John W. Hughan Foundation Honors Local Teen’s Legacy
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NORWELL – In communities across the South Shore and Cape Cod, a local foundation is carrying out the vibrant and generous spirit of 14-year-old John Hughan—through music, sports, and acts of service.
Formed in the wake of John's tragic passing in a car accident, the John W. Hughan Foundation is quickly making an impact in the region. The nonprofit’s mission is to support young people in pursuing their passions, especially in areas that were meaningful to John himself: community service, athletics, and music.
One of the foundation’s most tangible projects is an outdoor classroom at Norwell Middle School, an initiative that was originally envisioned by John himself as his Eagle Scout project. Before his passing, he worked closely with his English teacher, who had long hoped for such a space, and brought the idea to life through a formal proposal process. John presented the plan to the school principal, superintendent, and school committee, ultimately gaining full approval. The completed classroom will feature a plaque that reads: “A gift from the John W. Hughan Foundation.”
“All the groundwork is done,” said Allison Hughan, John’s mother and treasurer of the foundation. “Now we’re just waiting for the kids to come together and build the benches for the classroom. That should be finished by the end of August.”
A Youth-Driven Mission
The foundation’s core is grounded in the life John led, one filled with curiosity, compassion, and connection. From trumpet solos at church to lacrosse games, to packing meals for those in need, John was known for his warmth and wide-ranging interests.
“John really enjoyed the food packing with End Hunger New England,” said Allison Hughan.
To carry that effort forward, the foundation is partnering again with End Hunger New England for a food packing event. Scheduled for next week, the initiative will bring together youth sailors and instructors from yacht clubs across Cape Cod. Much of the food packed will stay on the Cape, continuing a legacy of helping neighbors.
Celebrating Life Through Action
In June, the John W. Hughan Foundation hosted its first major fundraiser: a summer birthday bash in celebration of what would have been John’s 15th birthday. Held at the Bass River Yacht Club in South Yarmouth, the event included a cookout, cornhole tournament, and a DJ.
The result? A massive outpouring of community support raising more than $25,000.
“That event, the fundraiser, was for families,” said Hughan. “John had lots of different people from lots of different communities on the Cape and kind of brought those communities together.”
Music and Sports: Pillars of John’s Passion
John's love of music will also be supported through new partnerships. The foundation is working with the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association (SEMSBA) to expand scholarship opportunities for music lessons.
On the sports side, the foundation is supporting youth participation in a variety of athletic activities—soccer, sailing, golf, and lacrosse among them. Whether it’s a round of golf at Eastward Ho or racing sailboats off Cape Cod, the goal is to make access to these opportunities possible for more kids.
John played lacrosse with Laxachusetts and soccer with Mass City and his Norwell town teams. He also enjoyed countless hours on the water, racing Optis and 420s, and dreamed of beating his dad at golf, a goal he once achieved.
Supporting Service Beyond the Family
Although the foundation started with John's personal interests and connections, Hughan says its future lies in expanding that reach.
“We want to make sure that we reach beyond those walls with other organizations that align with our mission and enrich the lives of youth through music, service, and sports,” she said.
Future efforts may include financial support for other Boy Scouts working toward Eagle Scout projects by helping with materials, planning, or mentorship.
“We're definitely open to more people sharing ideas of how we can help either organize things or support things so that kids have these opportunities to do this service work,” Hughan said.
From Tragedy to Momentum
John’s parents, Peter and Allison Hughan, established the foundation shortly after his death, driven by a desire to channel their grief into meaningful action.
“When he passed away, we wanted to make sure that we had a way to honor him,” Hughan explained. “And people want to do something to help, so we set up this foundation and began accepting donations in his memory.”
Despite the emotional weight, the experience has brought them comfort and connection.
“Every day is a challenge when John's not here,” Hughan admitted. “But the foundation itself has been good and I think people are really supportive.”
John's younger sister, Emmeline, also played a special role by designing the foundation’s logo.
The foundation motto is Work Hard. Be Kind. John worked hard for himself and others. John and I spent our summers sailing and he always helped me and gave me advice. I designed the sailboat logo because it not only represents his love of sailing, it also represents his willingness to help others in sports, service, and music. I appreciated how hard he worked at lacrosse, soccer, trumpet, Boy Scouts and sailing. I designed the sailboat logo because on the water, the wind shifts, waves rise, and plans change. Serving others means adjusting course when needed and engaging the community around you-just as a sailor responds to the needs on their own boat and the sailboats around them.
Emmeline Hughan
With its first events already under its belt, the foundation is moving forward with momentum, building new community partnerships and providing ways for youth to engage in the activities John loved.
“Our goal is to continue to provide access to these opportunities for youth to foster this same love and success,” reads the foundation’s mission statement.
Work hard. Be kind.
Those four words guided John in life and now they guide the foundation in his name.