Deborah A. Highsmith Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deborah Highsmith.

Carlton Highsmith with daughters Alexis and Jennifer.

When Deborah Highsmith passed away in 1991, her husband, Carlton, honored her memory by creating several scholarship funds in her name. In establishing scholarships at institutions with which Deborah was affiliated, Carlton hoped to ensure that future generations would help to carry out her deep commitment to educate children with special needs. Upon the advice of their attorney, the family established one fund at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven instead of creating a private foundation.

An incredibly brilliant and caring person, Deborah was a supervisor of special education in the New Haven school system for 15 years. She was committed to ensuring that teachers utilized the appropriate resources and methods to assist children with speech and hearing difficulties. Deborah was not only devoted to her profession, but she also enjoyed volunteering at her church—Dixwell Avenue United Church of Christ—and helping those who were most vulnerable, such as children and people living with physical disabilities.

For Carlton Highsmith, charitable giving gives him an opportunity to express his appreciation to others who helped him along the way. He credits his grandfather, a North Carolina farmer, as being his role model: "My grandfather was an extremely generous person. He would help anyone who needed his assistance."