Scholarships

Since 2003, the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society has awarded scholarships to deserving local high school seniors and first-time college applicants who will be pursuing undergraduate education.  Our scholarships began as two modest book awards of $50 each.  Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, they have grown steadily over time.  The AMHS is committed to helping our Portuguese-American community’s youth achieve higher education and to growing our scholarship offerings over time.

In 2026, the AMHS issued six scholarships. The Faial, Pico, and Bela Vista scholarships ($1,500 each) are named after each of our whaleboats. The Dr. Mary T. Vermette Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) honors our founder and her dedication to keep our shared maritime heritage alive.

Memorial Scholarship for Arminda C.N.S. da Silva ($1,000)

In Memory of Jose Pacheco Branco and Clotilde da Rosa Branco ($1,000)

You can help fund these scholarships for our promising local youth. Become a member, make a donation to the scholarship fund, or attend one of our annual fundraising events: the Scholarship Dinner in February and the Sails of Portugal wine tasting in April.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Mary Vermette Scholarship: James Almeida, Dartmouth High School $2,000

The Faial Scholarship: Jane O'Connell, Glastonbury High School $1,500

The Pico Scholarship: Grace Rebello, Bishop Stang High School $1,500

The Bela Vista Scholarship: Diwalny Nunez Hernandez, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School $1,500

In Memory of Jose Pacheco Branco & Cotilde da Rosa Branco: Piper Reis, New Bedford High School $1,000 

Memorial Scholarship for Arminda C.N.S. da Silva: Meghan Costa, Somerset Berkley Regional High School $1,000