More Than a Scholarship: An Evening Celebrating the Curvey Scholar Legacy
By Dr. Bryan Gross
A heartfelt celebration of opportunity, gratitude, and community brought Brewster's Curvey Scholars and their families together for an evening that reflected the extraordinary impact of the Curvey family's generosity.
There were moments of laughter, expressions of gratitude, and more than a few tears as Brewster Academy celebrated its Curvey Scholars on Thursday, October 15. But perhaps the evening's most powerful message came from the students themselves: opportunity has the greatest impact when it inspires us to make a difference in the lives of others.
Among the evening's most moving moments was a reflection from Kaaloni Boisvert ’29 of Wolfeboro, who shared her personal journey to Brewster and the profound impact of receiving a Curvey Scholarship. Her heartfelt remarks moved audience members to tears before she turned her gratitude into a challenge, encouraging everyone gathered to embrace the Curvey family's belief in giving back.
"When I think about what this scholarship has meant to me, I think about so much more than the opportunity to attend Brewster. I think about the people who believed in me and the possibilities I now see for my future," Kaaloni reflected.
The reception also welcomed three new Curvey Scholars into the program: Stella ’30 of North Conway, Lucas ’30 of Center Tuftonboro, and Maite ’30 of Strafford. Returning scholars shared lessons learned, offered advice, and reflected on the relationships and experiences that have shaped their time at Brewster.
Established in 2009 by the Curvey family, the Curvey Scholar Program provides exceptional students from New Hampshire's Lakes Regions with access to a Brewster education through four-year, need-based scholarships. What began as an investment in local students has grown into a remarkable commitment to their futures, including transformative travel experiences through the Curvey Fellowship Program and growing scholarship opportunities with an additional $20,000 annual award for two deserving Brewster students commencing this year.
Although Mr. Curvey was unable to attend this year's gathering, his son, Brewster Trustee Scott Curvey, represented the family with the same deeply personal commitment that has distinguished the program from its beginning. Throughout the evening, Scott engaged warmly with scholars and their families, listening to their stories and witnessing firsthand the impact of his family's generosity. The experience was deeply moving, underscoring the relationships at the heart of the Curvey legacy.
For Lynne Palmer, Brewster's James C. Curvey Endowed Program Director, those relationships are what make the program truly extraordinary. A longtime member of the Brewster community, Palmer works closely with the Curvey family and scholars, providing the continuity, mentorship, and personal attention that have become hallmarks of the program. Her position, established through the family's generosity in 2021, was the first endowed staff position in Brewster's history.
"The Curvey family has always believed that opening the door to an education is just the beginning," Palmer shared. "They care deeply about who these young people become, the experiences they have, and the ways they will ultimately make a difference in the world. Watching our scholars speak with such confidence, gratitude, and purpose is incredibly meaningful. It is a privilege to help carry forward the Curvey family's vision and to witness its impact year after year."
Head of School Kristy Kerin also joined the celebration, recognizing the scholars and the remarkable partnership between Brewster and the Curvey family.
The program is a powerful reflection of Brewster's enduring commitment to access and the principles of the Brewster Model®: recognizing the potential in every student, nurturing meaningful relationships, and providing the support and opportunities young people need to thrive.
As the evening concluded, the message was unmistakable. The Curvey Scholar Program is about far more than financial assistance. It is about believing in young people, opening doors, building community, and inspiring a new generation to extend those same opportunities to others.
And judging by the voices heard that evening, that legacy is in very good hands.
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Learn more about the impact of the Curvey Scholar Programs at Brewster.
