Net Atlantic awards scholarships to Salem and Danvers grads

Amanda Lake of Danvers and Melissa Simons of Salem stand with Net Atlantic CEO Andrew Lutts

Photo courtesy of Net Atlantic

By Justin A. Rice, Town Correspondent

Amanda Lake of Danvers and Melissa Simons of Salem each won $1,500 scholarships in the third annual Net Atlantic scholarship competition.

The Salem-based email service provider’s scholarship is announced each spring to both public and private schools on the North Shore. The criteria include a 3.0 grade-point average or above, leadership qualities, participation in extracurricular activities, strong work ethic and good citizenship within the school and the community. The company collected more than 30 applications and essays from high schools in Salem, Peabody, Lynn, Lynnfield, Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, and Swampscott.

“We are thrilled to recognize conscientious students like Melissa and Amanda who achieved academic excellence," Net Atlantic CEO Andy Lutts said in a statement. “As a local business, we want to encourage youth in our own neighborhoods to continue their studies.
“Meeting both these young women and learning of their ambitions is inspiring. They are truly outstanding students who we know will succeed in college and in life.”

Lake, who will study communications and public relations at Boston University, worked part-time, served as National Honor Society President during her junior and senior years at Danvers High, was yearbook editor, a freshmen mentor, student council member and a member of the World Language National Honor Society.

Simons, who study business at Quinnipiac University, studied music in high school in addition to participating in field hockey and the National Honor Society. Simons was also captained the varsity tennis team, was active in youth-oriented community service, fundraised for a local animal shelter, spoke to elementary school children about the danger of bullying and volunteered extensively with the City of Salem, Temple Shalom and the Lappin Foundation.

“We had a strong pool of qualified candidates for the 2011 Scholarships and the Scholarship Committee had to make some difficult choices,” Jack Crozier, Chair of the Net Atlantic Scholarship Committee, said in a statement. “Amanda and Melissa stood out with their exceptional grades and essays, AP honors, and numerous activities from which they both drew important lessons.”



Justin A. Rice can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com.