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New Milford Students Win Hank Anderson Memorial Scholarships

Cramer & Anderson presents the Henry "Hank" Anderson Memorial Scholarship.

New Milford High School graduating seniors Nicole Chodack and Dylan Leddy are the recipients of the first Henry “Hank” Anderson Memorial Scholarship.

With Senior Scholarship Night and the Specialty Awards Ceremony cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic, the high school’s 2020 scholarships and awards were announced in Youtube video that premiered June 9.

Cramer & Anderson created the two $500 scholarships this year to honor Founding Partner Hank Anderson, who died in June 2019 at age 101.

They were awarded based on academic performance and community service. Additionally, applicants were required to write an essay describing how they have demonstrated leadership attributes to overcome obstacles in school, the community, or family life.

“Special thanks to our community partners for their continued support of our students,” high school Principal Greg Shugrue said in an email to students and families. “Their scholarships help our seniors in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations while honoring and keeping the memory alive of special people who have made a tremendous impact in our community.”

“Congratulations to Nicole and Dylan,” said Partner Jennifer Collins, who coordinated the scholarships on behalf of the firm. “We were surprised and delighted to receive nearly 40 applications—and more than impressed by the caliber and polish of New Milford High School’s graduating seniors. Nicole and Dylan truly stood out, and we wish them the best of luck as they transition to college.”

See Our 2018 Interview With Hank Anderson

Cramer & Anderson Founding Partner Henry B. Hank Anderson Memorial Scholarship

The son of a dentist from outside Pittsburgh, Hank Anderson came to Connecticut to attend Wesleyan University. As he was studying for a Master’s Degree, World War II intervened and he joined the Navy in June 1941.

He quickly rose in the ranks and was posted to the USS Bunker Hill in the South Pacific. On May 11, 1945, as the aircraft carrier supported the attack on Okinawa, it was struck by two kamikaze pilots, killing nearly 400 sailors. Only days later, Anderson was on the USS Enterprise when it was attacked by a kamikaze pilot, killing 14.

Anderson returned to his studies after the war, working on his Master’s Degree at Wesleyan and simultaneously on a University of Connecticut law degree. He earned both degrees on the same day in June 1948.

Returning to western Connecticut, where he had put down roots, Anderson found a position with a fellow Wesleyan graduate, Attorney Harry Bradbury. In 1950, he joined with Attorney Francis S. Ferriss to create the firm Ferriss and Anderson. Cramer & Anderson was formed in 1962.

Hank Anderson died at age 101 on June 22, 2019, at home in Brewster, Mass., on Cape Cod, where he lived with his wife “Bunny” (Theresa Virginia). To learn more about Hank Anderson, see a story about his life published in the Greater New Milford Spectrum, and his obituary published in The News-Times.

memorial service for Hank Anderson was held in September 2019 at the First Congregational Church of New Milford. Partners Art Weinshank and Randy DiBella spoke on behalf of the firm, remembering his professionalism, devotion to the law, heroism in World War II, and broad range of interests.

About Cramer & Anderson

Our regional law firm serves clients from six offices in western Connecticut, offering a warm, hometown sensibility and a worldly outlook in nearly 20 practice areas ranging from Estate Planning and Elder Law to Workers’ Comp, Personal Injury, Social Security Disability, Immigration Law, and more.

Our attorneys are working both remotely and in our offices by observing proper sanitizing and social distancing measures. We are able to meet with clients in person, by taking appropriate precautions, or work with clients using technology such as Zoom, as well as connecting by phone and email. To learn more, see our website at www.www.crameranderson.com or call the New Milford office at (860) 355-2631.

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