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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (June 10, 2025) – The Council of Chelmsford Schools (CoCS) recently  awarded scholarships to two worthy members of Chelmsford High School’s Class of 2025.

Each spring, the CoCS awards two scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 each, to two graduating CHS seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year college in the fall.

The Council also awards $100 to each of the Chelmsford Public Schools staff members who inspire the recipient essays.

This year’s recipients were Ava Carvalho (Lauren Schulman) and Joe Evans (Tom Peterson).

Lauren Schulman and Ava Carvalho

During its meeting on Wednesday, May 28, the CoCS invited the two scholarship winners to share their essays.

Ava Carvalho

“Many teachers help us to see things from different perspectives and give us new ways to learn, not only as students, but as individuals,” Carvalho said, explaining that she was diagnosed with dyslexia in fourth grade. “School has always been a struggle, and it has been challenging for me to keep up with my peers.”

Carvalho said she met Schulman on her first day of freshman year and has relied on her ever since.

“She provided me with extra help in all my classes, always assisted me with a guiding hand,” Carvahlo said. “And she is one of the main reasons that high school has been a great experience for me.”

More than just a teacher, Carvalho said Schulman is someone she couldn’t picture her life without.

“Being a senior and going to college next year may be challenging, but I know I will thrive because of all the advice and support she has given me throughout the years,” Carvalho said, adding that she will truly miss Schulman. “No matter where life takes me, I know that Ms. Schulman was the reason I got there and I am forever grateful.”

Carvalho will be attending Rivier University in the fall majoring in psychology with a minor in education with aspirations of becoming a neuropsychologist.

Joe Evans

An active member of the CHSTv crew throughout his high school career, Evans said Peterson, the program’s advisor, has played an integral role in his life.

Joe Evans and Tom Peterson

“While each and every one of my teachers at CHS have had an impact on me, I can quite easily determine the teacher of mine that my future would not be the same without,” Evans said, explaining the many times Peterson was there to offer support and encouragement.

Evans said Peterson was also influential from a leadership standpoint.

“When I first started to lead the student crew in individual productions, I would often turn to him the instant something went wrong,” he said. “Eventually, he managed to get it in my head that I needed to trust my crew. When I went to him with a problem the second it arose, it showed everyone on the crew that I didn’t trust their ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.”

Evans credited Peterson with helping to guide his development, vision and passion for live sports production, as well as giving him perspectives and opportunities that very few are lucky to have.

“I would not be where I am today without his influence,” he said.

Evans will be attending college to study sports media and communications and will be working on the production team for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.