On the evening of July 17, CSEA hosted its annual Bernard McCusker Memorial Scholarship Awards Ceremony, honoring 62 students with $1,000 scholarships to support their pursuit of higher education. The event, widely regarded as one of the most meaningful nights of the year for the union, brought together families, members, retirees, elected officials, and staff in celebration of the next generation of scholars.

Stepping in as emcee for the night was Meghan Cahill, a Trustee of the McCusker Scholarship Board and an analytical chemist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station with the P-4 Council. 

In addition to scholarship awards, the evening featured remarks from CSEA President Travis Woodward—himself a former McCusker Scholarship recipient—as well as State Senator Matt Lesser, both of whom praised the dedication of CSEA members and congratulated the recipients on their hard work and promise.

This year we also awarded the Charlie R. White Memorial McCusker Scholarship, created in memory of retired educator and Chapter 431 President Charlie White. Following his passing, Chapter 431 was made aware of a posthumous donation to the McCusker Fund, which the chapter later decided to match. This scholarship was awarded to Logan Stout, the grandson of a Council 400 member.

The event also recognized the many staff, Trustees, judges, and donors who made the ceremony possible. Special thanks were extended to Valeria Lattarulo, CSEA’s Administrative Secretary and the logistical force behind the event. As Cahill noted with affection: “She just does everything, and it all comes out great.”

Once again, this year’s evening marked more than just the awarding of scholarships. It celebrated the enduring bond between generations of working families—and the union values that continue to shape Connecticut’s future.

Visit our McCusker page to learn more about the scholarship, donate and apply for next year's scholarship (starting in February!)