top of page

Stephen DeSisto
Memorial Scholarship

Honoring a life filled with laughter and joy

Stephen DeSisto was a bright light in the lives of those who knew him. His humor, kindness, and zest for life made every moment more enjoyable. In his memory, the Stephen DeSisto Memorial Scholarship was established to support students who embody his spirit—those who bring joy to others, show resilience in the face of challenges, and have a passion for making the world a happier place.

Scholarship Details:

  • Award Amount: $1000

  • Eligibility: High school seniors or current college undergraduate students who demonstrate a positive impact on their community through humor, kindness, and perseverance.

  • Application Deadline: April 30th

  • Recipient Notification: June - July

Application Requirements

  1. Application Information

Date of Birth
Month
Day
Year
Multi-line address
  1. Essay (500-750 words)

Share how humor and positivity have played a role in your life. How do you use humor to uplift others, overcome challenges, or bring people together?

  1. Letter of Recommendation

Please share with us one letter from a teacher, mentor, coach, or community leaser who can speak to your character and positive influance.

  1. Video (Optional)

Share with us short 1-2 minute video sharing a joke, funny story, or moment that reflects your personality and love for life. This is optional, submitting or not submitting a video will have no effect on eligibly or selection preference.

Selection Criteria

  • Creativity and authenticity in the essay.

  • Demonstrated impact through humor and positivity.

  • strength of the recommendation letter.

  • Overall alignment with Stephen DeSisto's joyful spirit.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the scholarship, please contact us at grants@msability.org

We look forward to honoring Stephen's legacy by recognizing students who bring light and laughter into the world. Thank you for applying!

Waiver and Release of Liability

In consideration for being potentially considered to participate in programs, events, and or activities sponsored by MS Ability Alliance, I, for myself, my executor, administrators, heirs, and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, hereby waive discharges and covenant not to sue MS Ability Alliance, its management, officers, board members, members, sponsors, licensees, volunteers, their successors, and all for any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, causes of action, losses, or expenses arising out of my participation in the event and any related activities.

I understand that I may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped in connection with my involvement with MS Ability Alliance. I hereby irrevocably grant to MS Ability Alliance, its affiliates, licensees, and collaborators the absolute right and permission to distribute, publish, exhibit, digitize, broadcast, display, reproduce, photograph, videotape or otherwise use my name, picture, portrait, likeness, writings or biographical information (including if applicable, information regarding my disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment), manner or media whatsoever anywhere in the world in perpetuity for any lawful purpose whatsoever, including without limitation, for editorial, educational, promotional, and advertising purposes, for the solicitation of contributions, as evidence in litigation, and for any other purposes in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of MS Ability Alliance. I hereby release discharge and agree to save harmless MS Ability Alliance. and its employees or agents, affiliates, legal representatives or assigns, and all persons acting under its permission or upon its authority, from any liability by virtue of any publication of my likeness, including, without limitation, claims for libel or invasion of privacy. I further agree that MS Ability Alliance. shall be the exclusive owner of all copyright and other rights in such media. I have carefully read this Waiver and Release of Liability and fully understand its contents. I am at least 18 years of age and I am competent to contract in my own name. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a binding contract between myself and the persons and entities mentioned above and I sign it of my own free will. I understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue.

I acknowledge that I am signing this Waiver and Release freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.


Sign below (if under the age of 18, have a parent or legal guardian sign)

Typing your name will be taken as your signature.

Today's Date
Month
Day
Year

If you would like to mail in your application, please download and fill out the PDF below. 

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or information you would like to share! We look forward to chatting with you!

ADDRESS

426 Main Street, Suite One
Stoneham, MA 02180

PHONE

(781) 438-3990

EMAIL

© 2025 MS Ability Alliance. All rights reserved.

Website by Studio623

bottom of page