Lola Greene

Lola Greene Legacy Fund

The Lola Greene Legacy Fund was established in 2009 to honor the memory of outstanding Latin teacher Lola Greene who tried to instill in each of her students a love of learning and a passion for Latin. This annual scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior from Berkshire County who is planning to continue to study Latin and the Classics in college. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Latin scholar who exemplifies the characteristics that Lola Greene valued – intelligence, achievement, generosity, and outstanding kindness.  Candidates for this scholarship must have been accepted by a recognized institution of higher learning. The scholarship will be awarded based on scholastic achievement with emphasis on Latin study and related activities, future plans to continue Latin and Classics studies, and demonstrated leadership and good moral character.

Awards: One-time awards range from $250 – $500 based on merit and need. Scholarship recipient(s) will be notified of the award no later than May 24, 2024.

Deadline: Application and supporting documentation must be received by May 13, 2024.

To Apply: Provide the information listed below and send it to Lola Greene Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 1117, Hancock, MA  01237.

–       Completed scholarship form (below)
–       Copy of high school transcript
–       (2) Letters of Recommendation from educators including one from your high school Latin teacher
–       Copy of college/university acceptance letter.

Review Process:

The Lola Greene Legacy Fund selection committee will review all applications. The committee comprises Greene family members and supporting advisors. In its discretion, the selection committee may request further information, including interviews of candidates.

Review Criteria:

The committee members will select the candidate(s) that best meet the vision of the fund and will use the following criteria in their review:

–       Evidence of applicant’s past commitment and future ambition in Latin and Classics
–       Academic and extracurricular achievement
–       Evidence of strong commitment to giving to others and community service

Questions:

Please send any inquiries via email to scholarship@lolagreene.com.

About Lola Greene:

Lola Greene lived a life filled with integrity, compassion, and love for all those around her.  She was a dynamic and dedicated educator who inspired her students to achieve to the best of their abilities.  Lola was intelligent and independent – a highly spiritual person who showed great courage during her life and her three year fight with ovarian cancer.

Lola was born in Baltimore, Maryland.  She received a BA from Wilson College and a Masters Degree in Classics and Education from Columbia University.  She worked as the Latin teacher at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, NY, and was the last Latin teacher standing when New York finally voted to cut Latin from the Public School system.

After a short break from teaching, Lola returned to Mt. Greylock Regional High School in 1984 where she developed the Latin program and Junior Classical League into one of the most successful programs in the state.  She instituted toga and catapult contests, won numerous teaching awards, and has her place in the school “Hall of Fame.”

After retiring in 2000, Lola remained active as a volunteer at Mt. Greylock, a tutor for Pittsfield Public Schools, a reader at her church, and a member of the Hancock Historical and Conservation Commissions. In 2006, she returned to work at the Berkshire Immigrant Center where she taught English and US History and helped immigrants from all over the world to achieve their dreams of becoming U.S. citizens. Lola’s caring demeanor and special ability to make everyone feel welcomed touched all who knew her.