Seymour High School Scholarship Funds 

When the Seymour Board of Education transferred its collection of local scholarships to the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) in 2010, the goal was simple but forward-looking: protect these cherished awards and allow them to grow over time through professional investment management so they could eventually become permanent, fully endowed funds.  

Fifteen years later, that vision has become reality for three scholarships that now stand on their own at VCF -- the Eugene Coppola Scholarship Fund, the Clarence Hummel Scholarship Fund, and the Bel Air Water Sports Scholarship Fund.  

“These scholarships have deep roots in Seymour,” said Beth Colette, VCF’s Donor Services Manager. “By bringing them under the Foundation’s umbrella, the school board ensured they would be professionally stewarded and preserved so Seymour students could benefit from them not just for a few years, but for generations.”

All three scholarships reached full endowment status after years of careful stewardship and growth.

The Eugene Coppola Scholarship Fund honors one of Seymour’s most respected educators. Mr. Coppola devoted 42 years to the Seymour school system, serving as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent of schools from 1984 to 2002. Coppola believed every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. He is retired but continues to volunteer in the Valley. The scholarship in his name supports graduating seniors who plan to attend a four-year college and demonstrate financial need, strong academics, and involvement in extracurricular activities.  

The Clarence Hummel Scholarship Fund celebrates the life of a decorated Marine, athlete, and community leader. A 1952 Seymour High School graduate, Hummel was a three-sport athlete at Seymour High who went on to play baseball in college and in the Marine Corps. He later had a 32-year career with SNET and remained active in community service. His family created the scholarship in 2010 at the school, and he passed away in 2019. This scholarship is awarded to a male graduate at Seymour High School who participated in high school sports.

The Bel Air Water Sports Scholarship Fund reflects a unique chapter of Seymour history. The Bel Air Water Ski Club, founded in 1959 along the Housatonic River, became known for its thrilling water-ski shows and strong community spirit. The scholarship gives preference to Seymour High students with financial need who may have connections to the club, and interest in water sports, or ties to the Housatonic River community.