Albion Alumni Foundation awards $74K in scholarships
Photos courtesy of Albion Alumni Foundation: These four Albion graduates were awarded scholarships through the Albion Alumni Foundation They include, from left: Shannon Broda, Megan Leight, Sierra Chudy and Skyler Smith.
Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The Albion High School Alumni Foundation takes great pride in making a difference for a lifetime for the Albion Central School District community – alumni, students, teachers, and friends. The main focus of the Foundation is a Scholarship Program that continues to grow and benefit more students every year.
Each year at the Class Night celebration, the Foundation presents scholarships to graduating seniors who meet the criteria of each specific scholarship. These awards provide financial assistance so that our bright young scholars may continue their educational goals and be successful in their future endeavors.
The funding for the scholarships are made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni, as well as individuals or organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during the Class Night event, along with other scholarships that are awarded that evening.
In 2017, the Foundation added seven new scholarships to the portfolio, bringing the total scholarships managed by the Foundation to 31. This year, the Foundation awarded 30 of 31 scholarships to 42 students totaling $74,400.
Here are the results of the 2017 scholarships managed and awarded by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.
Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships
These $1,500 (4) scholarships are awarded in recognition of academic achievement, school and community activities, and potential for future accomplishment. Originally established in memory of those alumni who have given their lives in the service of our country, these scholarships are awarded on behalf of more than 10,000 people around the world that have graduated from Albion High School. Four awards of $1,500 each will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipients are: Shannon Broda, Skyler Smith, Sierra Chudy and Megan Leight.
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship, awarded annually by the Foundation, is made possible through gifts from the Haines family and friends. It is awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and potential for future accomplishment. When possible, preference will be given to a student pursuing a career in international relations or a similar field. An award of $1500 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is Karina Rosario.
Smith Foundation Challenge
Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually by the Foundation to students entering the second year of college. The awards were made possible through gifts from the Edwin J. and Blanche K. Smith Foundation, Inc. All recipients of first-year scholarships from the Alumni Foundation are eligible. Preference is given to students pursuing a course of study in engineering or science.
This year’s recipients are Bethany Bowman and Randal Blacker.
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics, Inc. It is awarded to a student who has shown academic achievement, participation in community and school activities, and potential for future accomplishment. Preference is given to a student pursuing a major in engineering or finance. An award of $1000 will be presented by the Alumni Foundation upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is Samuel Slick.
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship
This $4,000 award is presented by the Foundation in memory of Elizabeth Balcom Smith. Mrs. Smith graduated with the AHS Class of 1939 and was a highly respected family therapist. This scholarship, made possible through a generous contribution from Barbara Balcom, is awarded in recognition of academic achievement, school and community activities, and potential for future accomplishment. An award of $4,000 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is Angela Tarricone.
Golden Performance Award
This $500 award was originally established in 2003 through funds raised by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation as part of Amanda Haines’ and Samantha McGrath’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project and has been continued by the Foundation. It is awarded to a person who has been involved in the performing arts throughout high school. Preference is given to a student who is pursuing further education in the performing arts.
This year’s recipient is Evan Steier.
Jim and Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship
This $500 scholarship has been established by Jim Fraser (Class of 1970) and Susie Glassner Fraser (Class of 1972) to provide financial assistance to students who aspire to enter the healthcare field and demonstrate financial need. This $500 scholarship is administered by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Calandra Prentice.
Dr. Lee Minier Science Scholarship
This $500 scholarship, established in 2008, is in memory of Lee N. Minier, Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Anatomy. Because of Lee’s lifelong thirst for knowledge and for a deeper understanding of the complexities of the universe, this scholarship shall be presented to a senior who demonstrates a true love and respect for the sciences, in particular Biology, Paleontology, Astronomy, and Chemistry. This scholarship is now administered by the Foundation. An award of $500 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is Jared Hollinger.
Sue Salchak Fetzner is pictured with Jared Hollinger, winner of the Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship.
