MELROSE — After back-to-back sold-out events, Sips for Scholarships returns for its third year on Saturday, October 4 at 7 p.m. at the Bellevue Golf Club. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at mhsfund.org. This event is hosted by the Melrose High School Permanent Scholarship Fund, Inc. The evening promises a lively and flavorful tasting experience featuring craft beer, fine wines and spirits curated by Nasty Nonni’s Wine & Spirits. Guests will also enjoy live music, hearty appetizers, indulgent desserts and a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere.
This year’s event holds special meaning as it celebrates the Ellen Adomunes Herrington Memorial Scholarship, honoring a woman whose life was defined by compassion, service and deep community roots. Ellen Herrington, affectionately known as “Sparky” to her six grandchildren was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and Melrose neighbor. Originally from Dorchester, Ellen built a rich life in Melrose where she worked in local schools, served on the board of the Friends of the Melrose Library and raised two daughters who graduated from Melrose High School.
A proud graduate of the Boston City Hospital School of Nursing, Ellen spent over 40 years caring for children and families, many of those years in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She was known as a “nurse’s nurse”, the kind of professional who always put others first, even volunteering to work holidays so younger colleagues could be home with their families.
In every corner of her life, whether cheering on her grandchildren at hockey games, preparing legendary chicken wings for family gatherings or dancing to Donna Summer at weddings, Ellen radiated warmth and joy.
To honor her legacy, the Ellen Adomunes Herrington Memorial Scholarship was established. This scholarship annually supports a graduating Melrose High School student pursuing a career in nursing, a lasting tribute to Ellen’s lifelong devotion to caring for others.
With limited tickets available, we encourage everyone to purchase early and secure their spot at one of the community’s most popular events. Let’s raise our glasses to support scholarships for the next generation and make a lasting difference together.
About The Fund, The Melrose High School Permanent Scholarship Fund has provided meaningful scholarships to Melrose High School’s graduating class for their post-secondary education since 1961. In the past three years, the fund has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to nearly 675 students. In 2025, we proudly reached a historic milestone by awarding over $547,000 to 228 deserving graduating seniors, our largest award in six decades.
Our Sponsors are vital in ensuring we can provide an unforgettable evening for all. Thank you to Rockland Trust Investment Management Group, Leeman & Gately Realtors, Bell & Izzi Lawyers, LLC, Lucas Law Group, LLC, Pegasus-Design-To-Build, Jenkins College Coaching, Modern Legacy Law Group, Robinson Funeral Home, Ward Hamilton for Melrose Ward 4 City Council, Monica Medeiros Solano & Earle Solano, Robb Stewart for Melrose Ward 3 City Council, D.F. Breen, L.L.C., Certified Public Accountant, Eric Sullivan’s College TestPlan. Btone FITNESS Melrose and BKJ Productions.