The William J Flynn Jr Scholarship Fund

As Bob Dylan said, “Don’t criticize what you can’t understand.” Billy Flynn was an educator at Central Middle School for 40 years. He began his career as an English teacher and transitioned into Computer Science as the field emerged. When he was not at the front of a classroom, he traveled the world, spending time in Colorado, Maine, Yugoslavia and Ireland. The memories he made in these places gave him a perspective on the world that not many had, and he used it to forge so many new friendships along his way. He was a gifted storyteller and he had the ability to hear a person’s name and know exactly where they came from, sparking conversations with individuals he otherwise may not have crossed paths with.

The student selected for the William Joseph Flynn Jr. Scholarship is awarded to a student who exemplifies kindness and acceptance. The student should demonstrate an interest in learning about people and customs different from their own, and celebrate those differences with love and harmony. The student should be inclusive and welcoming to others based solely on their character, and not factors like race, gender, socio-economic status, ability and beyond. This scholarship will be awarded annually.

This memorial scholarship fund will also be donating a bench to Central Middle School, in honor of Billy. This will be a place that students, teachers and friends can sit to share stories, conversation and perspectives on the world.