COLONIE — Graduating seniors of Colonie Central High School in the South Colonie Central School District gathered in their school auditorium on the evening of Thursday, May 19, for an annual awards ceremony to honor outstanding student achievements—and to present scholarship awards to help those students continue their educations after graduation.
Students were recognized for academic achievement, extracurricular excellence and meaningful community involvement. Eighty-two seniors received President’s Awards for consistently demonstrating academic excellence, integrity and leadership or for showing outstanding improvement in the face of unique obstacles; band, chorus and orchestra members were commended for outstanding contributions to their departments; thespians, artists and athletes were all recognized. Smartly dressed seniors, and their families, applauded as they acknowledged each other’s contributions and accomplishments over the last four years.
During the course of the awards ceremony, more than $200,000 was awarded to graduating seniors to help relieve some of the burdens of an expensive college education. More than a hundred students received some kind of financial assistance, often provided by local community members and businesses through organizations such as the South Colonie chapter of Dollars for Scholars—given out in memory of loved ones or recognizing specific achievements or goals.
This year, several seniors received multiple scholarships for demonstrating excellence in various scholastic fields. Top recipients included John Cogan, a President’s Award for Academic Achievement recipient who won 11 scholarships totaling $5,150, including several for humanitarianism, citizenship and community service; Christina Tran, who earned $4,400 through nine scholarships in music, language and student involvement, was also honored for being one of six students with a cumulative GPA above 98 percent; and Haleigh Zeilman, for her contributions to the community, “good heart” and educational goals received six scholarships totaling $4,000 to help her achieve those goals.
Now in its 13th year, the South Colonie Dollars For Scholars organization awarded $27,750 to outgoing seniors through 51 scholarships—bringing the total amount of scholarship money that has been provided by the program to South Colonie students to more than a quarter of a million dollars. “It’s a great organization,” said Frank Mauriello, an Albany County legislator who sits on the South Colonie Dollars for Scholars board and was on hand to present the awards to students during the ceremony. “I’m a board member,” he continued, “because, when my daughter graduated from Colonie Central High School, she received, I think, three Dollars for Scholars awards and I was just really impressed with the organization.” The extra money, he said, allowed his daughter to focus more on her education during her first year of college—and now she is an educator herself. “It really gave her a jump start toward her college degree.”
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars is a chapter of a national organization called Scholarship America that serves as a parent to more than 500 locally-based volunteer-staffed non-profits around the country. It began as the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA) and was founded in 1958 by Dr. Irving A. Fradkin in Fall River, Massachusetts, and then incorporated as a national organization in 1961. Fradkin published an autobiography in 2002, in which he wrote that the “purpose and dream” of his organization “is to motivate and inspire our future leaders to give something of themselves back to their communities and their country, so that they can better understand and appreciate the dream of democracy and perpetuate our priceless freedom… to bring about a better, more peaceful and more productive America.” CSFA awarded its first $500 in scholarships in 1961. Since then, the organization has awarded more than $3.3 billion to more than 2 million students.
In a letter from Germany, sent to South Colonie Dollars for Scholars Board Member Mark Rosenholz, Rachel Tenney thanked the organization for the scholarship she received in 2013. “I’m a sophomore Chemical Engineering student at Lafayette College,” she wrote, “a school that has afforded me innumerable opportunities, including my current study abroad experience in Bremen, Germany. Winning the CapCom $1,000 scholarship has impacted my educational experience greatly. In fact, this scholarship helped alleviate some of the financial burden of my college education, making it possible for me to take advantage of opportunities such as study abroad. Over the past semester, I have traveled all over Europe, including Germany, England, the Netherlands, France, Russia, and Croatia, learning a lot about other cultures as well as myself (and trying lots of new food)! I am so grateful for these eye-opening and enriching experiences. Quite literally, I would not be where I am today without the support of scholarships from generous organizations like CapCom.”
