However, The Brune Scholarship "is not the
only [one] we give. We're going to give about 45 this year," said
Noreen Santucci, Corresponding Secretary of the Somerville High School
Scholarship Foundation.

There are copious reasons for Evitt's
truly deserving this scholarship. In 2008, the Dartmouth Book Award
came his way. Holding a class rank of 3rd in his class and maintaining
a G.P.A. of 4.48, the senior at Somerville High School will commence
his collegiate experience, as an engineering major. "I am currently
wait listed at the school of my choice, Brown University. If I am
unable to gain admittance there, I will be attending Harvard University
in the fall," he said. In addition, he was accepted to Duke and the
University of Pennsylvania.

Because Evitt excels in Mathematics, he earned the honor of SHS Top Scorer in the New England Math League Competition.

"I
believe my active involvement in my community made me an ideal
candidate for Mr. Brune's scholarship," he said. From a tender age, he
possessed a keen interest in fundraising for local organizations. "I
perceived [that endeavor], as particularly worthwhile, which included
Project Bread and the Somerville Mathematics Fund.  I have raised over
$2,500, specifically for these organizations."

His community
service extends even farther, for he has been very active in "Dollars
for Scholars." For years, he raised over $200, annually, giving his
time in the Walk for Hunger. For eight years on a biannual basis, Evitt
participated in Community Outreach Events for the Historic Preservation
Commission.

After having completed his degree, he envisions
helping others in the classroom. "With hopes of pursuing a career in
teaching, I have been a member of Somerville High School's Future
Teachers of America club for the past two years."

Over the
years, Evitt has accumulated numerous awards, both academically and
athletically. This year, he is serving, as President of the National
Honor Society. He received the Coaches Award and the Captains' Award,
as well as his being chosen as a GBL All-Star in indoor track in 2008.

"Undoubtedly
my favorite activity is running on the school's cross country, indoor,
and outdoor track teams," said Evitt, for which he was chosen as
Captain. Therefore,"Track has been an invaluable part of my high school
career, affording me confidence, [as well as] a strong network of close
friends."

One local non-profit organization, to which he still
gives his time, is the Somerville Mathematics Fund. "They routinely
organize community "Math Nights" at neighborhood elementary schools,
award grants to deserving math teachers, and sponsor generous
scholarships for high school seniors, interested in pursuing math in
college," he said.

How does Brune select the next lucky winner
of his scholarship? On an annual basis, the Somerville High School
Scholarship Committee provides Brune with a list of eight or nine
deserving students, from whom to select the winner of that year's
scholarship.

However, to be considered, students must meet
certain requirements. "The criteria is just being a Somerville High
School student and showing that they're very active in the community,
active in school. Their marks don't have to be top marks, but they need
to qualify for college, or a training school, and that they are of good
moral character," said Brune.

Such volunteer work could include
"a road race for cancer or being a volunteer at the library or the
hospital — helping others."

Although Brune believes that
personality traits are difficult to glean from a simple application,
"You can determine, on paper, just what [students] have done in life.
It kind of shows their personality — getting along with their peers,
possibly being a member of the National Honor Society, possibly being a
captain on one of the sport teams — things that show that they can
get along with their peers."

Additionally, the Somerville High
School Scholarship Foundation's annual drawing was an enormous success
this year, despite the wavering economy. This year, 242 of the 250
available tickets, were purchased for the 2009 raffle. Each cost $100
apiece.

However, "The scholarship raffle has nothing to do with
the Eugene C. Brune Scholarship, expect that I give it through that
organization. I'm a chairman of the $10,000 [annual] drawing that we
have." Every bit of the money, which that organization gathers, is
allocated for prizes or augments the Scholarship Foundation's funds.

"The
Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation was founded in 1990 by
then Headmaster Anthony V. Fedele," according to the organization's
website.

The goal of the foundation is to enable the greatest
number of students to be financially able to attend institutions of
"higher learning." Although Brune did not found it, he was on the
committee, which was responsible for so doing.

The 25th Annual
Eugene Brune Breakfast happened on Sunday, May 3 at Anthony's
Restaurant in Malden. Donations from that event cushion the funds for
Brune's annual scholarship. This year, Evitt's uplifting remarks during
his scholarship acceptance speech, brought the crowd to a standing
ovation.