Scholarship
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PFLAG Cape Cod Anne Toran Scholarship

Each spring, PFLAG Cape Cod awards scholarships/toolships* to graduating high school seniors from the Cape and Islands. Students chosen for these awards have shown, through their actions and example, support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2003, including 2024, we have awarded over $95,000 in scholarships! ​

In May of 2024, PFLAG Cape Cod awarded four scholarships totaling $10,000! More information about the four recipients is shown below.

​To learn more about Anne Toran, the person for whom the scholarship is named, please follow this link.  ​

* Toolships are financial resources that help career-bound students defray the cost of tools, equipment, uniforms, certifications/licenses, or other trade-related expenses, whereas Scholarships provide financial resources to college-bound students to assist with books, room, board, or tuition. We encourage both career- and college-bound students to apply!

 If you would like to help students achieve their full potential, ​please make a donation
​to the PFLAG Cape Cod Anne Toran Scholarship fund by clicking the button below! 

DONATE TO SCHOLARSHIP FUND

If you’re a prospective college student who identifies as LGBTQ+, it’s important that you research schools to make sure they’ve created a supportive environment. Intelligent.com has created a LGBTQ+ College Student Guide that will show you how to research colleges and review additional topics such as the unique challenges LGBTQ+ students face and the resources and legal rights available to them. And check out their list of Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students (2023).

In addition, here's a list of Support Groups and Financial Resources for LGBTQ Students (provided by Madison Trust). Being an LGBTQ student in high school can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of challenges, from facing discrimination and bullying to struggling with acceptance from friends and family. It's no secret that the journey can be tough, but the good news is that there's a whole community out there to help you succeed. If you're looking at colleges and trying to decide where to go, you have plenty of options; there are lots of LGBTQ-friendly schools out there where you can be yourself without fear. There are also lots of scholarships for LGBTQ students that can help you pay for your education. And when you just need someone to talk to, someone who gets what you're going through, you'll find that there are plenty of support options, from clubs at school to community organizations to hotlines to call. All of these resources are out there to help you not just survive but thrive.

​About the 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Kriss (they/them) is planning to attend Hampshire College and is enthusiastic about art. A very creative and imaginative person, “Art is my passion,” Kriss shared.
 
In 2021, Kriss had a solo exhibit at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod and sold pieces of art. In addition, Kriss enrolled in the community ArtWorks program that provides the opportunity to work alongside a local artist mentor, receiving one-on-one instruction and feedback. Kriss relishes art projects because they are “fun, relaxing, stimulating, and challenging.”
 
As a member of the GSA for five years, Kriss has been deeply involved in creating a mural for National Coming Out Day. In 2022-2023, every student anonymously wrote on the mural what sexuality or gender they are. The mural consisted of a rainbow, with the clouds displaying positive messages. This year, the mural was an open book with a rainbow coming out of it. Kriss was instrumental in the design of both art expressions for the school. In addition, Kriss is also part of the school’s orchestra and participates in GWC (Girls Who Code).
 
“I hold informational sessions for those in my school who would like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. I have made presentations about the basics, like how genders/sexualities work, how to refer to someone with different pronouns, and information on the many different flags in our community, many that don’t fall under gender/sexuality. I hope to be able to continue being an active member in the LGBTQ+ community even in college.” Kriss shared.
 
Kriss is internally motivated, strong-minded, inquisitive, and persistent, and an individual whose mission is to live a life of integrity

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Ava (she/her) plans to attend the University of Vermont (UVM) to study Psychology and English. Proudly prolific on human rights issues, she has stood strong and helped organize activities raising social awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2022, Ava with another Barnstable High School (BHS) student, organized and led a schoolwide walk-out in support of women’s right to choose under Roe v. Wade. An estimated 400 students and faculty participated in this event. The protest was managed from a place of honesty and grace. It went very well and gained attention from the local news and media outlets. 
 
“I am a firm believer in the acceptance of every individual,” Ava shared. “Human connection is one of the most important and beautiful things one can experience in this life. What may even top this is the connection someone has within themselves and the confidence in knowing who they are. That’s what we are supposed to do. We are put on this earth to appreciate each other’s differences and learn who we are along the way. There is really no excuse for homophobia,” she added.
 
While at BHS, Ava was a member of the Hope Squad, United Kidz Sports Development Intern and Ambassador, Barnstable Visionary Team, Girls4Game Project Planner, Implementor of Community Mentors, Cultural Carnival, and Green Club President. She has held jobs outside of school, most recently at Mahoney’s Garden Center. 
 
Her passion for learning and outstanding work ethic, along with her commitment to her community, make Ava a strong participant in any situation.

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Lila (she/her) plans to attend Marist College as a Fashion Merchandising student. As an AP Art & Design student and part of the Expressive Arts Club, Lila’s artwork is reflected through Mashpee Middle-High School and where she works outside of school, Duke’s Donuts. Lila is a determined, creative, authentic and motivated individual. She is the President of the Class of 2024, President of the Student Council, and South Shore League All-Star for Field Hockey. She feels strongly about volunteering, mentoring, and giving back to her community. Lila states, “In sports, there is always room for improvement, and I feel like that is why I love them so much. There is always a goal I can work towards just like life…”
 
Lila’s passion for social justice is pervasive in her school activities and in her community. As a member of Peer Leaders, a group of Mashpee students who are trained through the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on issues such as “No Place for Hate,” she has worked to promote inclusion and equity and support all students. Signing the pledge of “No Place For Hate,” Lila’s heart has always been in assisting others beyond herself and these qualities have provided a beautiful path for her today and for her future.
 
Beyond her scholastic and humanitarian efforts, Lila has enjoyed many experiences participating in the Math, English, Art, History, and National Honor Societies. Lila joined the GSA her sophomore year and has attended the Cape Cod GSA convention many times. On Diversity Day, Lila invited GSA representatives to speak at her school as part of her senior project. “Overall, I have learned so much and gained a lot of confidence through GSA,” Lila shares. ​

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Anna (she/her) plans to attend Northeastern University with a major in biology. She has been involved with sports such as softball (varsity and captain), volleyball, and as a volunteer for the Falmouth Softball Club throughout her high school career. She has even taught youth softball and is a peer tutor in nearly any subject needed. Anna led the student center initiative, served on the student government, is a member of the Hope Squad, and is part of the Spanish Honor Society.
 
 “I have been incredibly fortunate to grow up in a very progressive and open-minded family,” Anna shares. “I needed to become more of an advocate for myself and for others…I have uncovered a passion for being an advocate, which is a skill I carry with me through life. I plan to expand even further with my LGBTQ+ advocacy in college…I hope to use my experience to be a support person…because I know what it is to feel alone,” she added.
 
Anna is kind, compassionate, fiercely competitive, and protective of the people she surrounds herself with. She has known since she was young that she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and refuses to allow the world around her to quelch or shut down who she is at her heart. Anna became involved in her school’s GSA program in her senior year; although she has always been someone people feel comfortable with outside of school asking for help.

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​​Written by Darby Hobbs, author and volunteer

​Congratulations to Kriss, Ava, Lila and Anna for being
awarded PFLAG Cape Cod's 2024 Anne Toran Scholarships!
Our gratitude and well-wishes go out to them as they set out 
to make the world a better, kinder, ​and more inclusive place for all!