Education round-up: Natick High scores 2nd huge donation; Boost from Redhawk Foundation; Internship programs info; Coppellotti in running for Cooke Scholarship; Apply for Leaders Summit

Natick High School receives second huge donation

Natick High School has received a second substantial anonymous donation from a remarkably generous local benefactor. This individual, who previously gifted $110,000 to the NHS Athletics Department, the Science Department, and the Robotics Team at the start of the 2025 school year, has contributed an additional $100,000 specifically to the NHS Athletics Department.

Impact of the donations

The combined $210,000 in donations has already been put to use, providing state-of-the-art equipment and resources across multiple departments, including:

• Athletics Department: state-of-the-art football cameras
• Athletics: golf simulator
• Athletics: large wrestling mat
• Athletics: new scorers’ table for the gym
• Robotics Team: robotics equipment
• Science Department: equipment and resources

So if you see Natick Report editors casually walking around town wearing “Anonymous Donor” t-shirts, please don’t make a fuss. We’re not seeking accolades. Just trying to help out where we can.

Redhawk Foundation boosts NHS groups

Redhawk Foundation has awarded grants to four NHS groups:

• Connections Club—meets weekly after school for fun, organized activities that might include cooking, community service projects, playing games, music activities, participating in the Halloween and Sneaker Prom dances, and more.
• NHS Theatre Boosters—Provides tech week dinners for cast, crew, and pit band; fundraises; supports build days; helps with publicity; and whatever else the Natick High theatre department requests!
• NHS Basketball Boosters
• Organizers of the annual Redhawk Fest—end-of-year event for all students in 9-11th grade to celebrate the hard work they’ve accomplished over the school year.

Founded in 2021, the Redhawk Foundation is a fund of the Foundation for MetroWest, created by a dedicated group of Natick parents looking to give back to their community. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance youth programming in Natick by providing financial support to help cover participation fees, upgrade equipment, and improve fields and facilities.

Check out Natick Report’s scholarships round-up

You don’t need us to tell you that an education beyond high school is expensive. We’ve put together a list of a few organizations that are looking to defray the costs for eligible students.

Don’t see your group’s scholarship information listed? Contact natickreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

Want to sponsor this story? Well, that would be fabulous. Contact natickreport@gmail.com for information

Speaking of which… Natick High’s Coppellotti in running for Cooke College Scholarship

Natick High School student Michael Coppellotti is among 568 seniors across the country to be named semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s selective Cooke College Scholarship Program.

Scholars are selected based on academic ability and achievement, persistence, leadership, and service to others. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to graduate with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 per year to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Cooke Scholars also receive college planning support and ongoing advising.

Recipients will be announced this spring.

Info sessions coming up for internship programs

The Education Cooperative (TEC) offers internships for students interested in an academic or year-round internship. Applications are accepted through April 2026, with internship and field study placements distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply here.

Open to high school students looking for an opportunity to explore a career before entering college or career, students are required to complete 20 (field study) or 60 hours (internship) of shadow or hands-on work during the summer in one of their desired fields of study.

Internship and field study placements are offered in a wide variety of fields. Students are given one-on-one guidance on how to build a resume, boost interview skills and gain confidence in the workplace, all while working alongside professionals.

Interested students and families may attend a free virtual information session on February 11, March 9, or April 2. All sessions will be held from 7pm-8pm, and registrants will be emailed a Zoom link.

Questions: Email Emily Manz at emanz@tec-coop.org.

Apply for the Metrowest Future Leaders Summit

The Better Business Bureau will host the Metrowest Future Leaders Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 4pm-6:30pm, at Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive, Framingham.

The Future Leaders Summit connects students with local business and community leaders for growth, networking, and inspiration. Participants will gain valuable insights into local resources, business finances, and using AI to help streamline processes not steamroll creativity—all in an engaging, student-centered environment.

This is a hands-on experience where Metrowest high school innovators bring their business ideas to life and showcase them at this community expo. This event is for driven high school students (grades 9-12) with a passion for entrepreneurship and a groundbreaking business idea or product.

Applications and event details here.

If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to Danielle Bass, the Community Engagement Manager for the Better Business Bureau at dbass@boston.bbb.org

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