2026 Joseph B. Ezhaya scholarship winner announced
Anna Bearce was selected as the 2026 Joseph B. Ezhaya scholarship recipient from a field of applicants.
Bearce graduated this spring from the Waterville High School Class of 2026.
Bearce has fought back from a diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor and surgery, developing a medical condition taking away her ability to walk, talk, eat, and write. While recovering from this, for the past four years, Anna volunteered on Thanksgiving Day, delivering meals, as well as assembling care bags during the holiday season.
She is active in the community, providing local services such as raking leaves, cleaning up trash, and organizing donations for those in need.
Throughout high school, she was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership and dedication. These included serving as a class officer for all four years, participating in the Junior Classical League, Key Clubs, and the green team. Anna was a member of the student council and served as the soccer manager for four years. While a senior, she served as a homeroom buddy, mentoring freshmen. Anna also works part-time at Woodlands Senior Living in Waterville.
Anna plans to attend Thomas College, pursuing a degree in Psychology. She will enroll in its 3+1 program, allowing her to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated timeframe. Her goal is to become a counselor, supporting those facing illness, trauma, or hardship.
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee convenes annually to award the prize to a local graduating senior with an exemplary record of citizenship and community service. Applicants are required to submit an essay on their community involvement, and finalists are interviewed by the Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee.
“We are very pleased to award the 18th annual Ezhaya Scholarship to Anna Bearce,” said Kimberly N. Lindlof, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber and coordinator of the scholarship committee. “The committee chose Anna from an impressive group of accomplished applicants because her dedication to service and leadership truly reflect Joe Ezhaya’s spirit and generosity.”
The scholarship is awarded by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce in memory of Joseph Ezhaya, a dedicated community volunteer, and successful candidates share his interest in citizenship and involvement. Recipients must be graduating from a high school in the Mid-Maine Chamber coverage area and attending post-secondary school in New England. Awardees receive a $750 scholarship after successfully completing one semester with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. This amount will be awarded for up to 4 years, for a total of $3,000.00.
ABOUT THE CHAMBER: Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for business prosperity and regional economic improvement. Its region includes the towns of Albion, Belgrade, Belgrade Lakes, Benton, Branch Mills, Burnham, China, Clinton, Fairfield, Hinckley, Norridgewock, Noth Vassalboro, Oakland, Rome, Shawmut, Sidney, South China, Thorndike, Unity, Vassalboro, Waterville, Weeks Mills and Winslow. For more information on the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, including how to become a member, call (207) 873-3315 or visit www.midmainechamber.com.