Saint Columbkille Partnership School is proud to announce the establishment of the Carolyn Keough Shea Memorial Scholarship, created in June 2025 to honor the life and legacy of Carolyn “Carrie” Keough Shea. The scholarship was made possible through the generosity of her brother, Tom Keough, a current Saint Columbkille grandparent. It celebrates Carolyn’s deep faith, compassion, and lifelong commitment to service. Each year, it will be awarded to graduating eighth-grade students from Saint Columbkille as they enter their first year of high school.
“I know my sister Carrie would be so happy about the opportunity to help deserving students here at Saint Cols through the establishment of this yearly scholarship,” said Tom Keough. “My family and I were so impressed with the first two recipients, Aiden Wheaton-Ware, who embody her core beliefs of family, hard work, community service, and living a Christian life. What truly amazing young people! I am very grateful to the administration at Saint Cols for working with my family to honor my sister’s memory in a way I know she would be touched by. We are very much looking forward to meeting the 2026 recipients!”
Carrie grew up in Jamaica Plain, attending Our Lady of Lourdes School, and later studied at Mt. Saint Joseph Academy in Brighton. Though both schools closed during her lifetime, they instilled in her a love of Catholic education that carried her through Northeastern University and a 44-year career at Norwood Bank.
At Saint Columbkille, one of the core Jesuit values we strive to live out daily is being people for and with others. This value is taught from the earliest years of our 2.9 program to our eighth graders, leading social justice projects. The Keough family’s generosity is a living example of this mission, ensuring that future students can grow in faith, service, and leadership.
One of the first recipients, Aiden Wheaton-Ware, Class of 2025, shared the impact of receiving the award: “During my 12 years at Saint Columbkille Partnership School, I have grown not only as a student but also as a dedicated student-athlete. This scholarship has profoundly impacted both my life and my family’s, easing financial challenges while supporting my journey to train with the Boys U17 Competitive Team at Community Rowing Inc. It has shown me that achieving your dreams is not about being a straight-A student, but about perseverance, passion, and following your heart.”
His mother, Kelly Wheaton, added: “Being awarded this scholarship for Aiden not only relieved a financial burden, but, as a single mom, it also allowed me to avoid taking a second job. This gave me the chance to be more present for Aiden physically, mentally, and academically, while giving him the freedom to be a kid, strive as a student, and follow his passion for rowing. We are truly grateful!”
Saint Columbkille is deeply grateful to the Keough family for their generous support of our students and the continuation of the Catholic educational tradition. As the scholarship grows, so too will the opportunities for students to pursue their passions, live out their values, and carry forward Carolyn Keough Shea’s spirit of faith and service.