The family of the late Liam Hale has established the Liam Kenneth Hale Adventure Scholarship for the Harwood Union Class of 2021. Hale loved Sugarbush. He began skiing in Micro Bears at age 4 and then progressed to Mini Bears, and on to Diamond Dogs, which he continued until the age of 12. At age 10, he started mountain bike camp with his younger brother Joe. He soon began entering mountain bike competitions and did so fearlessly. Family vacations to Cape Cod allowed the Hale brothers to wear their matching Sugarbush T-shirts, prompting newly formed friends on the beach to ask them about skiing. Instead of building sandcastles, Hale built topographical sculptures of ski slopes in the sand.
During the last year of his life, golf became yet another passion of Hale’s, using a set of clubs his father bought for him. After work, he would rush down to the club to play nine holes with the guys. In the fall of 2016, his mother and her closest friends visited him while at work in the bike shop. He posed for a photo with his godmother in front of Gate House Lodge and gave a tour of the grounds, telling stories as he walked. His exposure to so many outdoor sports at Sugarbush made him a confident, adventurous and outgoing young man. His work experience at the mountain taught him responsibility and was a source of pride.
The Liam Kenneth Hale Adventure Scholarship is intended to provide a Harwood Union High School student with the opportunity to learn the skills, virtues and passion that Hale gained during the many days he spent at Sugarbush. Each year students who will be completing their 10th-grade year will be eligible to apply for this scholarship.
The Liam Kenneth Hale Adventure Scholarship recipient will receive a Sugarbush All Resort pass which includes unlimited skiing/riding, golf, mountain biking, health and recreation center access, disc golf, zipline and bungee trampoline, discounted day tickets at Mountain Collective resorts, as well as discounts on lessons, services, retail and food and beverage. A supplemental scholarship is available to help with equipment costs.
The Liam Kenneth Hale Adventure Scholarship application can be found on the Harwood Union High School website or at the school’s counseling office.