“They’ve contributed at least a thousand dollars a year for, I think, ten years or so now,” said Rosenholz, who mentioned that one former recipient recently moved back to the Colonie area and obtained her first mortgage from CapCom. “And so,” he laughed. “It just goes right back around, like a big circle.”
“Last year I approached them about doing an endowment for the incoming kindergarten class,” he continued, “and they immediately agreed.” CapCom provided $500 to be placed in a CapCom bank account until the Colonie Central High Class of 2028 graduates—the funds will be augmented by compounding interest and contributions made specifically to that class over the next 11 years. According to Rosenholtz, they’ve agreed to do the same thing for the class of ’29. “I can’t say enough about the way that they’ve stepped up every year. And we can add to the account any time we want to.” Recipients won’t be chosen this early, Rosenholtz clarified, Dollars for Scholars awards are competitive and are given out based on an anonymous application process and other requirements such as community service or academic achievements demonstrated by the outgoing senior.
“This year, we may send a letter to the families of incoming kindergartners,” said Rosenholtz, who then chuckled. “Along with a new pencil so they can pencil it in—a really sharp one, because it’s a sharp idea!— Parents would be informed about the endowment fund and ways that they can contribute to it over the coming years. One bank account will hold the funds for each class; bookkeeping will be done by South Colonie Dollars for Scholars to ensure that donations go to their intended graduating classes. “We’re really hoping to urge parents and families to consider starting early to fund their child’s college education.”
To that end, Rosenholz recommends that interested parents or loved ones also look into the New York 529 program, a state-sponsored savings program that allows the account balance to grow deferred from both federal and state income taxes, provides tax-free withdrawals for education payments, contains an allowable state income tax credit and allows contributions up to $14,000 per year without triggering federal gift taxes. According to Rosenholz, if one child in a family chooses not to attend college, the account is transferrable.
Tuition prices at public institutions are nearly twice as much as they were only ten years ago and quadruple what they were 20 years ago— so early planning continues to become increasingly important for families who want to prepared their children to succeed without winding up living in tent communities. Rosenholz hopes that, by establishing goals and opportunities earlier, families will also be inspired to work toward those goals and support their children’s educations from the time they enter school.
Dollars for Scholars recipients
The Greg Aidala Knock-Knock Who’s There? Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to a senior planning on attending college for a degree in Theater Arts. Recipient: Ariyanna Chillis
Backyard Fence Future Leader Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to a senior with a strong background in community service and volunteerism, an average of 85 or better, and who will attend either a two or four year college. Recipient: Clare Reilly
Dr. Thomas A. Brown / Cecile B. David Scholarships ~ $400 each
Awarded to three seniors who will be attending a community college or pursuing a degree in social work. Dr. Thomas A. Brown was district Superintendent from 1989 to 2005; Cecile B. David was a long time South Colonie resident and former faculty member and Associate Dean of the School of Social Work at the University at Albany. Recipients: Joseph Harmon, Fatima Jamil and Emily Pinckney
The Michael & Patricia Carey Appreciation Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who has been affected by a diagnosis of cancer for oneself or a family member, and based on an essay, “How Cancer Affected Me.” Recipient: Carly Burns
The Friends of Donna Christmas Science Scholarship ~ $750 each
This scholarship was established by Kitty Foyle and funded with donations from retired South Colonie teachers and friends of Donna Christmas, a former district Science Teacher. It is awarded to one senior female and one senior male outstanding science student intending to study science in college; these students also contributed to school and community. Recipients: Hannah Carrow and George Bushey
CAP COM Federal Credit Union “Making a Difference” Scholarship ~ $1,000
Awarded to a student who has truly “Made a Difference” in his community. Recipient: Seth Prevratil
CCHS Automotive Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior enrolling in the Hudson Valley Community College Automotive Program. Recipient: Joseph Harmon
Colonie Chamber of Commerce Women 4 Women ~ $500
Awarded to a deserving female senior who has made a difference in the South Colonie community. Recipient: Samantha Williams
