Published in the July 11, 2018 edition

WAKEFIELD — The first Meghan Burnett Foundation Fly High Softball Tournament Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, August 11. Games will be played at Veterans from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Mapleway from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

This tournament honors Meghan Burnett and will raise funds to support programs she loved. Burnett graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School in the spring of 2018 and passed away shortly after. An avid fastpitch softball star, she was captain of the Wakefield varsity softball team and a Middlesex League All-Star who trained year-round at Planet Fastpitch and competed all over the Northeast for Junior Olympic ASA programs such as the NE Hurricanes and EMass Panthers. Her passion, dedication and commitment to excellence on the softball diamond was unrivaled. 

Meghan Burnett Foundation

MEGHAN S. BURNETT

The Fly High Softball Tournament will benefit the Meghan Burnett Foundation, a scholarship program for Wakefield High students. Eligibility for a Meghan Burnett Foundation scholarship includes: a rising senior planning on attending college; a GPA of 3.5 or higher; a submitted resume which emphasizes being active in school or community activities in addition to softball; a letter of recommendation regarding your attitude and effort and participation in the Fly High Tournament as a player or a volunteer. 

The following is a memorial dedicated to Meghan Burnett found on the Foundation’s website. For more information about the Foundation visit: meghanburnettfoundation.org.

“As an active student, there is no one who could question how dynamic of a young lady she was at WMHS and beyond. She was a trumpet Section Leader in the marching band, she played the viola and was a member of the wind ensemble, she was a diversity leader, a figure skater, a National Honor Society Member and the Tri-M Honor Society for Music, part of the foreign exchange program, and of course an avid fast-pitch softball star.

“The word ‘inspirational’ was chosen as one word to describe Meghan by her coach, her mentor and dear friend Tom Purcell. To be inspirational is to lead by example and encourage others to feel there is something worthwhile in them, something to aspire to become or achieve. This was Meghan Burnett. She had a phenomenal passion for everything she did, she put her heart into everything full force. She helped others feel good about themselves with a huge smile and a huge personality. Her ability to engage people, to teach and to inspire came naturally to Meghan. Whether she was playing the trumpet, teaching a young girl to pitch, or helping a friend when they were feeling down, she did so with her positive encouragement. She was in her element and shined brightest when she was able to lead by example and teach others who wanted to grow. She led with kindness, respect, love and a contagious enthusiasm that made others feel welcome. Meghan was a walking example of acceptance. She brought out the best in everyone she touched. She lived a life of purpose, a life well-lived, and was a young lady we will never forget. The Meghan Burnett Foundation has been created to raise awareness of the importance of living a life as full and special as Meghan did. Through donations and fundraising events, the Foundation will be able to award scholarships to those who lived like Meghan, as well as support programs she loved.”

Donations, sponsors and volunteers needed

The Foundation is now accepting donations and sponsors for the Fly High Tournament, and volunteers are needed. 

Donations can be made online at www.meghanburnettfoundation.org, or can be sent to: Meghan Burnett Foundation, The Savings Bank, 357 Main St., Wakefield, MA 01880.

Prospective sponsors and volunteers can email: weplayformeg@gmail.com for more information.