Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation awards $85K in scholarships to local students
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation recently held its 22nd annual community service awards dinner, awarding scholarships totaling $85,000 to 15 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. The Foundation also honored Cindy and Brien Hollowood for their contributions to the community.
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 and all proceeds go to fund future scholarships.
Cindy and Brien Hollowood, who have been longtime, generous supporters of The Saratoga community, helping to make this a better place to live for everyone, spoke about their commitment to Saratoga and to education.
Beth Post, Vice President of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation, extended congratulations to the Hollowoods and to the scholarship recipients on behalf of the Foundation.
“The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. These students demonstrate not just academic excellence, but the same commitment to community that is the hallmark of Rotary,” said Post in her remarks.
Anitza Parilla, a Saratoga Springs High School student who received this year’s Presidential Scholarship, plans to attend Siena College majoring in Chemistry/Pre-Med. Upon receiving her award, she thanked the Foundation and its donors for their generosity.
Students’ academic performance, extracurricular and work activities, community service, and financial need are all considered when reviewing applications. The 2022 scholarship recipients are:
• Robin N’Dolo, Waldorf High School, with plans to attend Concordia University, Florence Andresen Memorial Scholarship, $2,500
• Chase Demick, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Skidmore College, Scott Krulcik Memorial Scholarship, $2,500
• Cole Shattuck, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend University of Northwestern Ohio, William C .Young Scholarship, $2,500
• Molly Egan, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Harvard University, Don Lee Scholarship, $2,500
• Kiera Unverzagt, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend SUNY Brockport, Pierce Scholarship, $4,000
• Crystal Fierros-Garcia, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Cazenovia College, Endowed Scholarship in honor of Edward A. Lenz, $4,500
• Elena D’Addio, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Emmanuel College, Cudney Endowed Scholarship in memory of James and Carryl Cudney, $4,500
• Makenna Welfley, Saratoga Springs High School and SUNY Adirondack’s Early Scholars Honors Program, with plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology, The Endowed Newman “Pete” Wait Sr. Memorial Scholarship, $5,000
• Quinn Weaver, Saratoga Central Catholic High School, with plans to attend the University of New England, The Endowed Scholarship in honor of Charles V. Wait Sr., $5,000
• Celia Nolan, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend SUNY Binghamton, The Joseph, and Anne Palamountain Memorial Scholarship, $5,000
• Abby Lee, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend University of Pittsburgh, Jane A. Wait Endowed Scholarship by Adirondack Trust, in her memory, $5,000
• Alison Motler, Saratoga Central Catholic High School, with plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Gerow McLuckie Memorial Scholarship, $5,000
• Alise Morgan, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Lemoyne College, Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Scholarship, $6,000
• Quinn Ragan, Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Florida State University, The Philly Dake Memorial Endowed Scholarship, $6,000
• Anitza Parilla, attending Saratoga Springs High School, with plans to attend Siena College, Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs Presidential Scholarship, $5,000 over 4 years for a total of $20,000
Attendees enjoyed a dinner generously donated by Longfellows and had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction with items donated by numerous local businesses and organizations including Northshire Bookstore, iRun Local, Holiday Inn, Allerdice/Ace Hardware, Caffé Lena, Stewart’s, Yoga Mandali, Mountainman Outdoor Supply, Ben & Jerry’s, Saratoga Candy Co, Skidmore College and Foundation Board Members.
Next year’s award dinner is scheduled for June 2023.