08/13/2026
Congratulations to Our 2026 Al Fuchs Scholarship Recipients: Shay Marie Neary and Nathan DeLima
The Mill River Country Club is proud to announce Shay Marie Neary and Nathan DeLima as the recipients of the 2026 Al Fuchs Scholarship. Following Ty Owens, our inaugural scholarship recipient, and Ella Rothberg, who received the scholarship in 2025, Shay and Nathan continue a tradition that celebrates the exceptional young people who have grown through their experiences at Mill River.
Shay Marie Neary
Shay Marie Neary has established a stellar record of academic excellence, dedicated employment, and community service as a student at Fairfield University. Majoring in Communication within the John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences, Shay maintains an impressive GPA and has already been accepted into an accelerated program to pursue her Master’s degree. Her global perspective was further strengthened through a semester studying abroad at Fairfield’s Florence campus in Italy.
Beyond the classroom, Shay brings an impressive passion for the arts and her community. She has 16 years of theater experience, regularly sings the National Anthem at major public events, and is an active member of the Fairfield University Glee Club.
Shay’s strong work ethic and character are also evident in her three seasons of employment as a server at Mill River Country Club. She has earned the respect and admiration of our members and fellow employees for her outstanding character, humility, maturity, and professionalism, particularly in the demanding environment of club service.
Shay also understands the importance of giving back. She regularly volunteers alongside her grandmother at both the Ronald McDonald House and the Spooner House shelter, demonstrating a genuine commitment to helping others and strengthening her community.
Nathan DeLima
Nathan DeLima is an exceptionally accomplished student and leader who has demonstrated an outstanding record of academic excellence, military dedication, leadership, and community service.
As a freshman at the University of New Haven, Nathan maintained a stellar overall GPA, earning a place on the prestigious Dean’s List during both the Fall and Spring semesters. While pursuing his studies in Computer Science, Nathan has simultaneously embraced significant leadership responsibilities through both the Army National Guard and Army ROTC.
His dedication and performance in ROTC have been exceptional. Nathan earned the #1 ranking on the University of New Haven’s merit list, the #7 ranking in his statewide battalion, and the highly selective Superior Cadet Decoration Award for the 2025–2026 school year.
Nathan’s commitment to leadership began well before college. As a member of the Civil Air Patrol, he developed valuable leadership and civic engagement skills, including the opportunity to speak directly with Connecticut Senators and Representatives on Legislation Day.
Perhaps most impressive is Nathan’s ability to balance these many commitments. While maintaining a demanding academic schedule and completing rigorous ROTC training, he has also successfully worked two jobs including two seasons at Mill River Country Club, demonstrating the determination, responsibility, and work ethic that have become hallmarks of his character.
Continuing the Legacy of Al Fuchs
The Al Fuchs Scholarship honors academic excellence, leadership, character, and service—qualities that Shay and Nathan exemplify in their own unique ways. Their accomplishments reflect not only their individual talents and determination, but also the values that the Mill River community strives to foster in the next generation.
As Al Fuchs himself once said:
“Success means leaving a place better than you found it.”
— Al Fuchs
Shay and Nathan are doing exactly that. Through their dedication to their education, their commitment to service, their leadership, and their contributions to Mill River, they are already making a positive impact on the communities around them.
This achievement is made possible by the generosity and spirit of our members, who ensure that opportunities like the Al Fuchs Scholarship continue year after year. Because of you, this scholarship does more than help fund an education—it builds futures, strengthens community, and carries forward the values that define Mill River Country Club.
Congratulations to Shay and Nathan and Ella and Ty who are both still part of the ongoing program, and thank you to our Mill River members for making the Al Fuchs Scholarship a living legacy of opportunity, community, and pride.
