Since 2007, The Eckhardt Foundation has given over $34,000 in annual scholarships.
How it Started
Celebrating a Memory
Over a decade ago, a scholarship was founded to honor a husband and wife who believed in supporting their community and sharing what they had to offer with those in need. With the help of generous community members, the Paul and Margaret Eckhardt Scholarship has provided two $1,000 scholarships to Norwood High graduates for over 15 years. These students showed a true commitment to their community and demonstrated how a sense of community can create a lasting impact. Over the years the Eckhardt family has expanded, and with that came a new goal. To help grow and support the community that has shaped us all. The foundation hopes to build a strong well rounded community through charitable contributions to local programs and organizations.
Paul & Margaret
Paul Eckhardt was born and raised in Norwood. He grew up on Prospect St, attended St. Catherine’s School, and Norwood Senior High School. Paul was a member of the Men’s Hockey team, Football team, among other extra curricular activities. After school, Paul joined the Air Force. After his service, Paul owned TJ Coughlin Trucking and later went on to work for the Norwood Housing Authority.
Margaret (Foley) Eckhardt was born and raised on Howard St. in Norwood. She was a student at St. Catherine’s and Norwood Senior High School. An active member of the church and community, Margaret is often remembered by her smile. She was honored by the Friend’s of St. Nick with a stone at Norwood Hospital as a “Caring Friend and Co-worker”.
Paul and Margaret (Margie) married, and had 4 children together, settling on Howard St. in the family home. Margie worked in town as a telephone operator, before working at Norwood Hospital on the switch board. Margaret unfortunately passed in 1992, due to a rare form of melanoma.
Paul saw 13 grand-children come through the house on Howard St. He continued to support friends and family in town, and was always good for a laugh or drink. Paul passed in 2004 due to heart complications. He and Margaret established a commitment to community in their family. Their legacy continues in the work done by the foundation, and scholarship in their name.
Directors & Officers
Matt Eckhardt, MSW, LCSW
Graduate of NHS class of 2015, Matt serves as the foundations president. He first gained non-profit experience as a volunteer and later employee of The American Cancer Society. Matt holds a bachelors degree from Salem Sate University, and a Master’s of Social Work from Boston College. Currently, he works providing child and adolescent psychotherapy as a school-based clinician in Boston. Matt is excited to help expand the foundation’s efforts and looks forward to establishing lasting connections in the community.
Kimberly Walsh, Director
Kim Walsh is a grandchild of Paul and Margaret. She studied English and Psychology at Bridgewater State University. Currently Kim works as a Pre-K teacher at St. Catherine’s School. Kim has multiple years of experience in early childhood education and development. She is excited to continue the legacy of her grandparents and supporting the greater Norwood community.
Kaitlyn Lang, M.Ed., Secretary
Kate is a graduate of Norwood High school where she was actively involved in clubs and the Softball team. Kate holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Bridgewater State University. She currently teaches in Norwood Public Schools, and has years of experience in educating and coaching children. Kate is a grandchild of Paul and Margaret, she is excited to support community engagement.
Ellen Feely, MSW, LICSW
Ellen is a graduate of Norwood High School and holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston. She currently works as a child and adolescent therapist in a Boston-area healthcare system. Born and raised in Norwood, Ellen lived in Houston, TX for twelve years. Now back in her hometown, she is committed to supporting the community she loves. She is excited to bring her experience to the Board of Directors.
Andrew Millin, Director
Andrew is a graduate of NHS class of 2015. He studied at George Mason University where he earned a degree in Conflict Resolution. Andrew brings years of campaign and legislative experience. Currently, he serves as Chief of Staff to a Virginia State Delegate. As a long time friend of the family, Andrew is happy to join the Board of Directors, and to provide support to his hometown.
Marybeth Walsh, Treasurer
MaryBeth serves as the treasurer of the Eckhardt Foundation. She is a 2006 graduate from Walpole High School and graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2010 with a degree in Business. MaryBeth currently works as a Financial Analyst at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has supported multiple non-profit organizations over the years, and looks forward to bringing this experience to the foundation.
Katie Lang, Director
Katie graduated from Walpole High School in 2004 and attended St. Anselm college, where she received her degree in Financial Economics. Katie has a background in financial services recruiting and social media management and is currently working as the Executive Assistant in the Foxborough Town Managers office. Katie hopes to help local families by connecting and engaging with local support as she navigates raising a young family of her own with husband Steven Lang.
Mike Carchedi, Director
Mike is a graduate of Norwood High. He received his degree from Stonehill College. For over 30 years Mike worked as a CPA in addition to supporting multiple non-profit organizations. He has over 12 years experience serving on the Board of Directors for United Way of Greater Attleboro / Taunton and as Treasurer of Mansfield Youth Basketball Association. Mike has been a long time friend of the Eckhardt family, he looks forward to supporting the greater community.