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 each and 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.
And, our scholarship list continues to grow! In 2018, the Foundation added five new scholarships to their portfolio, bringing the total scholarships managed by the Foundation to thirty-six.
Congratulations to all scholarship recipients…..your achievements make us proud!
This year, the Foundation awarded:
36 scholarships to 54 students totaling:
$87,700
Here are the results of the 2018 scholarships managed and awarded by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.
Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships
These $1500 (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 $1500 each will be presented upon successful completion of one year of college.
This year’s recipients are:
Victor Benjovsky
Hailey Bader
Kaitlin Zwifka
Emma Fox
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:
Sara Hillman
Smith Foundation Challenge
Two $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:
Megan Leight
Samuel Slick
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:
Elisabeth Baker
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:
Allison Graham
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:
Taylor Walczak
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:
Gricelda Maldonado
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:
Nathan Fearby
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:
Miranda Smith
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:
Natalie DiCureia
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:
Noah Wadhams
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:
Hailey Bader
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:
Caleb Pettit
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:
Cassandra Serafin
Emily Caldwell
Gricelda Maldonado
Jasmine Bellines
Hoag Scholarship
TWO $12,500 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 $12,500 over four years and is paid at $3,125 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 recipient is:
Tyler Kast
Richard Daniels
Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship
This $1000 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 $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:
Rylie Lear
The Rex & Marilyn Horton Scholarship
This $750 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 $750 scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Nathan Fearby
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:
Mykailah Roberts
Victor Benjovsky
Noah Wadhams
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 $1,100.
This year’s recipient is:
Jennifer Santiago Garcia
John Panek Memorial Scholarship
This $3250 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 $3250 scholarship will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Justin Robinson
Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship
This $1500 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 $1500 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Riley Seilstad
Masonic Renovation Lodge # 97 Scholarship
This $500 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 $500 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Samantha Hollenbeck
Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship
This $1250 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 $1250 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Riley Seielstad
David R. Long Agricultural Scholarship
This $3000 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 $3000 scholarship was first awarded in 2016 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Justin Robinson
D’Andrea Family Scholarship
This $2500 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 awarded in 2017 and will be administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Rylie Lear
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 year’s recipients are:
Emma Lonnen
Miranda Smith
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 $1,250 scholarships awarded.
This year’s recipients are:
Caleb Pettit
Justin Robinson
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 2018, one $1,500 college scholarship and one $1,000 vocational school scholarship were awarded.
This year’s recipients are:
Noah Goudreau – College
Andrew Moore – Vocational 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:
Allison Graham
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:
Samantha Hollenbeck
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:
Jamelis Mateo
Kelly J. Fairchild Memorial Scholarship
This $550 scholarship is awarded in memory of Kelly Jean Fairchild (Coots), class of 1988. Kelly exemplified the meaning of courage, overcoming obstacles in life with her tenacity to put one foot in front of the other. To be defined by who she was, not by what happened to her in life. Her courage, strength are the cornerstones to her legacy and her memory. In her memory and commemorating her never ending courage, a scholarship has been established by her family. The scholarship will be awarded to a student that best exemplifies from the graduating class their ability to put one foot in front of the other in overcoming adversity in their life. That the struggle is not the definition of them, rather a difficulty that made them a better person…not bitter. This $550 scholarship was first awarded in 2018 and is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Jasmine Ballines
The Sherman Awards
These awards have been established by the Sherman family to honor the legacies of Moses and Margaret Sherman and their years of service in many different ways to the Albion community. The Margaret Sherman Humanities Award is presented to a graduating student whose unique sense of humor aids him or her in church and community service involvement and who has shown proficiency in the humanities, especially Social Studies. The Moses Sherman Music Award was established to commemorate the 25 years of service to the community, church, and school in the field of music by Moses H. Sherman. It is presented to a student who exemplifies the character, dedication, and spirit that this man displayed. These $500 scholarships were first awarded in 2018 and are administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipients are:
Noah Wadhams: Moses Sherman Award
Riley Seiestad: Margaret Sherman Award
The Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship
Benjamin Dennis Kirby was an Albion High graduate, Class of 2014, who tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle accident in his senior year at RIT. Ben followed he motto of his friend, Nick Kovaleski, in that he “Lived With Purpose”. He was self-motivated and challenged himself to do his best: graduating in the top 10 of his class, a member of the National Honor Society, a Scholar Athlete participating in many sports, All-County Band, All-State Chorus, and Drama Club. Ben was a Boy Scout, working hard to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He contributed to his church family and his community. Ben was a kind and caring person, always willing to help someone out and his friends spanned many generations. He always did the right thing. His life was a living example of the Boy Scout Law. Although Ben achieved much in his life, he would never want to be defined by his accomplishments. He was most proud of the award he received for good sportsmanship. This scholarship is intended for someone who is a “good kid”, who may not be a Scout, but best exemplifies the characteristics of the Scout Law that Ben lived by. A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. This $500 scholarship was first awarded in 2018 and is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipients are:
Hunter Albright
Victor Benjovsky
The Scott WhittierMemorial Scholarships
These $500 scholarships are awarded in memory of Scott Whittier to student atheletes planning to attend college. They are funded through the Scott Whittier Memorial Bowling Tournament, held annually at Oak Orchard Bowl. These $500 scholarships were first awarded in 2018 and are administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipients are:
Elisabeth Baker
Caitlynn Snook
Preston Flugel
Noah Goudreau
Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship
This $500 scholarship was established by Dr. George and Iva McKenna to support the dreams of someone pursuing a career in animal care. This scholarship was first awarded in 2018 and is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
This year’s recipient is:
Elida Rodriguez
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!
