New Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation Award in Memory of Jonathan Farmer

The 2021 Laconia Little League Opening Day was held with all of the traditional ceremonies and excitement in April. Following the traditional parade, opening prayers by Rev. Marc Drouin, a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the opening day speeches from the governor and the mayor, Laconia Little League president, Joe Dee proceeded to inform the gathering that he had a special announcement. He told everyone “We have something very special this year that we would like to announce. Twenty-seven years ago, Jonathan Farmer played baseball right on this field. He was an exceptional player, an unbelievable team leader and a great teammate.” Dee went on to say that Jonathan decided to join the US Army in 2005 and later became a member of the Special Forces. He went on to become a Chief Warrant Officer in the Special Forces and served six overseas combat tours. Jonathan was killed in a suicide bombing by the enemy in 2019 in Syria.

At this point Dee introduced the family members present, and had them stand for recognition by the crowd. Also in attendance were Retired General, Donald Bolduc and Jonathan’s former Laconia Little League coach, Red Charland. Both men spoke to the players and their families about Jonathan Farmer from their personal experience.

Dee continued “He (Jonathan) represented the very best that the City of Laconia has to offer. He was our 1993 Mr. Little League award winner, presented right on this field. In recognition of Jonathan’s contribution to our country and this community, Laconia Little League has established the Jonathan Farmer Scholarship for $1,000 in coordination with the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. This award will be given out annually to a Laconia High School graduate, who has come through the ranks of the Laconia Little League.”

Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation Assistant Director, Amanda Dudek, and Board member Karin Salome were present for the announcement representing the Foundation. Amanda Dudek commented that the criteria mentioned by Joe Dee in his speech would be the guideline for the choice of the candidate for this award. She said that ideally, the Little League board would be looking for someone who was a team player, supportive of his classmates and respectful. A student who had been seen as a hard worker, at home and in school and lastly someone who was generous with his time for others, for good causes and community involvement. These, she said, were the qualities that the Little League board felt best describe Jonathan Farmer. She added that it was a pleasure to be at the ceremonies representing Lakes Region Scholarship and “all of us at LRSF are excited about welcoming this new scholarship to our family of donors.”