Steven G. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Today, November 8th, we are marking a significant and deeply personal evolution for one of our most cherished community initiatives. Having lost my father in 2024, I am profoundly honored to announce that our annual high school scholarship will henceforth be named in honor of a man who embodied a spirit of lifelong growth through learning: Steven G. Brown. Steve’s dedication to education resulted in him earning two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree in his lifetime, providing him a career as a social worker that touched many lives.
Renaming this scholarship reflects the value I have personally placed on constantly learning, and it is one I want to instill in my children. In this season of transition, this award is our way of ensuring we all live like Steve. College does not always have to be the path you take, but being a lifelong learner is the compass we should all follow. His legacy will continue to support the next generation of students right here in the Parkway area, dedicated to easing the financial burden of high school tuition and helping local families stay rooted in our community as they build their own educational foundations in West Roxbury and, perhaps, beyond.
∞ “Eight is my favorite number.”
Looking back, it’s funny that the original scholarship went out celebrating the number 8. We originally released our scholarship in honor 8 years in business – a number that’s always been my favorite. It was my rugby number in college. It’s the only number that is an infinite loop, forever connected. And, now it has even more meaning – for today is my dad’s birthday (11/8) and we will honor him by renaming this scholarship.
A little bit about my dad, taken from his obituary:
Steven G. Brown, lovingly referred to as Steve, Brownie, Dad, Papa, and Steve Gray, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024 with his family by his side.
Steve was born to Gladys and Thomas Brown in Providence, Rhode Island. His family relocated to Whitman, Massachusetts, where he attended grade school and Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. Steve studied history at Fitchburg State, and returned to school years later to receive a second bachelor’s degree in social work from Bridgewater State, followed by a masters degree in the same from Boston University. Steve worked as an LICSW for the VA Healthcare system, BAMSI, and most recently for a private practice on the Cape. He had a special gift of helping those experiencing substance abuse.
Steve was happily married to Diana (Mancinelli), also of Whitman, his partner in life for 49 years. They raised their children in Bridgewater for 30 years, before moving to their lifelong dream house on a lake in Cape Cod. Steve enjoyed fishing from his dock and being out on the boat with family. He loved family gatherings, attending sporting events for his kids and grandchildren, laughing about classic movies, attending concerts to see his favorite performers, and had a passion for all Boston sports.
Chapman Funeral Home was wonderful to work with, and they even put together a video tribute that you can see here.
Scholarship Details
The theme for our scholarship change every year and this year there is no saying more true than “a picture says a thousand words”. The picture you see above of my dad truly does say a 1,000 words and when we announce the scholarship winner I’ll be sure to note what this picture means to me. Those looking to apply for our scholarship will have to choose a photo that means something to them – it can be of anything! It can be nature, sports, family, friends, an event, a memory, etc. We are asking you to write a caption for your photo, and then explain (in 250 words or less) why you chose that photo and what the photo means to you. There are some requirements you will need to make sure you are following in regards to where you live, GPA, and the school you attend.
💸 If you would like to donate in Steve’s honor to keep his memorial scholarship going, please let us know.
You can email Danielle directly at danielle.obrien@parkway.realestate