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. Our claim to fame, so to speak, is our scholarship program. 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. Congratulations to all scholarship recipients…..your achievements make us proud!
This year, the Foundation awarded
15 of 16 scholarships to 21 students totaling $25,750!
Here are the results of the 2014 scholarships managed and awarded by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation and a few photos from the Class Night celebration.
Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships
These $1500 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 $1500 each will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipients are:
Kali Benjovsky
Lydia Erakare
Bradlee Driesel
Kourtni Mietlicki
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship
This $1500 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:
Martha Smith
Smith Foundation Challenge
These $1000 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:
Alison O’Hearn
Michael Patterson
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Scholarship
This $1000 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:
Johnathan Warne
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship
This $500 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 $500 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is:
Brett Zicari
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:
Lydia Erakare
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 scholarship is administered by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Julissa Curcie
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:
Jonathan Trembley
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship
This $1000 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 $1000 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is:
Jordan Grimble
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence
This $1500 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 $1500 will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipient is:
Steven Stauss
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship
A $2500 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:
Chloe Christofaro
A.B. “Dick” Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship
This $1250 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:
Abigail Squicciarini
The Nancy Elaine LaGamba Scholarship
This $1000 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:
Taylor Mager
The Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships
These $1250 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 $1250 will be presented to each recipient upon successful completion of one year of college or nursing school by the Foundation.
This years recipients are:
Carley Adamo
Shannan Wells
Jenna Reigle
Alise Pangrazio
Panek Family Farm Acriculture Scholarship
This $1000 scholarship was started in 2014 by the Panek Family Farm thought he 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 $1000 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:
Riley Kelly
Hoag Scholarship
This $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 Degree in Chemical Engineering. The Foundation awards one scholarship annually at $10,000 over four years and is paid at $2,500 per year upon successful completion of each year of college. The recipient must continue in an engineering major over the four year scholarship period.
This scholarship was not awarded in 2014 as there were no chemical engineering applicants. Students pursuing further education in the field of chemical engineering are encouraged to apply for this incredible scholarship in future years.
Photos from the 2014 Class Night Event
AHS Alumni Marissa Olles and Jonathan Doherty represent the AHS Alumni Foundation by passing out cookies and information at Class Night
Shannan Wells receiving one of the Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships from Alec Sherman
Chloe Christofaro receiving Harry W. Salchak Scholarship from Chris Haines
Lydia Erakare receiving one of the AHS Alumni Foundation Scholarships from Chris Haines
Taylor Mager receiving the Nancy Elaine LaGamba Scholarship from Mr. Ron LaGamba
Kourtni Mietlicki receiving an Albion HS Alumni Foundation Scholarship from Angela Atwell
This paper quilt, created by the Class of 2014 when they were in the 8th grade, was on display in the lobby.
Lydia Erakare, senior class president, hands off the gavel to junior class president, Aaron Burnside
Lydia Erakare and Aaron Burnside issue and accept the Jr/Sr Challenge
The Senior Band performs
The Junior/Senior Chorus perform
Again, the Albion HS Alumni Foundation congratulates all scholarship recipients and wishes the best of luck, happiness, and success in all future endeavors!
Posted by Kim Wright Pritt
Photos courtesy of Sue Starkweather Miller
