The Gerard and Wanda Brunet Foundation, a $1.5 million endowment, has given even more Griswold High School students a chance to pay for and attend college.

This year yielded $80,000 in scholarships for the class of 2011, the winners of which were announced in May.

“We’re just very fortunate to have that, especially with budgets as they are,” said guidance director Julie Groene. “It has just been a godsend.”

Two students got a Tier 1 award of $20,000 that can be used all in one year or spread out over time during their secondary education, Groene said.

They are Amanda Armstrong, who will head to Baypath College to study forensics, and Katherine Longhurst, who will go to Worcester Polytechnic University in the fall.

Three students were given Tier 2 scholarships, a one-time award in the amount of $8,000, Groene said.

They are Logan Tonucci, who will head to Eastern Connecticut State University; Brendan Perry, who is off to Norwich University; and Jennifer Pepin, who also will head to Eastern Connecticut State University.

“They’re wonderful, so appreciative and surprised,” Groene said of the recipients. “It’s a real boost to see that.”

Students in each school department were also picked for smaller scholarships out of the remaining $14,000, Groene said.

Students had to apply for the tiered scholarships and must qualify academically and financially, Groene said.

The scholarship, in its second year, was a gift from Wanda Brunet, who died in 2009 at age 87. She had attended Griswold High School but never graduated. The money is a precious gift to the community, Groene said.

“It came to light after she passed and we’re so thankful, it’s an amazing legacy,” Groene said. “It’s only the second year, but it’s changed people’s lives, just to make college a reality.”

Brunet was even given an honorary diploma during Griswold's June 18 commencement ceremony.

"Today we present Wanda Hancin Brunet with an honorary high school diploma from Griswold High School," Groene said during the ceremony. "Thank you, Wanda, for your extraordinary generosity," Groene said. "Congratulations on your high school diploma and best wishes to the Class of 2011."