Holley approves new scholarship in honor of John Heise

Photo by Tom Rivers: John Heise gives Holley’s commencement address on June 28, 2014. He was heavily involved with the school district the past 40 years.

HOLLEY – The Holley Board of Education last week gave its approval for a new scholarship in memory of John Heise, who was a long-time school administrator who later served more than a decade on the Board of Education.

Heise, 73, passed away on December 23, 2020. He was fully involved in the community.

“John Heise’s contributions to the Holley Central School District are immeasurable,” said Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent. “From the time he spent here as an administrator starting as the Elementary Principal in 1981, right up until this school year as the vice president of the Board of Education, John’s given so much to the Holley School District and community.”

In addition to serving on the Holley Board of Education, Heise was president of the Holley Rotary Club and a former district governor for Rotary. He also was previously a member of the Holley Village Board and a trustee for the Community Free Library.

He attended numerous school and community events, and liked to brag about Holley students on social media.

The district didn’t set parameters for the scholarship. Heise’s family will work out the details for the selection criteria and the amount of the scholarship. The first scholarship in memory of Heise is expected to be awarded in June at graduation.

“John was a consistent champion for the students of Holley,” Bartalo said. “He was a fixture at all school events from concerts and plays to athletic events and award ceremonies. Through John’s work with the Holley Rotary, he helped many students over the years with scholarships and assistance with whatever was needed, many times, right out of his own pocket. Mr. Heise always wanted the best for the district. He loved and worked on many committees to improve the school system. He also was also Holley’s representative on the Monroe2-Orleans BOCES Board of Education, where he served for well over a decade. John’s generosity and dedication to the students of Holley left a legacy that will never be forgotten.”