Virginia Ereshena Scholarship

 

Virginia Ereshena, known as Ginger, grew up in Chaplin and graduated from Windham High School.  She attended ECSU where she received a BA and MA.  She taught Social Studies for 33 years in Windham Middle Schools, first at Kramer and then the new Windham Middle School.  Known as Ms. Ereshena to generations of students, she was a legendary teacher, who formed close and lasting relationships with many of her students.  She brought authentic lessons into her classroom on a daily basis and at times brought those lessons out to the sidewalk.  She honored Willimantic's history by taking her students on walking tours of the mills and architecture of the city.  She often volunteered as a docent at the Windham Textile and History Museum, sharing her passion for history with tour groups.  Throughout her life, Ginger set a high example of civic responsibility.  She was the Vice President of the Windham Federation of Teachers for four years and active in many educational organizations.  Ginger was a member of the Willimantic Lions Club for 20 years and supported all their charitable work.  She was named an Ambassador of Light, a Loyal Shepherd Fellow and spearheaded the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.  She was also recognized as Lion of the Year in 2008.  Ginger was also a prolific runner.  She was a member of the Mohegan Striders racing team from 1981 - 1995.  "Ginnie" and her husband Sam were very active in outdoor sports, enthusiastic travelers and supportive of the local music and arts scene.  She will be remembered for her colorful style, always wearing hats and bows in her hair.  She brought fun and cheer with her matching socks, kind heart and generous spirit.  She was one of a kind and is missed dearly.

 

The Virginia Ereshena Scholarship is sponsored by James and Barbara Lacey.