The Vincent R. Gagliardi Scholarship

Graduates tossing caps in front of educational building.

About the Vincent R. Gagliardi Scholarship

After the passing of our son, Vincent (Vinny) Gagliardi, we have a commitment to honor his memory and his legacy. We decided to start an annual memorial scholarship to celebrate a deserving Somerville High School student and to keep Vincent’s memory alive. On October 8, 2021, our lives changed forever when Vincent was killed in a tragic car accident. Vincent was 17 years old and a Senior at Somerville High School. He loved his family and friends with a passion and enjoyed skateboarding, gaming and working at Branchburg Shop Rite. We truly miss his laugh, his hugs, his gorgeous blue eyes and his funny, easy-going personality, but most of all we miss Vincent’s special gift of making everyone feel important and loved. Today, Vincent lives on in the many people who loved him. All donations will go directly towards the Vincent R. Gagliardi Memorial Scholarship and awarded to a deserving Somerville High School Senior. The scholarship will be presented at the SHS Senior Awards Ceremony.

  • Vincent (Vinny) Gagliardi lived and loved deeply. Despite having died in a tragic car accident at the age of 17, his kindness and happy-go-lucky demeanor will live on forever through those he has impacted and through this scholarship.

    Eligibility:

    Applicants must:

    • Be a Somerville High School Senior

    • Receive High School diploma at/by the end of the graduating school year

    • Be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university

    • Have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)

    Character:

    Strong applicants would:

    • Have a big heart for helping others, are kind, inclusive and spread joy

    • Demonstrate a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society

    • Strive to maintain excellence in their education

    Essay Topic:

    How have you impacted your community, someone’s life, or your own life? This could be a time when you stepped up to the plate to help others or a time when you showed bravery and courage to family and peers.

    Bonus: Describe in detail one fresh idea on how we could spread teen driver safety awareness to your age group.

    All applicant essays are due on or before April 30th.

    **Applicant must not have serious driving offenses, including DUI, DWI, reckless driving or similar charges.

  • Somerville high school seniors can see their guidance counselors or visit the SHS scholarship website for more information.

  • Please have your essay letters turned into your guidance counselor by April 30th, 2026.