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Date: 7/25/2023
SPRINGFIELD — The legacy of political advocacy of the late David J. Vigneault continued on July 14 with the presentation of the fifth annual scholarship in Vigneault’s memory.
This year’s scholarship went to Catherine Thompson, with a second scholarship going to last year’s recipient Shane Dillon. That second scholarship was made possible through the generosity of scholarship committee member Karen Hart.
Thompson, a Central High School graduate, is planning to major in political science at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She said she intends to be active in student government at the university as well as cultural groups.
Dillon is currently attending Amherst College, where he is majoring in both political science and English. He is serving as the vice president of the college’s student government.
Vigneault, who passed in 2019, was a well-known Democratic activist in Springfield, having served in the Massachusetts House representing the city from 1961 to 1973. During his time in the House, Vigneault was arrested in Mississippi as a “Freedom Rider” protesting the lack of civil rights for African Americans in that state.
He became well-known for his support of Democratic candidates in the city and region.
City Council President Jesse Lederman called Vigneault “a true warrior” and a “mentor to many” at the scholarship event.
“I can still hear Dave Vigneault’s voice in my ear when I am knocking on doors campaigning,” Lederman said. He added “it is so important to continue the legacy of Dave Vigneault’s support of young people.”
Former state Rep. Paul Caron said that Vigneault was dedicated to civil rights.
Caron said Vigneault’s attitude was “You have to reach out and protect everyone’s rights.”
“Dave often said that for Democracy to survive, we need young people, in each generation, who will equip themselves for a career in public service. Dave mentored and encouraged so many young people, encouraging and inspiring many careers in public service,” Caron said.
Joining in the announcement remotely from Texas was Tawreak “Ty” Gamble-Eddington, the recipient of the first Vigneault Scholarship five years ago. Gamble-Eddington earned a Rhodes Scholarship while an undergraduate studying at Oxford University and has graduated from Yale Law School. He recently met with other Rhodes Scholars including former President Bill Clinton.
He is now working in Texas to help expand a Massachusetts tech company there. He said he is “very grateful” to have received the scholarship.
“Dave Vigneault would be overjoyed by all the scholarship winners,” said committee member Tony Cignoli.
In addition to Caron, the Vigneault Scholarship Committee includes Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Lederman, City Councilor Victor Davila, Cignoli and family and close friends Brian Vigneault, Karen Hart and Mary Moge.