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When Michael Washor passed away in 2017 at the young age of 32, those who knew him wanted to ensure his musical talent and generous spirit would live on through the support of young musicians who share his passion and natural abilities. After Michael's passing, his family established a scholarship in his honor at the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center ("the Met School") in Providence, where Michael was a 2002 graduate.

For several years, the scholarship was funded through donations from family and friends and administered by the Met School, with recipients carefully selected by Michael's family. Now, to ensure the fund's growth and longevity, the Met School, with the blessing of Michael's parents, Jill Diehl and Elliot Washor, has established the Michael Washor Scholarship Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation as an endowed scholarship.

Michael's musical journey began in an unexpected way. His older brother Nate recalls, "I received a guitar for my birthday, and while I was away at college, Mike 'borrowed' my guitar and started playing it. He watched MTV, including lots of Jimi Hendrix music videos; he learned to play 'Little Wing' just by watching Jimi Hendrix." This natural talent was later nurtured by a well-known Rhode Island guitarist, Lou Xifaris, who recognized Michael's gift.

Despite his remarkable abilities, Michael battled to break into the competitive music industry. Throughout his life, he continued to study and play guitar. He attended Wheaton College and URI and went on to work as a computer engineer. His musical pursuits also took him to California, where he recorded as a studio musician and played with notable names in the industry.

"Mike had a true gift with the guitar," says Nate. "But I think there's something that a lot of musicians struggle with—they want to be appreciated. It's a type of genius that we don't really value in our society, aside from the few people that break through."

Beyond his musical talents, Michael is remembered for his warmth and generosity. "He had a big heart; he cared about people...and he'd light up a room. Everybody wanted to be Mike's friend," Nate shares. "He gave love first; he didn't expect it in return. But people loved him...they loved my brother."