R. Thomas Faughnan, Jr. Art Student Scholarship ~ $1,000
Awarded to a senior participating in the CCHS Art program who plans to further her education. Based on student essay and art teacher’s letter of recommendation. Recipient: Ida Chen
R. Thomas Faughnan, Jr. Track Athlete Scholarship ~ $1,000
Awarded to a senior track athlete who plans to further his education. Based on student essay and coach’s letter of recommendation. Recipient: Brandon Taylor
Milton L. Flood Boys Football Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior football player and Pop Warner football player. Based on the student’s essay and coach’s evaluation. Recipient: William McCann
Milton L. Flood Girls Basketball Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who is a Girls’ Varsity Basketball player. Based on the student’s essay and coach’s evaluation. Recipient: Hannah Isaacson
Patricia H. Gordon Memorial Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior pursuing higher education in the field of Special Education or Elementary Education and has pursued her love of music as a member of a school-related music group. Recipient: Hannah Fahy
Robert and Patricia Hagan Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who has achieved academic success while overcoming learning obstacles. Recipient: John Cogan
Jamayne Jasewicz Memorial Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to a senior technology student who is also an athlete. Recipient: Jeffrey Cole
Key Club Contribution Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to two seniors who are members in good standing of Key Club. It is based on the number of years in the club, awards won from the club and also New York State Key Club conferences attended and total number of hours volunteered. Also based on an essay of 200-250 words, “How has Key Club affected you?” Recipients: David Altman and Natalia Griffin
Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Marcelle Memorial Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to a senior who displays outstanding effort in Social Studies and who is continuing her education at a college or university. Recipient: Brooke Rangel
Metro Ford Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated academic achievement and is enrolling in college to study business or automotive technology. Recipient: Kalee Waddingham
Justin Mirabile Memorial Scholarship ~ $1,000
Awarded to a senior continuing her education in the technology industry. Recipient: Colleen Barber
Piper Lourinia Memorial Scholarship ~ $500 each
Awarded to two seniors who will be pursuing a degree in the medical field. It is given by the Colonie Fire Company in memory of Piper Lourinia, who passed away this year at a very young age. Piper touched many people’s lives. Recipients: Ella Brownson and Leah Sutherland
Pizza Mare Soccer Scholarship ~ $500
This award was established to honor Pizza Mare, a local business that has been generous in providing pizza to student workers at the Fall and Spring Dollars for Scholars Phone-A-Thons and is awarded to a senior who is a varsity soccer player with an average of 80 or greater who has devoted time and effort to community service. Recipient: Corynn Dziezynski
Pure Adapt Web Technologies Scholarship ~ $500
Pure Adapt, Inc. is locally owned and operated by four Colonie High School graduates from the classes of 1999 and 2000. Pure Adapt designs, develops, markets, and operates e-commerce stores and other websites in an array of industries. Their customer-first focus, web marketing expertise, and efficient business processes have enabled them to become industry leaders in just a few short years. The Pure Adapt Web Technologies Scholarship is awarded to a senior who has an active interest in any area of web technologies. Recipient:Natalia Carmon
Raider Memorial Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a graduating senior pursuing a two- or four-year degree who has given back to the community with a good heart. This award was created from money raised to create a memorial garden for Corey Womack and Justin Mirabile who both died during their senior year at CCHS and to now honor all our alumni and staff who have gone before us to know they will always have a place in our hearts. Recipient: Haleigh Zeilman
David Scaringe Memorial Scholarship ~ $1,000
Awarded to a senior who is pursuing a career in engineering with a secondary interest in music. Recipient: David Altman
Senior Class Executive Committee Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to a senior who is a current Executive Committee member and is pursuing a degree in higher education. Recipient: Meghan Ricciardi
Scholarship Application Program Scholarship ~ $250
Seniors who attended the South Colonie Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Awareness Program in January 2016 were eligible for this scholarship. Additional criteria for selection included community service and volunteer activities. Recipient: Brittany Rice