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship was established in 2010 by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation and is given annually to the senior who has shown the greatest achievement in multiple facets of the performing arts at Albion High School. Preference will be given to a student who is continuing a post high school education in the performing arts or a related field (i.e. Music Education, Music Performance, Drama, Theater Arts, Music Business, etc.) The winner will be determine by the AHS music and theater faculty. An award of $1,000 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is Shannon Broda.
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence
This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded annually by the Foundation in recognition of Coach Richard Diminuco, who served as AHS head varsity football coach for 30 years and athletic director for 26 years. It is awarded to an outstanding athlete who displays good character and academic achievement. Preference will be given to a student who will be participating in college level athletics and/or pursuing a career in physical education. An award of $1,500 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is Chanyce Powell.
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship
A $2,500 scholarship, established in 2012, is in memory of Harry W. Salchak, who taught earth science, chemistry, and physics at AHS for 35 years. It is awarded annually by the Foundation. This scholarship was established by Earl and Reva Smith, who lived in the Albion district for 29 years and appreciated his contribution to education, and by the Salchak family in honor of excellence in his life and teaching. It will be awarded to an outstanding graduating senior who demonstrates a passion for the sciences and who will be enrolled in college majoring in and pursuing a career in a science or engineering field. This $2500 award will be presented upon successful completion of the first semester of college.
This year’s recipient is Jared Hollinger.
A.B. “Dick” Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship
This $1,250 scholarship is awarded in memory of Dick Eddy, a community leader, businessman, and Rotarian, who committed his life to the principle of Service Above Self. Established in 2012 by the Rotary Club of Albion, this scholarship is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated a personal commitment to community service and leadership, and displays high potential for future accomplishment. An award of $1250 will be presented upon successful completion of college by the Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Vivian Rivers.
The Nancy Elaine LaGamba Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship has been created in honor of Nancy Elaine LaGamba’s life by her husband, Ron. Nancy was a school teacher in the public school system and lived in the Albion area for over 30 years. Nancy devoted her life to helping all children meet and exceed their educational goals. Nancy was a proud American and she relished any opportunity to express her love for her country. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving Albion High School student who has demonstrated commitment to Albion High, church and community, and self-improvement over the student’s high school career. An award of $1000 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college or trade school by the Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Angela Tarricone.
The Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships
These $2500 (up to 5) scholarships have been created in memory of Kathryn Mahany Kerrigan, who grew up in Albion. Her father, Dr. Paul Mahany, died when Kathryn was only 13 years old and it was the Albion community which stepped in to help her mother raise Kathryn and her brother Paul. With scholarship assistance from the community, Kathryn went on to become a nurse practitioner and nurse mid-wife, with an additional degree in public health. She spent her life helping under-served women and children in areas of greatest need from New York to California. It was her wish to return in some measure the kindness and support that she received when she was growing up in Albion. These scholarships are awarded to seniors based on academic achievement and financial need. Preference will be given to a student who is pursuing further education in nursing and other service-oriented professions. An award of $2500 will be presented to each recipient upon successful completion of one year of college or nursing school by the Foundation.
This year’s recipients are Savanah Wirth, Donato Rosario, Bailey Maier and Mackenzie Luft.
Hoag Scholarship
The $10,000 four-year scholarship was first awarded in 2013. The scholarship has been established by Courtenay and Maurice (Class of 1961) Hoag to provide financial assistance to a student so as to earn a Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemical Engineering and Engineering. The Foundation awards two scholarships annually at $10,000 over four years and is paid at $2,000 per year upon successful completion of each year of college – one for Chemical Engineering and one for Engineering. The recipients must continue in an engineering major over the four-year scholarship period.
This year’s recipients are Joseph Madejski and Celeste Hoffman.
Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship was started in 2014 by the Panek Family Farm through the Albion High School Alumni Foundation. It assists students pursuing an agriculture degree or entering the agriculture industry. The Panek family started farming in 1982 and have been active members of the agriculture community ever since. The Panek family strongly believes in the Albion Agriculture Program and in supporting young people in their pursuit of agriculture careers. An award of $1,000 will be given annually and presented upon successful completion of one semester of college or, for those entering agriculture directly, following a review of career progress after 6 months.
This year’s recipient is Carly Fox.
