Our Mission
The Dr. Frank Croke Memorial Scholarship was established to honor an extraordinary craftsman whose lifetime passion for stage lighting and design left a lasting impact. Our mission is to empower technical theater high school seniors to achieve higher education while upholding Frank's values of innovation, artistry, and community support.
Our Vision
Our vision is to support and help continue the legacy and passion for technical theater within our future craftpeople. Our goal is to attract graduating high school seniors to annually award a winner with a scholarship to be used at their descretion. As we continue to grow we want to ensure the legacy of Frank Croke is honored and remembered.
Our Application Committee
Our team consists of personal friends and familiy of Frank who are motivated and qualified to review applications with the best intentions in mind.
Jennifer Poutre
Founder
Jennifer Poutre is honored to be a part of this project. Jenn is a special education teacher In Springfield MA. Jennifer is mostly seen backstage or as production staff within the theater. She is honored to create this scholarship in honor of Frank Croke who was not only a mentor but also a friend.
Victoria Poutre
Founder
Victoria is a native to Western MA, pursuing art administration at Wagner College. Frank and Tori had met in the early 2010s doing community theater. Victoria is committed to ensuring Frank's legacy is continued and honored by rewarding the graduating seniors, as Frank once did for her.
Damon Gunn
Selection Comittee
Damon is a close long time friend of Frank working together while designing and lighting for the dozens of shows they have worked on together. Damon is still active in the community theater, running the light board and continuing everything he had learned from Frank.
Ed Zelisko
Selection Comittee
Ed Zelisko was a close friend of Frank Croke during their school years together at Holyoke Catholic. Years after high school Frank pursued medicine and their paths crossed again.Ed has been a vital part of this committee, bring with him stories of Frank's early life and summers at Holyoke Catholic, providing a stronger legacy for Frank Croke.
Special Thanks to:
Louise M. Croke
For giving us permission to share his legacy.
Joan Poutre
For her encouragement and stories that remiinded us that Frank touched everyone he met throughout his entire life..