South Colonie Alumni Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior for exceptional time and effort devoted to community service. It was established in 1998 through a grass-roots effort of individual alumni. Recipient: Clare Reilly
South Colonie Cheerleading Booster Club Basketball Scholarship ~ $250 each
Awarded to two seniors intending to pursue a two or four education. Scholarships are based on community service and an essay, “How has cheerleading affected your life and how will it affect your future plans?” Recipients: Jillian Stey and Amber Waldron
South Colonie Friends of Theatre Arts: Actor and Backstage Crew Theatre Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who is a member of South Colonie Friends of Theatre Arts and has worked in the Theatre program for three years. This student plans to pursue acting or backstage work as a career or hobby. Recipient: Leah Sutherland
Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who has made a difference in his/her community. Recipient: Brooke Rangel
Edward J. Szesnat III Memorial Scholarship ~ $500 per year for four years
Awarded to a senior who is a student athlete or cheerleader and is based on an essay describing a lesson the student learned by playing sports. Recipient: Bellame Bower
Tabner, Ryan & Keniry LLP Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior athlete with an average of 85 or greater who obtained a varsity letter during senior year and will attend a four year college. Recipient: Carolyn Pellegrini
West Albany Italian Benevolent Society & Women’s Auxiliary Italian Language Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who has excelled in Italian I and Italian II with an average of 92 or higher, demonstrates enthusiasm for the Italian language and culture, speaks the Italian language both inside and outside of class, demonstrates community involvement and will attend a two- or four-year college or university. Based on an essay describing how the Italian language has made a difference in life. Recipient: Elizabeth Green
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors Scholarship ~ $500 each
Awarded to two seniors for exceptional time and effort devoted to community involvement and volunteerism. Recipients: Ryan Dongelewic and Andrew Voerg
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars Chapter Scholarship ~ $500 each
Awarded to two seniors for exceptional time and effort devoted to community service and volunteerism. Recipients: Daniel Chesky and Vincent Montuori
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars: Bonnie Bucci Memorial Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior for exceptional time and effort devoted to community service and volunteerism. This award is in memory of May Elizabeth “Bonnie” Bucci, a retired South Colonie kindergarten teacher. Recipient: Jarod Martel
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars McDonald’s Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded to a student for exceptional time and effort devoted to community service and volunteerism. Recipient: Hannah Zeilman
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars: Millie Ferrone Memorial Scholarship ~ $250
Awarded in honor of Millie Ferrone, this scholarship is based on character, strength and determination. Recipient: Maggie McDonald
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars: Robert and Patricia Hagen Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to two seniors who have worked hard, overcome obstacles and given back to the community. Recipients: Eileen Bohen and Elizabeth Comley
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars: Ryan Andi Memorial Scholarship ~ $250
Given in memory of Ryan Andi, who left us too soon, this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a degree in engineering who also ran track. Recipient: David Altman
Lawrence A. Bach Memorial Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior who is currently enrolled in music and has participated in a Colonie Central High School performing group for all four years. Based on an essay describing musical activities, how they have used music to serve the community, and how these experiences will be applied to future plans. Recipient: Christina Tran
Kathie Kirk Patrizio Memorial Scholarship ~ $500
Awarded to a senior with an average of 80 or greater who has devoted time and effort to community service and is pursuing a career in health care or medical research. It is also based on an essay “What or who in your life has influenced you to become part of the healthcare field?” Recipient: Carly Burns
Amy Seyboth Tirador Memorial Scholarship ~ $500 each
Awarded to two seniors currently enrolled in the high school music program who have participated in a musical performing group for all four years in high school and is based on a letter of recommendation from a high school music teacher. Recipients: Dakota Wilkinson and Mark Lo Giudice