Run Billy Run 2022 on Saturday drew runners and walkers to the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke for a good cause: to support the William J. Boyle Scholarship.
The William J. Boyle Scholarship is awarded to a student from Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy who will be attending Springfield Technical Community College.
The WJB Scholarship was established in 2019 in honor of the late Judge William J. Boyle, who passed away after a difficult yet heroic battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” or ALS.
Two STCC staffers joined the event on Saturday: Maria Fonseca, coordinator of Enrollment Services, and Jessica Vazquez, a clerk in the Admissions Office.
“I think it is extremely important to continue to support community events,” Fonseca said. “Community is engraved in our name as an institution, and it’s our responsibility to show up and support, and what better way to do it than supporting a future STCC student.”
Participants picked up bibs, long sleeve wicking shirts, and were able to enjoy a post-race cookout.
The following is from the Run Billy Run website:
Judge Boyle was a proud Springfield native and graduate of both Putnam (salutatorian, class of 1974) and STCC (class of 1976). Raised by a widowed mother, Judge Boyle and his two brothers sought education as a means to transcend their standing.
Judge Boyle studied the printing vocation beginning his higher education at STCC. He completed additional studies at Western New England University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and his Juris Doctorate.
In his career of more than 35 years, Judge Boyle worked as a prosecutor for the Hampden County District Attorney’s office, established a private practice, served on the Springfield City Council (including two terms as President), and presided over Springfield District Court as its First Justice.
He said in 2017, “Even though we didn’t have money, I always wanted to go to college. And it was a big challenge because there was not scholarships and financial aid like there are today.” This scholarship will honor his legacy and allow a student who may be fighting those same odds have the means to succeed in higher education.
Judge Boyle was an avid runner and the road race was full of various aspects he loved from each of his favorite races – scenic course, live music and a great party!
