WORCESTER — The Better Business Bureau of Central New England and its Consumer Education Foundation have announced the five recipients of the 2026 Barbara J. Sinnott Student of Integrity Scholarship.
Now in its 12th year, this annual scholarship honors high school seniors who exemplify ethical leadership, integrity and a commitment to their communities — core values championed by the late Barbara J. Sinnott, former president and CEO of the BBB of Central New England.
This year’s winners were selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 110 applicants from across Central and Western Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their higher education goals.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are: Reid Ohanesian of Ayer Shirley Regional High School; Elizabeth Matheson of Quabbin Regional High School; Estelle Baden of Monument Mountain Regional High School; Benjamin Goodreau of Ludlow High School; and Isabella Sotiropoulos of South Hadley High School.
“I also believe that volunteerism builds character through integrity and empathy,” said Ohanesian. “Through some of my volunteering experiences, I’ve learned to appreciate how different people’s circumstances can be. Working at the local food pantry, Loaves and Fishes, I realized that many people struggle with poverty and food insecurity. It feels good to serve my community and bring some relief. It also makes me appreciate my own good fortune, so I aim to live my life with honesty and generosity.”
“I became a Patrol Leader where I was able to mentor younger Scouts to step outside their comfort zones and build their character in the ways I once had,” said Elizabeth Matheson of Quabbin Regional. … “I was able to foster an environment that not only challenged the younger Scouts but me as well to become the best versions of ourselves and try new things together. Scouting taught me that the most important parts of character building doesn’t come from focusing on yourself, it comes from encouraging others to challenge themselves in as many ways as possible.”
-Better Business Bureau
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