Marion
C. Smyth founded the Smyth Trust in 1949 in memory of her husband
Frederick Smyth, former governor of the State of New Hampshire from
1865 to 1867. In addition, Mr. Smyth was a four term Mayor of the City of
Manchester from 1852 to 1854 and again from 1863 to 1864. Mayor Smyth
was instrumental in the planning of Manchester's municipal
infrastructure. Many of the decisions he made as mayor are still with
us today including building the city's first highways, providing the
city's first water and sewer systems, building the city's first
sidewalks, lighting our streets and his idea to plant trees along our
streets to provide shade and maintaining the natural beauty of our
city.
Mrs. Smyth stated in her will: " This institute is established
not only for the cultural benefit of the citizens of Manchester and
the State of New Hampshire, but also for the purpose of giving aid and
encouragement to the deserving youth of Manchester and adjacent towns
who lack adequate financial means of increasing their knowledge in the
field of music". Although it was her original intent that an institute
of music be established physically at her Manchester home, known as
the "Willows", through the years and with subsequent court
approval, the Trustees decided not to build an actual institute but
rather to commit the Trust resources toward the financial support of
her intended beneficiaries. The Smyth Trust provides scholarships for
Greater Manchester students pursuing college degrees in music, annual
operating grants for New Hampshire music education and performing
organizations, and under special circumstances, capital grants for
such organizations.
1. Residents of Manchester, Bedford, Hooksett, Goffstown, Merrimack,
Amherst, Derry,
Londonderry, Auburn, Candia, Litchfield or other
nearby communities who are attending
a Manchester area High School.
2. Your declared major must be music.
3. You must show a financial need for the scholarship.
4. You must maintain a satisfactory grade average level to continue
receiving the
scholarship on a full-time basis.
5. On occasion, special exceptions have been made for students that do
not fit the
traditional guidelines but are otherwise worthy.
At present, Smyth scholars will receive $1,000 in tuition assistance
for each semester he or she is enrolled as a full-time student
majoring in music. The student may receive $8,000 over the
course of four years. This money can only be used to offset the cost
of tuition and will be paid directly to the attending college. For
each semester the student must provide the Trust with a copy of their
grades and most recent tuition bill. The scholarship amounts are
subject to change from time to time.
Request an application by calling or writing Pauline Charpentier at the address below or
by clicking below to send a request by e-mail. Deadline to submit the
completed application is May 15th.
Click
here to read an article, published by The Union Leader, about how the
Smyth Trust benefits multiple recipients
with scholarship awards and underwrites music-oriented organizations
throughout New Hampshire.
