2 new scholarships created at Albion Central School

ALBION – Graduating seniors at Albion this year will have an opportunity for two new scholarships. The Board of Education on Monday approved the Evan Ferchen Memorial Scholarship and a scholarship funded by the Knights of Columbus.

Evan Ferchen was 8 when he died on March 27, 2010, two days after heart surgery. Evan was born with Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome.

His family created the scholarship and will give $250 to a graduating senior. The recurring scholarship will focus on seniors who display character and determination, regardless of academic ranking.

“This award will go to someone who tries their best and perseveres, exhibiting diligence and ability to overcome difficulties,” according to the scholarship description. “Conscientiousness and hard-working attitude are also traits which will be considered for this scholarship.”

The Knights of Columbus is giving $200 to a graduating senior for the “Knights of Columbus Council No. 1330 Thomas A. Kirby Memorial.” The recurring scholarship is named for Thomas A. Kirby, an attorney who served as the first grand knight for the Knights of Columbus in Albion. He was an active leader in the organization from 1908 to 1922.

He was also very active in the community and the church. The Knights of Columbus want to award the scholarship to seniors with a 90-plus grade point average who are pursuing college or vocational school. The also want to recognize a graduate who has shown “extraordinary service and dedication to the community” and who helps “those in need who are less fortunate.”

The scholarship will be picked by a committee at the school.