The Rex & Marilyn Horton Scholarship
This $500 scholarship has been established in memory of Marilyn Horton by Rex Horton and Renovation Lodge # 97 of Freemasons. $500 will be presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a personal commitment to community service. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a career in culinary arts or a vocational trade. This $500 scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Lauren Freeman.
The Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship
This $500 scholarship, established in 2014 by Wayne’s wife and son, is supported by Albion School employees, various musical groups that Wayne was involved in, the Albion Running Club, and family and friends. this is in honor of the memory and legacy of Wayne A. Burlison, a beloved music educator in the Albion School Community. The recipient of this award should be one that reflects the values and behaviors as modeled by Mr. Burlison. With a strong passion for music and the fine arts, he was also a person of integrity and perseverance, believing that all can achieve in ways they hope to grow. He sought to find ways to help others learn, especially when facing adversity. Mr. Burlison loved both the school and his community, showed compassion towards others, and was dedicated and committed to his family. Mr. Burlison was often quoted as having said “Everything we do is a choice, including how we react to the situations around us. What choice will you make?”; as well as “Can’t isn’t a word, try again”. Primary consideration will be given to students that are active in the fine arts or music in high school, and show good academic standing and/or growth. Applicants do not necessarily need to pursue a college degree in music or fine arts, but must state how they will continue to be active in music or fine arts as they attend college. This $500 scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipients are Evan Steier, Samuel Slick and Freeman Lattin.
Samuel Slick accepts the St. Gobain Technical Fabrics Scholarship from Albion Alumni Foundation Board President Chris Haines.
Glassner Family Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2015 by the family of the late Jake and Dorothy (Dottie) Glassner to honor their parents who gave and in return received so much from the Albion community. Besides raising eight children in Albion, their tireless efforts in local government, community and social services, and service clubs were instrumental in making Albion a great place to live, work, and play. The scholarship is made possible through gifts from the Glassner family and is awarded based on financial needs of the student. The annual award is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation and will be a minimum of $500 – this year the award is for $1,400.
This year’s recipient is Kastriot Bela.
John Panek Memorial Scholarship
This $2,000 scholarship was established in 2015 in memory of John Panek by the Panek family. This award will be given to a student that has been very active in Agriculture classes and the FFA and is pursuing a degree in agriculture. John Panek believed that if you work hard and dream big you can achieve whatever you desire. This $2000 scholarship will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Emilie Barleben.
Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Ron Sodoma, Superintendent of Schools and educator in the Albion Central School District for 35 years. The scholarship, made possible through gifts from the Sodoma Family and friends, is awarded to a senior who best demonstrates RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and OPTIMISM. These Character Education Traits were highlighted under Mr. Sodoma’s leadership in the Albion Central School District as it moved into the millennium. To be eligible, a senior must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 80%, and he/she must be pursuing some form of higher education (e.g. trade school, community college, college, or university) after graduation. This $1,500 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Samuel Slick.
Masonic Renovation Lodge # 97 Scholarship
This $750 scholarship has been established by Renovation Lodge #97 through the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, and has been enhanced by a gift in honor of Dick and Mildred Cook. It is presented to a graduating senior who is pursuing any type of training in a medical field. This $750 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Furmanski.
Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship
This $1,250 scholarship has been established by the Rotary Club of Albion in memory of Ed Archbald, a farmer, philanthropist, outdoorsman, and 70-year member of Rotary. It is presented to a graduating senior pursuing a college education who shares Ed’s love for sports, recreational activities, community service, and work experience. This $1,250 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Clara Stilwell.
David R. Long Agricultural Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship was established by the Long and Pritchard families to honor the late David Long. Mr. Long, who graduated with the class of 1961, had a distinguished career in promoting the field of agriculture. The scholarship is awarded to an active member of the FFA who is pursuing higher education in agriculture or a related field. This $2,500 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Emilie Barleben.
D’Andrea Family Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship was created in remembrance of Elio, Albert, Peter, Anita and Ida D’Andrea. It is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated high academic achievement, a love for the Albion community, and a strong sense of personal integrity. This $2,500 scholarship was first awwarded in 2017 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Jared Hollinger.
Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship
This $400 award has been established by family and friends of Brandon Bruski, who was an outstanding art student in high school. An award is given to a senior who has chosen to pursue a degree in Fine Arts. This $400 scholarship was established in 2017 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This scholarship was not awarded in 2017.
The Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor / Community Service Scholarship
“Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well.” That was Ralph Poelma’s quote in the 1934 Albion High School Yearbook. And that’s the spirit with which Ralph and Pearl Poelma lived their lives. Whether it was working hard on their diversified farm into their late eighties, or being actively involved in their church, the Albion Lions Club, Red Cross blood drives, or many other community service opportunities, Ralph and Pearl Poelma were exemplary role models for a positive work ethic, integrity of character, active community involvement, and a genuine concern for others. This scholarship was established in their memory by their family and is administered through the Foundation. It is presented to a senior who has demonstrated in his or her high school years the same important values the Poelmas exhibited in their lives. This scholarship was first awarded in 2017 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation. In 2017, there were two $1000 scholarships awarded.
This year’s recipients are Emily Blanchard and Clara Stilwell.
The Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships
These scholarships have been established in memory of Jake and Anna Vreeburg by their family; instilled in us the value of education, which gives you a jump start in life and provides a safety net toward your future. They exemplified the American dream; our parents emigrated from Holland in 1950, became citizens in 1955, had a sustainable slaughterhouse business by 1960, and also moved into their own home in 1960. After Jake’s death, Anna stayed in Albion to raise her seven children. This is a time for us to give back to the community that provided guidance, friendship, support, and a sense of community. These scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have a strong passion for their chosen field of study and who have demonstrated a commitment to community service. These scholarships were first awarded in 2017 and are administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation. In 2017, one $1,250 college scholarship and one $750 trade school scholarship were awarded.
This year’s recipients are Kari Ashworth – College, and Donato Rosario – Trade School.
The Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship
This $250 scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Inge Hume, a primary school teacher in the Albion Central School District. This scholarship, made possible through gifts from family and friends, is awarded to a graduating senior pursuing a career in elementary education or a similar field. This $250 scholarship was first awarded in 2017 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Carly Fox.
The Robert P. Van Deusen Memorial Scholarship
The Albion Primary School staff, friends, and associates first established this scholarship in June 1983 to to honor Primary School Principal Bob Van Deusen, who served in that role for 23 years, mentoring both the students and teachers in his care. Its value was enhanced in his memory with additional funding from family and friends in 2016. The award of $1,500 goes to a senior who will pursue post-high school education, and who has shown an interest in working with young children; one who has been active in the Scouting program; and whose career goals will deal in a human services field, including teaching or nursing. This $1,500 scholarship was added to the Albion High School Alumni Foundation portfolio in 2017 and will be administered by the Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Evan Steier.
The Moore Family Scholarship Fund
This $500 scholarship is awarded in recognition of academic achievement, school and community activities, and potential for future accomplishment. The scholarship has been established by Ann R. Moore and Robert H. Moore to encourage students to seek higher education. This $500 scholarship was first awarded in 2017 and is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is Katherine Mann.
Again, the Albion HS Alumni Foundation congratulates all scholarship recipients and wishes the best of luck, happiness, and success in all future endeavors!
To help support our scholarship programs:
- You may contribute to our general scholarship fund or give to any specific scholarship by sending in a donation to The Albion High School Alumni Foundation, Inc. at PO Box 345, Albion, NY 14411. Specify “General Scholarship Fund” or the specific scholarship you wish to support.
- Click on the “MyLocker” link on the right hand side of the main page of our web site (www.albionalumni.org) to purchase personalized apparel and gear – a portion of the proceeds goes directly to our General Scholarship Fund
- Click on the “Donate” button on the right hand side of the main page of our web site (www.albionalumni.org) to make a donation via Paypal
- If you would like to establish a NEW scholarship, you may contact us in writing at The Albion High School Alumni Foundation, Inc. at PO Box 345, Albion, NY 14411 or scroll down to the bottom of the web page and use the contact feature to drop us a note.
Thank you to all who support our mission!
