THE BILL & KATHRYN MATTHEWS MEMORIAL FUND

Providing access to a high-quality independent school experience can be life changing for students. Supporting middle- and low-income families is a challenge for almost any independent school, where resources are often less abundant than need. The Bill & Kathryn Matthews Memorial Fund was established to help meet that need.
 
Since 2016, Berwick Academy’s partnership with Whittier Falls has provided a life altering educational experience for local students while also aligning with the school’s goals to increase racial and socio-economic diversity on campus. Known as The Matthews Scholars, the program’s students have been thriving at Berwick. Each year the students progress exponentially in the academic and social setting at Berwick with the support and encouragement of the school’s dedicated faculty.

Through The Bill & Kathryn Matthews Memorial Fund, and the support of our generous donors, Berwick’s need-based financial aid program covers the full tuition for each Matthews Scholar. The financial aid awards will follow our Matthews Scholars through graduation.

The Scholars - Success Stories

List of 6 items.

  • Grade 4 Scholar

    Our Grade 4 Scholar is passionate about reading and becomes engrossed in the books that he chooses. He is a kind, hardworking student and an active participant in group discussions. His positive attitude, perseverance, and ability to work hard is appreciated, and his spirit and determination are admired by his teachers.
  • Grade 6 Scholar

    Our Grade 6 Scholar brings a fun and positive energy to her classes and is consistently prepared and ready to engage with the material. She is a strong team member who contributes effectively during group work and is willing to explore new academic strategies and experiences.
  • Grade 8 Scholar

    Our Grade 7 Scholar’s positive attitude, curiosity, and patient demeanor have been a wonderful addition to any class. He loves to learn and is eager to absorb it all. He is a hard worker who always does his best and is emerging as a mature, thoughtful leader.
  • Grade 9 Scholar

    Our Grade 9 Scholar shows a genuine enthusiasm for learning and demonstrates a strong foundation in her writing. She doesn’t need more than a prompt to get a new task off and running. She is a thoughtful contributor in class and shows up prepared and ready to engage in the material.
  • Grade 11 Scholar

    Our Grade 11 Scholar demonstrates an intentional, powerful voice in her writing assignments and class discussions. She does well in class, stays on top of her work, and uses her class time productively. Writing is certainly a strength, and she adds her own personal touch to her assignments.
  • Grade 12 Scholar

    Our Grade 12 Scholar demonstrates strong motivation and passion for learning. He is attentive, thoughtful in nature, and determined to take the extra initiative to succeed in his work. His positive attitude, determination, and commitment to learning make him an asset inside and outside of the classroom.

The Matthews Fund by the Numbers

The Fund & Long Term Goals
The estimated fund value is just over $850,000 in gifts and pledges. Our goal is to elevate this fund to $1 million by the end of June 2026, aligning with completion of The Campaign for Berwick. The Matthews Fund ensures a Berwick education will remain accessible to generations of Matthews Scholars.

-Dick Shafner '65 

The Matthews Fund provides a life-changing experience for these students.
Bill Matthews began his career at Berwick Academy in 1963 serving the school in a variety of roles until his retirement in June of 1979. Bill was remembered fondly by many alumni during the boarding school years (1960-1973). This fund was established to honor Bill’s legacy at Berwick and he and his wife, Kathryn’s, steadfast commitment to education.
For more information on The Bill & Kathryn Matthews Memorial Fund please contact Stephanie Caswell, Director of Development (scaswell@berwickacademy.org or 207.384.6396).​

Berwick Academy

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.