The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cooley Dickinson Hospital, is proud to announce the celebration of the 21st year of their joint scholarship program. This longstanding collaboration highlights their commitment to supporting the academic and career ambitions of local high school students.
This year, one outstanding senior from each of the following schools—Amherst Regional High School, Belchertown High School, Frontier Regional School, and Hopkins Academy—was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to pursuing a future in business or healthcare-related fields in Massachusetts.
“The Amherst Area Chamber and Cooley Dickinson Hospital have partnered for over two decades to invest in the future of our region’s youth,” said Jacob Robinson, Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to mark the 21st year of this impactful initiative and to celebrate the academic excellence of our scholarship recipients.”
Pictured left to right: Chase Simonich, Ariana Miller, Meera Berryhill, and Alana Texidor Melendez.
“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the Chamber in supporting higher education for exceptional local high school students,” said Dr. Kevin B. Whitney, DNP, RN, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cooley Dickinson Hospital. “This scholarship program reflects our shared commitment in investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our community.”
This year, the awards were presented at a standalone event held at the Inn on Boltwood on June 25th, with representatives from both the Amherst Area Chamber and Cooley Dickinson Hospital, State Representative Mindy Domb, President of the Amherst Town Council Lynn Griesemer, the students, and their families in attendance.
Meet the 2025 Scholarship recipients!
Alana Texidor Melendez, of Amherst
Amherst Regional High School
Alana has been a leader at Amherst Regional High School involved in a variety of clubs, athletics, and volunteer initiatives. Passionate about helping others and creating a community focused on equity and inclusion, Alana will be pursuing a nursing degree from Assumption University with a career goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
Meera Berryhill, of Belchertown
Belchertown High School
Meera has been a community-driven leader during her time at Belchertown High School, participating in several clubs and volunteer opportunities. Organizing clothing and food drives has provided hands-on learning opportunities. As an entrepreneur who already owns and operates an Etsy shop, Meera will be attending UMass Amherst to pursue a degree in Marketing with aspirations to work in marketing or sales.
Ariana Miller, of Greenfield
Frontier Regional School
Ariana has balanced academics, athletics, and volunteering while also working a part-time job throughout her time at Frontier Regional. Inspired by her mother’s career in healthcare, Ariana has already been getting hands-on experience volunteering at her local hospital. She will be attending Wheaton College to pursue a nursing degree with a career goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
Chase Simonich, of Hadley
Hopkins Academy
Chase has been an exceptional student at Hopkins Academy, where he was also involved on Student Council, among other clubs and organizations. Beyond his volunteerism and work in the classroom, he has excelled as an athlete, captaining the soccer team and completing three marathons. Chase will be attending Babson College with career aspirations that involve consulting or investment banking.
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and Cooley Dickinson Hospital look forward to the continued success of this program and the bright futures of its recipients.
Photos from the Scholarship Reception event on June 25, 2025. Photos courtesy of Stefano Secchia Photography.
Pictured left to right: Jacob Robinson of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; Heidi Flanders of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; Chase Simonich; Ariana Miller; Meera Berryhill; Alana Texidor Melendez; State Representative Mindy Domb; Kevin Whitney of Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Jon Scully of Cooley Dickinson Hospital
