The Scholarship

The Dr. Tom Farrell
Future Leaders of Maine Scholarship

A full-tuition award for the freshman year, given each spring to a graduating Maine high school senior who plans to attend the University of Maine and who exemplifies Dr. Farrell's model of leadership.

Lillian Makowski, 2026 scholarship recipient

2026 Recipient

Lillian Makowski

Foxcroft Academy · Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

Lillian was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Tom Farrell Future Leaders of Maine Scholarship. At Foxcroft Academy, she served as President of her Key Club, Vice President of Student Council, and captained both her varsity soccer and cheerleading teams; she also competed in varsity track and field. The summer before her senior year, she underwent heart surgery at Boston Children's Hospital — an experience that deepened her commitment to a career in healthcare. She has since volunteered at Eastern Maine Medical Center. She will attend the University of Maine this fall, pursuing nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician assistant.

"I'm honored to carry on Dr. Tom Farrell's legacy through this scholarship. It inspires me to continue serving others with kindness, dedication, and respect, just as he did." — Lillian Makowski
"As a nurse myself, I was deeply moved by Lillian's story. To face heart surgery as a teenager, and then to come out of it determined to give that same care to others — that takes a special kind of strength. She's exactly the kind of quiet, resilient leader Tom believed in: someone who lifts others up through service." — Deborah Farrell, Foundation Board Member
Download the Full Announcement (PDF) →

2026 Finalists

Outstanding leaders from across Maine

Jazmin Channon
Dexter Regional High School
Sangerville, Maine
Benjamin Carle
Erskine Academy
China, Maine
Hunter Hale
Schenck High School
Medway, Maine
Ange Viennot
George Stevens Academy
Sargentville, Maine
Gabriella Kahkonen
Brewer High School
Brewer, Maine

Past Recipients

Mya Schildroth, 2025 scholarship recipient

2025 Inaugural Recipient

Mya Schildroth

George Stevens Academy · Blue Hill, Maine

Mya was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Tom Farrell Future Leaders of Maine Scholarship. At George Stevens Academy, she served as president of her student council, was a captain on her basketball, soccer, and softball teams, attended numerous leadership conferences, and received the Principal's Award. She's currently finishing her first year at the University of Maine, with her freshman-year tuition fully covered by the Foundation.

"I would define a great leader as someone who has integrity, organizational skills, puts others before themselves, has great communication skills, and has the ability to inspire others to achieve a specific goal." — Mya Schildroth
"Mya exhibited so many of the leadership qualities we looked for in our applicants. She's exactly the kind of young leader Tom would have wanted to celebrate and support: someone who treats others with compassion, empowers others to be the best versions of themselves, and understands the importance of helping others and giving back to their communities." — Deborah Farrell, Foundation Board Member
Download the Full Announcement (PDF) →

2025 Finalists

Outstanding leaders from across Maine

Shea Abbott
Yarmouth High School
Yarmouth, Maine
Jasmine Royal
Nokomis Regional High School
Newport, Maine
Liam Murphy
Old Town High School
Old Town, Maine
Olivia Leighton
Ellsworth High School
Ellsworth, Maine
Helen Harrington
Oceanside High School
Rockland, Maine

Apply

Want to apply for the scholarship?

Any high school senior in Maine who plans to attend the University of Maine may apply for the Dr. Tom Farrell Future Leaders of Maine Scholarship, which covers full in-state tuition for their freshman year (up to $15,000).

Applicants should demonstrate the kind of leadership skills that Dr. Tom Farrell modeled day in and day out during his fifty-year career in education: someone who treats others with compassion, empowers others to be the best versions of themselves, and understands the importance of helping others and giving back to their communities.

Beyond tuition, we work to connect our recipients with leadership development opportunities, including programs at the University of Maine's Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center.

To apply, tell us about yourself, how you define leadership, what leadership skills you have, and why you'd be a great future leader of Maine.

Apply Now

Applications open March 1 – May 31 each year · The next recipient will be announced in early summer

Ways to Give

Help fund Maine's next generation of leaders.

"What you give away, you keep forever." These words from Dr. Tom Farrell capture the heart of our mission. Your support helps us award scholarships, develop leaders, and build a permanent endowment so this work continues for generations.

Build the Endowment

Every gift goes toward our $400,000 permanent endowment, which will sustain scholarships and leadership development for generations. Suggested giving levels below.

$10,000+
Founding Sponsor

A foundational gift toward the permanent endowment, ensuring the Foundation's work continues for generations.

  • Named recognition as a Founding Sponsor
  • Prominent acknowledgement in foundation publications
  • Customized partnership opportunities
$2,500
Endowment Builder

A significant contribution that helps the Foundation reach long-term sustainability.

  • Named recognition on our donor wall
  • Recognition in our annual announcement
  • Invitation to our annual recipient celebration
$500
Sustaining Partner

A meaningful gift that strengthens the endowment year over year.

  • Recognition in our annual report
  • Thank-you acknowledgement from the Foundation
Any amount
Friend of the Foundation

Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to our endowment goal.

  • Our deepest thanks
  • Acknowledgement in our annual report
Donate to the Endowment

Individual Donations

Every gift makes an impact. You can donate securely online or by mailing a check to: FLMF, 1 Christopher Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

Donor-Advised Funds

If you manage a donor-advised fund, you can recommend a grant to the Future Leaders of Maine Foundation. Checks should be made payable to Future Leaders of Maine Foundation.

Planned Giving

By including FLMF in your estate planning, you can create a legacy that ensures scholarships and leadership opportunities will be available for generations of Maine students.