Melrose Alliance Against Violence Honors Legacy of Joan Bell with Inaugural Memorial Scholarship

The Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 21 was a very special night for the Class of 2026 and a very special night for the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV). Alongside the celebration of the soon to be MHS graduates, MAAV was grateful to have the opportunity to honor the memory of Joan Bell, MAAV’s beloved former board president of over twenty years, who passed away unexpectedly  last year.

To honor Joan Bell’s kindness, humor, and fierce dedication to youth programming and prevention, MAAV launched the Joan Bell Memorial Scholarship last fall. The award is intended to recognize Student Action Board members who embody her caring, generous spirit.

Before announcing this year’s inaugural recipient, current MAAV Board President Jen Winslow reflected on Joan’s essence and what she meant to those who knew her. “Joan was a pillar of the Melrose community," said Winslow. "She was the kind of person who led by example. She was accessible and kind; she was present, funny, and positive; and she put in the work. Joan had a way of making people feel like they were part of something bigger and that their presence really mattered."

Winslow then announced the scholarship awardee, graduating senior and Student Action Board member Mae Donahue. Donahue was selected for her outstanding commitment to her peers and community. Like Joan, Mae is a leader who shows up consistently, creates connections, and helps everyone feel valued.

MAAV extends its deepest gratitude to Mae Donahue for embodying the qualities of Joan Bell’s spirit and reminding the entire community that showing up and doing good is, truly, how the world is changed for the better.