Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship

Ron was a graduate of Fairhaven High School class of '79. He was an all star athlete in hockey and football all four years of high school and was scouted by a professional Canadian hockey team. After sustaining a head injury playing football his senior year, the once popular athlete had a difficult time fitting in and his peers didn't quite understand the sudden change in his personality. As his illness became more apparent, his dreams of becoming a professional athlete diminished, as well as the interest of the professional teams. 

I am running the New Bedford Half Marathon on March 19th in his honor. My goal is to raise mental health awareness as well as raise money for a graduating senior at Fairhaven High School in his name. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has overcome an obstacle in life, performed community service and may have participated in hockey and football.

I can't help but think if his classmates and peers were more aware of mental illness, they would have been more understanding to the changes he was going through, and he wouldn't have had to suffer alone. Despite all of his struggles and abilities, he is an avid volunteer to his community. He has never complained about his condition and has maintained a positive attitude throughout his adult life.

Please consider donating to raise mental health awareness, provide a deserving senior with a scholarship, as well as helping my uncles name live on at the high school he was so proud to be a part of.