As they look back on their own school years with fondness and gratitude, Dartmouth High School alumni paid it forward once again this year.

The Dartmouth High School Alumni Association awarded 22 scholarships to bolster the futures of graduating seniors.

Normally, these scholarships are presented at the annual alumni banquet. 

But just as happened last year, the banquet was replaced May 30 by a presentation of the scholarships outside Dartmouth High School.

Wet conditions caused yet another change from tradition. The ceremony was moved from the school lawn, where it was held under bright conditions last year, to the front of the building.

That gave those distributing and receiving scholarships protection from the elements by the overhang.

Rain or shine, indoors or outside, one constant remains. Alumni are happy to send off the seniors with support from their fellow graduates, and the students and their families welcome the help.

“I really appreciate that the alumni association puts their energy into the upcoming generations,’’ said Pam Paynton.

Her daughter, Mia Paynton, is heading to Syracuse University in the fall with the goal of studying neuroscience. “I’m super excited,’’ about her college plans, she said. But she also knows that the financial demands can be daunting, she said.

The help makes a difference, she said.

“I’m honored that I was chosen,’’ said Grace George, who plans to attend University of Virginia to study biology. Her goal is to become a medical researcher.

“I’m very happy and very proud of her,’’ her smiling father, John George, said. “She has gone all through the Dartmouth schools, from elementary to high school.’’ 

Twins Kristen Medeiros and Kelly Medeiros have yet another thing in common now: Both received alumni scholarships.

They are taking different directions after graduation. Kelly is attending Sacred Heart University and Kristen is going to Northeastern University.

Their reaction to their new journeys reflect the mood of so many graduating seniors. “I’m excited but nervous,’’ Kristen said.

The alumni association began in 1907 and has been involved in many activities, including helping with reunions, maintaining class records and supporting the construction of the new high school.

But their most rewarding activity, according to information presented to the day’s recipients, is the scholarship program.

The program “encourages many students to go beyond the halls of DHS and change the world,’’ members wrote in materials presented  to the recipients. 

Scholarship recipients:

Celeste (Pinheiro) Andrews Memorial: Mya Leonardo, attending Northeastern University

Mary Pineheiro Memorial (Class of 1941): Bianca Almeida, attending Lasell Univerisity, Kimberly Nguyen, attending Northeastern University; Maya Pinto, attending Emmanuel College; Ava C. Rymszewicz, attending Palm Beach Atlantic; Lauren Torres, attending Bridgewater State University.

Ernest C. Frias Memorial (Class of 1946): Ryan Arruda, attending West Virginia University.

Maria R. Frias Memorial: Reese LeConte, attending Johnson and Wales University.

Class of 1964: Michael T. Oswald, attending Bridgewater State University

Janet (Carlson) Gill Memorial (Class of 1947): Mia Clark, attending Wesleyan University; Kaylee Lemieux, attending University of Rhode Island; Kristen Medeiros, attending Northeastern University; Audrey Morin, attending Northeastern University; Logan Piva, attending Penn State University.

Robert Gill Memorial (class of 1948): Myles DeBarros, attending Salem State University; Mitchell Morin, attending Stonehill College.

Warren M. Barclay Memorial (class of 1970): Christian Gwodzdz-Silveira, attending Bristol Community College.

The following scholarships were awarded through the Alumni Association fund-raisers, diners and donations earmarked for scholarships.

Thelma (Wordell) McHugh Memorial (Class of 1925): Sarah Hartman attending Cornell University.

Lillian Amaral Memorial (Class of 1943): Emilia Costa, attending Providence College.

Doris (Davies) Davenport Memorial (Class of 1940): Mia Paynton, attending Syracuse University.

Roman and Natalie (Rodil) Miranda Memorial (Class of 1946): Kelly Medeiros, attending Sacred Heart University.

Grace (Gifford) Brook Memorial (Class of 1954): Grace George, attending University of Virginia