Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation awards $85,000 in scholarships to local students
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (June 25, 2021) - The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation held its twenty-first annual community service awards dinner on June 10, awarding scholarships totaling more than $85,000 to fifteen seniors attending both Saratoga Springs High School and Saratoga Central Catholic High School. Awards ranged from $2,500 to the $20,000 Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs Presidential Scholarship.
Established in 1997, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation raises funds to support the post-secondary education and vocational training of graduates from public and private high schools in the greater Saratoga community. The annual awards event, held this year at Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant, is the Foundation’s major fundraiser.
Joyce Ure, Vice President of the Foundation, co-chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee and a member of the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs extended congratulations to scholarship recipients on behalf of the Foundation and noted that each student demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a commitment to community that is the hallmark of Rotary.
“We ask that you build your knowledge and expand your talents so you can serve your future communities by putting the notion of Service Above Self into action,” said Ure in her remarks.
Reina Ceballos, a Saratoga Springs High School student who received this year’s Presidential Scholarship, said of her award: “I am one step closer to my goals in education. I hope to one day help others achieve their goals just as you have helped me.”
Students’ academic performance, extracurricular and work activities, community service and financial need are all considered when reviewing applications. The 2021 scholarship recipients are:
· Ava Dallas, Saratoga Springs High School - Florence Andresen Memorial Scholarship, $2,500.
· Georgia Macy, Saratoga Springs High School - Scott Krulcik Memorial Scholarship, $2,500.
· Lily Rosan, Saratoga Springs High School - Don Lee Scholarship, $2,500.
· Elizabeth Sweney-Benzon, Saratoga Springs High School - William C. Young Scholarship, $2,500.
· Julian Silva-Forbes, Saratoga Springs High School - Scholarship from David Hyde Pierce, $4,000.
· Madeline Slavett, Saratoga Springs High School - Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Edward A Lenz, $4,500.
· Daniel Somoza, Saratoga Springs High School - Cudney Endowed Scholarship in memory of James & Carryl Cudney, $4,500.
· Luke Baringer, Saratoga Springs High School - Scholarship in memory of Rotarian Gerow McLuckie, $5,000.
· Jane Ginley, Saratoga Springs High School - Joseph & Anne Palamountain Memorial Scholarship, $5,000.
· Sakthi Muthukrishnan, Saratoga Springs High School - Endowed Newman “Pete” Wait, Sr. Memorial Scholarship, $5,000.
· Emily Wenke, Saratoga Central Catholic High School - Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Charles V. Wait, Sr., $5,000.
· Jason Zheng, Saratoga Springs High School - Jane A Wait Endowed Scholarship by Adirondack Trust, $5,000.
· Aiden Lambert, Saratoga Central Catholic High School - Philly Dake Memorial Endowed Scholarship, $6,000.
· Amanda Marcolin, Saratoga Springs High School - Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Scholarship, $6,000.
· Reina Ceballos, Saratoga Springs High School - Presidential Scholarship, $20,000
Attendees enjoyed a dinner generously donated by Longfellows and had the opportunity to participate in a raffle with items donated by numerous local businesses and organizations including Northshire Bookstore, Allerdice/Ace Hardware, Café Lena, Stewart’s, Yoga Mandali, Saratoga Olive Oil, Ben & Jerry’s, Impressions of Saratoga, iRun Local, Independent Contractor Supply, Home Depot, Saratoga Candy Co, Skidmore College and Foundation Board Members.
Next year’s award dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
About the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation
The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation invests in student’s potential because everyone deserves the opportunity for a brighter future. Each year, the Foundation receives funds from both the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club and private donors. The Foundation has $2 million in endowed funds, ensuring scholarships in perpetuity for local students. For more information about the Foundation and how to apply for scholarships visit www.saratogaspringsscholarships.org