Looking Back and Reaching Forward

AIC sophomore Rose McCaffery has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship named in memory of former State Representative David Vigneault who died in 2018. Rose, who was named the top delegate at AIC’s 79th annual Model Congress in 2019, is majoring in political science and communications.

In addition to being a Dean’s List scholar, Rose has the distinction of being the first person to receive the David Vigneault Scholarship. Vigneault, who lived in Springfield, was a prominent figure when it came to politics in Western Massachusetts.

This scholarship honors former State Representative Vigneault, a dedicated public servant and life-long advocate for social justice. Inspired early in his life, in 1966, he joined the Freedom Riders, driving to Mississippi to witness the registration of Black voters. While there, he was charged with resisting arrest and disturbing the peace.

Rose aspires to go to law school with a dream of becoming district attorney. She said she “loves the idea of running a campaign and the idea of working in public service.”

Congratulations, Rose! Representative Vigneault would be very pleased.