U goalie who desperately needed an upgrade.

In 2019, I opened the scholarship up to 12U goalies as well. That resulted in nine total applications (seven 12U and two 10U). He awarded one “full-ride” to each age group (10U & 12U) and two additional half-ride scholarships. The “full rides” covered all registration fees, roughly $1,650 each, and the ‘half rides’ covered approximately $800 each. In addition to the financial support, he set up a non-winning 10-U goalie with a new pair of skates, as he was wearing skates older than him. Another 12-U goalie was still wearing youth-sized gear, so he set her up with a new catch glove, blocker, chest protector, and neck guard. Lastly, he awarded one final 12-U goalie with another playing scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

In 2020, I partnered with Justin Goldman and The Goalie Guild to grow the program's reach. A total of $8,050 was distributed to 16 goalies across the country. The program also donated a new helmet, chest protector, glove, and blocker to Tyler Miller, a goalie who had overcome significant challenges during the season.

2021 saw the scholarship grow, and $12,650 was awarded to 20 deserving goalies nationwide.

With the recent economic downturn for many, coupled with rising costs across the board due to inflation, this scholarship is needed more than ever. If you can donate, please do so. If you have any questions, please ask, and I will answer.

Thank you again for your consideration,

Dave Kennedy

To learn more about the scholarship, its history, and past winners, please use this link:

https://www.thegoalieguild.com/kennedy-fund/