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BrightBridge Foundation Awards 2026 Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarships BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) and the BrightBridge Foundation are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship, recognizing two outstanding Waltham High School graduates who plan to pursue careers dedicated to serving their communities.

This year’s scholarship recipients are: • Ava Anderson , who will attend Endicott College to study Criminal Justice. Growing up in a family connected to law enforcement, Anderson was inspired by the firsthand experiences and stories of police officers, including her father, which fueled her desire to follow a similar path and make a difference in her community. • Colin O’Brien , who will attend UMass Amherst to study Criminal Justice and History. O’Brien, whose great grandfather served as a Waltham police officer, was drawn to a future in law enforcement after witnessing the community’s strong support for police during a pivotal public safety moment, an experience that solidified his goal to serve.

The scholarship was established in 2025 to honor the life and legacy of Officer Paul Tracey, a longtime Waltham police officer who was killed in the line of duty in December 2023. Officer Tracey served the Waltham community for 28 years and was widely recognized for his compassion and commitment to public service. The scholarship continues his legacy by supporting students who aspire to careers in law enforcement or public safety.

The BrightBridge Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the credit union, plays a central role in advancing initiatives that promote education, financial wellness and community engagement, making it a natural partner in establishing and sustaining this scholarship program.

Recipients were formally recognized during Waltham High School’s awards ceremony on June 4, 2026, where Kristin Tracey, Waltham police officer and wife of Officer Tracey, and Mike Davis, BrightBridge business development officer, were present to honor the students. The celebration continued with a special check presentation on June 29, attended by the recipients, the Tracey family and members of the BrightBridge team.

“Paul meant so much to so many of us throughout the Waltham community,” said Mike Davis. “Being able to support students like Ava and Colin, who share that same passion for serving others, is incredibly meaningful. This scholarship is about both financial support and continuing Paul’s legacy by investing in the next generation of leaders who are committed to making a difference.”

Now in its second year, the Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship reflects BrightBridge’s ongoing commitment to honoring local heroes while empowering young people to pursue careers rooted in service, leadership and community impact.

Photo caption: BrightBridge team members and BrightBridge Foundation board members gathered at the credit union’s Waltham branch to celebrate the 2026 Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship winners with a special check presentation. From left: Joan Kuhn, Sarita Ledani, Mike Davis, Ava Anderson, Kristin Tracey, Colin O’Brien, Olivia Pink, Zobeida Duarte and Stepan Chiloyan.

About the BrightBridge Foundation The BrightBridge Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public charitable foundation affiliated with BrightBridge Credit Union that fosters financial wellness and promotes financial literacy and community involvement. Founded in 2011, the BrightBridge Foundation is a natural outgrowth of the Credit Union’s commitment to community activities and financial literacy as a key component of financial health efforts.

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