Nick Massaro came to the Roaring Fork Valley 58 years ago as a teacher at Basalt High School. In the history of instructors in the valley, Massaro’s name is one that epitomizes the meaning of teacher.

As a teacher, principal, coach, assistant superintendent and superintendent for the
Roaring Fork School District for 33 years, Massaro has given the community one of
its greatest gifts, the gift of education.

To honor his career in the valley, Massaro’s four sons, all graduates of Glenwood
Springs High School, created the Nick Massaro Education Scholarship established
through the Roaring Fork Education Foundation. The scholarship is available for
GSHS seniors who intend to pursue a career in education.

“Obviously, I’m honored and touched by the formation of this scholarship,” Nick
Massaro said. “I’ve always believed, and in fact have preached, that people who had
help with their college expenses have a moral obligation to pay that back in future
generations. It’s so gratifying to see that happen.”

The first scholarship will be awarded to a member of the 2008 graduating class of
GSHS in the amount of $5,000. Scholarship applications and information may be
picked up at the GSHS counseling office. Application deadline is April 22, 2008. The
recipient will be announced on May 22.

“We’re committed to making this the first of many scholarships we’ll award over the
next several years,” said president of the Roaring Fork Education Foundation Mike
Wells. “And who better to hold up as an example than Nick, who spent more than 50
years educating, in one way or another, thousands of students, parents and teachers
in the valley.”

Part of the impetus for the scholarship is the significant and growing need for
teachers in the next five to 10 years. Because of student growth, faculty turnover and
the aging teacher population, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
estimates that the U.S. will need 2.8 million new teachers in the next eight years.

“We are delighted to have this new scholarship for our students,” said GSHS vice
principal Gayla Rowe. “Nick was a mentor at our school for so many years, it’s a
fitting tribute.”

Contributions may be sent to: Roaring Fork Education Foundation, in care of
assistant to the superintendent of the Roaring Fork School District, Shannon Pelland,
1405 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs 81601. Checks should be made out to the
Roaring Fork Education Foundation but contributors should note on the check that
the money is specified for the Nick Massaro Education Scholarship.