Waltham High graduates receive Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship

Two Waltham High School graduates pursuing careers in public safety were awarded the 2026 Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship by BrightBridge Credit Union and its nonprofit arm, the BrightBridge Foundation.

This year’s recipients, Ava Anderson and Colin O’Brien, were recognized for their commitment to serving their community and their plans to study criminal justice in college.

Anderson will attend Endicott College, where she plans to major in criminal justice. Inspired by her family’s ties to law enforcement, including her father, she said she hopes to follow a similar path.

O’Brien will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he plans to study criminal justice and history. He said his career goals were influenced by both his great-grandfather, who served as a Waltham police officer, and his experience witnessing strong community support for police during a critical public safety crisis.

The scholarship, established in 2025, honors the life and legacy of Officer Paul Tracey, a longtime Waltham police officer who was killed in the line of duty in December 2023. Tracey served the city for 28 years.

Recipients were recognized during Waltham High School’s awards ceremony on June 4. BrightBridge Business Development Officer Mike Davis was joined by Tracey’s wife Kristin Tracey, also a Waltham police officer, in presenting the awards. A formal check presentation followed on June 29, attended by the recipients, members of the Tracey family and representatives from BrightBridge.

“Paul meant so much to so many of us throughout the Waltham community,” Davis said in a statement. “Being able to support students like Ava and Colin, who share that same passion for serving others, is incredibly meaningful.”

The scholarship honors Tracey’s legacy by supporting students pursuing careers in law enforcement and public safety. The BrightBridge Foundation, which focuses on education, financial wellness and community engagement initiatives, administers the program.

To learn more about the BrightBridge Foundation and its community initiatives, visit www.brightbridge.com/news.