The 11 Foundation: In Memory of Michael Mason

Latest Update

Scholarship Winners Announced!

Winthrop High School (WHS) Seniors Emma Carleton and Russell Mason Nichols have been selected to receive the Michael Mason Scholarships for 2019! The WHS Scholarship Committee selected Emma and Russell because they exhibit the qualities for which Michael was so well known – strong leadership, academic excellence, community involvement, and athletic ability. Russell, who was just 10 years old when his Uncle Mike passed away, has served as Treasurer of the Class of 2019 for seven years, since he was first elected to the role in sixth grade. Russell was a mentor in the high school’s Life Skills Program during his junior and senior years, and he hosted the “Spread the Word to End the Word” assembly during WHS’ Wellness Week this spring. A member of the National Honor Society and several sports teams, Russell will attend the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst in the fall. Emma, a three-sport athlete throughout high school, captained the soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams in her senior year. She’s also the WHS record holder for most goals/points in girls lacrosse. A member of the Student Council and the National Honor Society, Emma will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall to study biomedical engineering. Congratulations and best of luck Emma and Russell!

About Us

Michael Mason

A gifted student athlete, exemplary competitor and unassuming leader, Michael Mason (Mase) was shaped by the town and university he loved so much. Mase possessed a unique combination of charisma, thoughtfulness, loyalty and determination that earned him the respect and admiration of all he touched; family, friends, classmates, teammates, young athletes and fellow coaches.

How we are helping

The 11 Foundation will honor Michael’s kind and generous spirit by providing Winthrop residents and Bentley University students with many of the opportunities and advantages that he enjoyed. To that end, The 11 Foundation will:
• Offer scholarships and directed donations to students and athletes of all ages so they may pursue their athletic, academic and creative passions
• Create and support peer mentoring and training programs in order to cultivate leadership qualities in the town’s youth
• Provide funds to support community enrichment events as a way of strengthening bonds between family, friends and neighbors

Health and wellness focus

Since Michael’s vibrant life ended far too soon, The 11 Foundation will seek to educate the community about the frequently overlooked health issues and concerns of young men and women.