Clone of Rett Syndrome Angels Sibling Scholarship 2025

Maria McTernan Sibling Scholarship

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026 (11:59pm)
The Maria McTernan Sibling Scholarship was established in 2020. It is named in honor of Maria McTernan. For more than a decade, beginning in 2003, Maria served as RSAngels’ (known as RSAM at that time) Vice-President of Programming and then as Co-President. It was primarily because of Maria’s determination and effort that RSAngels was granted five entries for charity runners in the 2011 Boston Marathon. Maria chaired the RSAngels Marathon Committee until her passing in 2014. We are honored to offer this scholarship again for a fifth year.

By supporting our families, RSAngels remains true to Maria’s vision. She is greatly missed and in our hearts we hold her close. Naming this scholarship in her honor is a small token of RSAngels' appreciation of her friendship and her dedication to our cause. Maria’s warmth, compassion and sincerity were appreciated by the many families she touched. Maria and her husband Gerry have three children, Lori, their youngest, has Rett Syndrome. Maria was also involved with the Rett community on the national level and worked professionally with an organization for individuals living with disabilities. This scholarship is named in tribute to Maria whose dedication to the disability community serves as an inspiration.

The Rett Syndrome Association of Massachusetts, d.b.a. Rett Syndrome Angels, recognizes the strain that having a child with Rett can put on a family both financially and emotionally. Not only parents and guardians, but siblings of those afflicted with Rett share the daily struggles against Rett Syndrome and make sacrifices to help their brother or sister live a healthier fuller life. In appreciation for all that siblings do for their families, Rett Syndrome Angels is offering between $1500 to $2,500 for financial assistance for continuing education. An announcement will be made by April 15, 2026.
CRITERIA

Read the criteria and instructions carefully prior to submitting your application. The RSAM Scholarship Committee will review all candidates who apply for the RSAM Sibling Scholarship. Applicants MUST meet all of the following criteria.
1.    Have a sibling with Rett Syndrome who lives in New England (MA, CT, RI, NH, ME or VT)

2.    Applicant lives in New England (MA, CT, RI, NH, ME or VT) although may be attending college in another state

3. The applicant shall be in good academic standing in their current high school, college, university, trade school, vocational school or technical program.

4. For the 2026-2027 school year, the applicant shall be enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year undergraduate program at an accredited college or university, or be a full-time student at a trade, vocational or technical program in the United States.

5.    The scholarship must be used for tuition, books, supplies or room and board.

6. Give photograph/video permission to RS Angels to use for promotion and social media.



Family of the RS Angels Board of Directors

are NOT eligible to apply
I have read and understand the criteria listed above*

Yes, I have read the criteria
Personal Information:

(Please enter NA for nonapplicable questions in the form)
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Mobile No. :*

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail :*
Where the confirmation will be sent
Parent/Guardian Information: *

Name (1)Name (2)
Sibling name: *

Sibling's Full Name (diagnosed with Rett Syndrome) D.O.B.
Current or Prior High School:
High School (city/state):*
Cumulative GPA:*
Post High School Info:
Name of Program Applying For (i.e. Major, Minor, Trade):*
Status at time of Application *

I will graduate with a diploma in May/June 2026 and will be starting college or vocational school in the Fall of 2026I am already enrolled in college or vocational school
Current College/Voc School Status:*

AppliedAcceptedCommittedAttending
Name of College/Voc School Currently or Planning on Attending (name/location) :*
Cumulative GPA (if already attending):*
Type of School you will be attending?*

2-Year College4-Year CollegeTrade/Vocational/ Technical Program
Tell us more about you! What activities, hobbies, honors have you received or participated in?*

0/500
Rett Related:
Have you done any community service for any special needs community in the past? If yes, please describe with what organization and your level of participation:*

0/500
In addition to a scholarship, would you like to be consider volunteering your time to help Rett Syndrome Angels?*

YesNo
How did you hear about this survey? (facebook group, website etc)*
Personal Essay:
Please write a 300-500 word essay describing your relationship with your Rett sibling. The topic can be as you see fit such as telling their impact on you or how your education and chosen vocation may impact your sibling and those with Rett Syndrome.

By submitting this application, you give consent to RS Angels to celebrate with you and your family on our social media along with a picture of you with your sibling. (Only your first name and the state you live in will be used)
Essay:*

0/500
Is there anything else you would want the world to know about your sibling?*

0/500
Applicant's E-Signature
By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.
E-Signature:*
Feel free to attach a picture with your sibling(s).

Browse Files

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On behalf of our scholarship committee, we thank you for applying. Please do not contact Rett Syndrome Angels on the status of your application. If, you are selected as a recipient for the scholarship, you will be notified by April 15, 2026.

We respect your privacy and we do not share your information.

If you have any questions regarding this application, please email rettsyndromemassachusetts@gmail.com or call Larry at 339-222-0679. Good Luck from all of us at RS Angels and thank you being a wonderful sibling!!
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Maria McTernan Sibling Scholarship

CRITERIA

Personal Information:

Current or Prior High School:

Post High School Info:

Rett Related:

Personal Essay:

Applicant's E-Signature