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Stephen DeSisto Memorial Scholarship

Honoring a life filled with laughter and joy

Stephen DeSisto was a bright light in the lives of those who knew him. His humor, kindness, and zest for life made every moment more enjoyable. In his memory, the Stephen DeSisto Memorial Scholarship was established to support students who embody his spirit—those who bring joy to others, show resilience in the face of challenges, and have a passion for making the world a happier place.

Honoring a Life Filled with Laughter and Joy

The Stephen DeSisto Memorial Scholarship was established to honor a life filled with laughter, joy, and the gift of bringing light into the lives of others. Stephen DeSisto was a bright presence to all who knew him. His humor, kindness, and zest for life made every moment richer, even in the face of tremendous challenges.


This scholarship seeks to support students who embody Stephen’s spirit those who bring joy to others, demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, and have a genuine passion for making the world a happier, more compassionate place. Special consideration is given to applicants whose lives have been personally impacted by multiple sclerosis, through the experience of a loved one.


Through this scholarship, we aim to honor not only Stephen’s enduring spirit, but also the strength, empathy, and perspective gained by those whose lives have been shaped by loving someone with MS.

Scholarship Details:

  • Award Amount: $1000

  • Eligibility: High school seniors or current college undergraduate students who demonstrate a positive impact on their community through humor, kindness, and perseverance.

  • Application Deadline: Postmarked by last day of April

  • Recipient Notification: June - July

Application Requirements

  1. Applicant Information

Birthday
Month
Day
Year
Multi-line address
  1. Essay (500-750 words)

Share how humor and positivity have played a role in your life. How do you use humor to uplift others, overcome challenges, or bring people together?

  1. Letter of Recommendation

One letter from a teacher, mentor, coach, or community leader who can speak to your character and positive influence.

  1. Video (Optional)

Optional, but encouraged. Send a short video (1-2 minutes) sharing a joke, funny story, or moment that reflects your personality and love for life.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship committee will evaluate applications based on:

  • Creativity and authenticity in the essay.

  • Demonstrated impact through humor and positivity.

  • Strength of the recommendation letter

  • Overall alignment with Stephen DeSisto's joyful spirit.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the scholarship, please contact scholarship@msisbsnewengland.com We look forward to honoring Stephen’s legacy by recognizing students who bring light and laughter into the world. Thank you for applying!

Waiver and Release of Liability

In consideration for being potentially considered to participate in programs, events, and or activities sponsored by MS is BS New England, I, for myself, my executor, administrators, heirs, and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, hereby waive discharges and covenant not to sue MS is BS New England, its management, officers, board members, members, sponsors, licensees, volunteers, their successors, and all for any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, causes of action, losses, or expenses arising out of my participation in the event and any related activities.


I understand that I may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped in connection with my involvement with MS is BS New England. I hereby irrevocably grant to MS is BS New England, its affiliates, licensees, and collaborators the absolute right and permission to distribute, publish, exhibit, digitize, broadcast, display, reproduce, photograph, videotape or otherwise use my name, picture, portrait, likeness, writings or biographical information (including if applicable, information regarding my disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment), manner or media whatsoever anywhere in the world in perpetuity for any lawful purpose whatsoever, including without limitation, for editorial, educational, promotional, and advertising purposes, for the solicitation of contributions, as evidence in litigation, and for any other purposes in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of MS is BS New England I hereby release discharge and agree to save harmless MS is BS New England. and its employees or agents, affiliates, legal representatives or assigns, and all persons acting under its permission or upon its authority, from any liability by virtue of any publication of my likeness, including, without limitation, claims for libel or invasion of privacy. I further agree that MS is BS New England shall be the exclusive owner of all copyright and other rights in such media. I have carefully read this Waiver and Release of Liability and fully understand its contents. I am at least 18 years of age and I am competent to contract in my own name. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a binding contract between myself and the persons and entities mentioned above and I sign it of my own free will. I understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue.


I acknowledge that I am signing this Waiver and Release freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Sign below. If you are under the age of 18, have a parent or legal guardian sign.

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If you would like to mail in your application, Please download and fill out the PDF below.

MS is BS

New England

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