Support for and by Residents

(Rev. 2024 02 08/mcb)

Royalston residents are generous in their support of education - individually and through not-for-profit agencies.  Program grants, scholarships/awards for graduating high school seniors, and a variety of scholarships/awards for adults returning for college, career, and cultural education are available.  Donations are welcome at any time of the year.  Applications are available from each organization, and in many cases, through area high school guidance departments.  Deadlines vary.  Royalston-based organizations supporting education include:
 

The Athol-Royalston Education Foundation "AREF" - An independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) community organization established by a group of supporters of public education in the ARRSD.  AREF provides a permanent fund to support innovative educational programs, partnerships and enrichment activities which are outside of the funding normally provide in the school budget for Athol and Royalston.
   FaceBook Page: Athol-Royalston Education Foundation
   President Joann Deacon - TEL: (978) 249-3408
   E-mail: educationfoundationar@gmail.com

 

The Chet Hall, III Memorial Scholarship - Available to graduating Royalston high school seniors.  The Chet Hall Memorial Scholarship was created in 2014, and honors the ardent supporter of youth athletics and activities, and outspoken member of the Athol-Royalston Regional School Committee.  Scholarships are funded by an annual event at the Royalston Community School, hosted by the Royalston Parent-Teachers' Group, which features a pancake breakfast, raffles, and tee-shirt sales.  For additional information on upcoming fundraising events, check out their Facebook Page.
   Facebook:  RCS Chet Hall Scholarship Pancake Breakfast 
   E-mail:  Jessica Willhite at jwillhite@arrsd.org

 

The Ladies' Benevolent Society of Royalston - The second oldest society on record for continuous service in the Commonwealth of MA, The Ladies' B. provides annual scholarships to graduating high students and adults returning for post-secondary education.  The group raises funds throughout the year and accepts donations.  An annual program guide is published, listing events for the year.  For a copy of the program guide or for scholarship questions, contact Scholarship Committee members:
   Elizabeth Gospodarek at 978-249-0358 or chasegos2@gmail.com
   Theresa Quinn at 978-249-3819 or geokras@aol.com
   Nancy Melbourne at 978-249-8917 or melbournes@verizon.net

   


The Royalston Academy, Inc. - An independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established by the late Katherine Seymour Bullock Cole, to enhance educational and cultural experiences for the children and adults of Royalston.  Academy grants support many events at the Royalston Community School.   The Academy also offers scholarships/academic grants to residents.
   Phone:  978-249-7164 - Chairman Alan W. Bowers

   Phone:  978-249-7164 - Trustee Theresa A. Bowers
   Phone:  978-249-9633 - Trustee Thomas Musco
   Mail:  Royalston Academy, Inc.
             P.O. Box 130
             Royalston, MA 01368

 

The Royalston Cultural Council - A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that meets each October to select recipients for monies from the MA Cultural Council.  Local schools, community organizations, and individuals can apply for grants to provide educational, entertaining, and cultural enhancement programs that benefit Royalston residents.  For additional information and application deadlines, see their website or contact Chair Carla Rabinowicz.
   FaceBook Page: 
 Royalston Cultural Council
   E-mail:  CulturalCouncil@royalston-ma.gov

 

The Royalston Fire & EMS Association - The Royalston Fire Department and Royalston Rescue Squad's non-profit organization is made up of active Department and Squad members, and provides funding to support annual Fire Prevention Training in the Royalston Community School each October.  The Department and Squad also provide station and apparatus tours for groups and individuals.  The Association conducts a number of fundraising events each year, which are listed on their Facebook page.  Donations may be mailed, with checks written to Royalston Fire & EMS Association.
   FaceBook Page:  Royalston Fire & EMS Association

   Mail:  Royalston Fire & EMS Association
             4 Athol Road - P.O. Box
             Royalston, MA 01368

 

The Royalston Parent-Teachers Group (PTG) - A non-profit, support organization for the Royalston Community School (RCS).  All parents and teachers involved with RCS  are members, and community members are welcome to participate.  The PTG holds numerous fundraising activities throughout the year, and supports the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and curricula, and provides funding for in-school programs and field trips.  Follow their very busy schedule of events on Facebook, or call the RCS and leave a message with any questions.
   Facebook: Royalston Community School PTG
   E-mail:  RoyalstonCommunitySchoolPTG@gmail.com
   Phone:  978-249-2900 x109

 

The Royalston Police Association - The Royalston Police Association is made up of active Department members, and provides funding to support the area's most complete D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) programs to children in all grades at the Royalston Community School.   The programs all focus on making wise decisions, avoiding peer pressure, and treating others with respect.  The Royalston Police Department does not conduct fundraising activities, but encourages residents to follow their news and alerts on Facebook.  In addition to donations from individuals and community organizations, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office provides occasional grants from their "Drug Forfeiture & Community Reinvestment Program."  Donations may be mailed, with checks written to the Royalston Police Association.  
   Facebook:  Royalston Police Association, Inc.

   E-mail:  RoyalstonPoliceAssociation@gmail.com 
   Mail:  Royalston Police Association
             4 Athol Road - P.O. Box 131
             Royalston, MA 01368

 

The South Royalston School Reunion Association - A group comprised of anyone who ever taught, was taught, or had children as students in the South Royalston Elementary School. The group gathers on an annual basis.  The South Royalston School Reunion Association offers scholarships/academic grants to residents.
   Phone: (978) 249-8746 - President Luanne (Laroche) Simula