2 from Albion among GCASA scholarship recipients

Provided photo – GCASA awarded scholarships this week to three students, from left: Caitlin Malanowski of Albion, Jessica Bukowski of Notre Dame High School in Batavia, and Madeline Gibbs of Albion.

Press Release, GCASA

Each year, GCASA Foundation awards two $1,000 scholarships: one to a Genesee County student and one to an Orleans County student. GCASA Foundation Scholarship was established to support the work of GCASA. The foundation board is committed to the scholarship program, created to help students who will study human services, counseling, or health services.

This year, the selection committee, comprised of two board members, Kathleen Maerten and James Morey, and one past board member, Jason Smith, decided to add an additional Director’s Choice scholarship award in the amount of $250 due to the exceptional applications received.

The committee selected Jessica Bukowski, a senior at Notre Dame High School as the award recipient for a Genesee County student. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Senate, and Mock Trial Team. She also is a competitive gymnast and member of the Varsity swim, diving, softball, and cross country teams. Jessica works as a gymnastics coach and is expected to graduate second in a class of 39 students. In Jessica’s essay, she wrote, “I will study and perform the best I can in my education and then take what I learn to help make at least one person’s life better.” Jessica plans to pursue a degree in Psychology at Canisius College.

Caitlin Malanowski is an Albion Central School senior and the recipient of the award for an Orleans County student. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Albion Marching Band, Women’s Select Choir, and Drama Club. She participates in track and cross country. She also volunteers as a tutor at the Albion Elementary School, helping younger students with reading, writing, math, and science. Caitlin is expected to graduate third in her class of 131 students. Scott Green, High School Counselor, commented in his recommendation letter that Caitlin is someone who leads by example. He said, “I don’t think I can truly express how deserving I believe Caitlin is of this scholarship.” She plans to study Nursing at Elmira College.

The Director’s Choice scholarship was awarded to Albion Central School senior Madeline Gibbs. She has been involved with cheerleading and track throughout high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Interact Club, and Yearbook Club. Madeline volunteers as a tutor in the Elementary School and as a religious education teacher for pre-K and kindergarten children at her church. She also volunteers for Vacation Bible School and Cheerleading Camp. She is expected to graduate 16th out of 131 students. Madeline plans to study Nutrition and Exercise Science at Ohio State University.