THE GERARD F. DOHERTY
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
​Robert Louis Stevenson once said that a man “is a success ... who leaves the world better
than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never
lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had.”
Gerard F. Doherty was a success. Education was crucial to success. Gerard’s success in
education had a rocky start. Attending St. Mary’s Grammar School, he was initially a
disappointment. His grades were abysmal. He could not read. However, everything changed in
the 4th grade. At first, he was perceived as a “slow” student. Actually, he suffered from what is
now known as dyslexia. Once he had adjusted to this disability, he soared in school - graduating
with honors and advancing to his beloved Malden Catholic and then to Harvard and later to
Suffolk University Law School.
Gerard believed that education was a significant foundation enabling him to advance
personally and professionally. Thus, Gerard believed he had an obligation to “play it forward”
and help others, particularly Charlestown youth, to obtain a strong educational background.
During his lifetime, he worked supporting schools in Charlestown and elsewhere. He also
established many scholarships, particularly for Malden Catholic. It was his commitment and
priority.
Through Bunker Hill Associates, the GERARD F. DOHERTY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP will
continue his legacy encouraging and assisting the next generation in achieving a strong
educational foundation and to ensure that they will leave this world better than they found it.
The Bunker Hill Associates are thrilled to announce the second annual Gerard F. Doherty Memorial Scholarship, endowed by the generosity of Regina Quinlan Doherty and the Doherty family in honor of the late Gerard F. Doherty.
For the 2026/2027 school year, two (2) Private/Parochial High School Freshman will be selected by the Gerard F. Doherty Memorial Scholarship Committee to receive a scholarship of $2,000. If selected for the scholarship in the Freshman year, recipients may be eligible to receive additional scholarships in the amount of $2,000 for the Sophomore, Junior and Senior years of high school provided they meet the recurring requirements.
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For 2026, all applications must be submitted by May 8, 2026, with recipients being notified via telephone on May 29, 2026.
To be considered for Freshman Scholarship, applicants must:
1. Be a resident of Charlestown or have a parent or grandparent currently living in or originally from Charlestown.
2. Be entering your freshman year of a private or parochial high school.
3. Write a single page (double spaced) essay describing your relationship with Charlestown and how receiving this scholarship will assist you in reaching your educational goals.
If selected, recipients must:
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1. Provide proof of enrollment at a private or parochial high school.
2. Be prepared to provide the GFD Committee with additional information or participate in an interview, if requested.
3. Attend the Bunker Hill Associates Breakfast on Sunday, June 14, 2026
How to Apply for Freshman Scholarship:
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On an 3x5 index card please include the following information:
1. Full Name
2. Address, email address, and phone number
3. Your relation to Charlestown
4. Name and address of the private or parochial high school you are entering
5. Enclose your one-page essay described above.
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Please mail the index card and essay to:
Gerard F. Doherty Memorial Scholarship
c/o Pauline O’Brien
50 Franklin Street, Suite 3A
Boston, MA 02110
For 2026, all applications must be submitted by May 8, 2026, with recipients being notified via telephone on May 29, 2026.