Meghan S. Burnett Fund

There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains. – Unknown

Meghan was the kind of person who lit up a room and made everyone feel good, just by being there. Teachers and coaches loved her. Even when they lost to her team, opposing coaches couldn’t help but respect the passion and joy she brought to the game. As one of her coaches said, she was “that kid with the million-watt smile!”

Meghan S. Burnett passed away unexpectedly due to complications from surgery on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Massachusetts General Hospital at the age of 18, less than two weeks after graduating from Wakefield Memorial High School.

Meghan was raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of WMHS Class of 2018. She loved all sports, but was an avid softball player, where she excelled in Little League, High School Varsity, and on her U18 Showcase Team. Her plans were to continue her softball career playing D2 ball at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, where she would pursue an education in teaching. She was very knowledgeable about the game which enabled her to run pitching clinics and teach private lessons while still in high school. These experiences led her to discover a love and gift for teaching.

Meghan also loved music. As an active student, she was a trumpet Section Leader in the marching band, played in the Wind Ensemble, and also played the viola. She was selected as a two-year Diversity Leader, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was also a member of the founding class of the Tri-M Honor Society (for music). She loved to travel and really enjoyed the marching band’s trip to Disney World. Her last spring she participated in the WHS Swiss Exchange program, which she referred to as “the best experience of her life.” Meghan also loved figure skating.

Meghan had always led with her heart, so it followed that the best way to honor her memory would be by continuing her positivity and helping others. Her friends established a charitable foundation in her name to provide financial assistance to college-bound students and assist the softball and music programs that were so important to her, and this scholarship fund was established through the efforts of that Foundation.