Big Dreams, Close to Home: Meet Dean College’s 2026 Local Scholarship Winners

For three local students, the next chapter of their education began just a few miles from home while opening the door to exciting new possibilities. 

Dean College is proud to recognize Catie Odell, Matthew Pellecchia and Reina Batista as recipients of the College’s 2026 local scholarships. Catie received the Tri-County High School Scholarship, Matthew received the Franklin High School Scholarship and Reina received the Hockomock Area YMCA Scholarship. Each student will receive a significant tuition scholarship to attend Dean beginning this fall.

Although their interests range from dance and sport management to law, all three students are eager to challenge themselves, explore new opportunities and begin building futures they can be proud of. 

Finding Confidence Through Dance 

Catie is studying dance at Dean, building upon years of training that have taught her far more than choreography. Through dance, she has developed discipline, confidence, perseverance and a willingness to keep working toward ambitious goals. 

“This scholarship means more to me than just being able to attend college,” Catie said. “It represents an incredible opportunity to pursue something I truly love while making my family proud.” 

For Catie, family has always been central to her story. Her mother, father, stepfather and sister have supported her goals and encouraged her to follow her dreams.

Receiving the Tri-County High School Scholarship has helped relieve the financial pressure associated with college and will allow Catie to focus more fully on her education and development as a dancer. 

“I am thankful to Dean for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to begin this next chapter with confidence,” she said. 

This fall, Catie is looking forward to learning from new faculty, meeting fellow dancers and being part of a community of students who share her passion. 

Taking the First Steps Toward a Career in Law 

For Reina, receiving the Hockomock Area YMCA Scholarship has provided both financial relief and a clearer path toward her future. 

“This scholarship has meant so much to me,” Reina said. “It has shown me that there are people who are willing to take a chance on students and give back to their community.” 

Reina is pursuing pre-law studies at Dean. She is most excited to begin taking concrete steps toward her goals, gaining new experiences and preparing herself for a successful career. 

The scholarship has also eased some of the uncertainty she felt when thinking about where she might be four years from now. 

“It gives me the chance to work toward a highly valued career and build a future that I am proud of,” she said. “I am beyond grateful that Dean College is willing to give students like me the opportunity to thrive, grow and become the best versions of ourselves, not only for where we are right now, but for the futures we are working toward,” Reina said. 

Exploring Every Side of Campus Life 

Matthew arrived at Dean ready to explore an equally wide range of interests. 

He is majoring in Sport Management and hopes to pursue internships that will provide hands-on experience and prepare him for a career in the sports industry. Outside the classroom, however, he is not limiting himself to one area of campus life. Matthew is interested in joining clubs, singing with the College’s Voice Ensemble and working behind the scenes on theatre productions. 

“Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful recognition of the hard work, perseverance and growth that brought me to this point,” Matthew said. “Overcoming challenges has prepared me to thrive, get involved and make the most of every opportunity at Dean.” 

A sports fan who enjoys both watching games and attending them in person, Matthew is excited to connect his interests with his education. He is especially looking forward to the real-world learning opportunities available through Dean’s Sport Management program. 

He is also eager to meet new friends and become an active member of the campus community. In his free time, Matthew enjoys playing video games and spending time with friends. 

Creating Opportunities for Local Students 

Dean College awards the Franklin High School Scholarship, Tri-County High School Scholarship and Hockomock Area YMCA Scholarship annually to eligible local students who have been accepted to the College. 

For Catie, Reina and Matthew, these awards represent much more than financial assistance. They provide the freedom to explore, participate and make the most of college, whether that means stepping onto a dance floor, preparing for a career in law, working behind the scenes in a theatre or gaining professional experience in the sports industry. 

Their college journeys are now underway, and all three students are ready to see where their interests, hard work and willingness to try something new will lead. 

Local high school students interested in being considered for a future scholarship should contact their school guidance counselor for application information. Learn more about scholarship opportunities at Dean College.