Youth on the go
Four Saugerties High School students were named recipients of Scholarship for Academic Excellence Awards by the New York State Education Department.
Christopher Backus received a $1,500 scholarship. Receiving $500 scholarships were Anna Marie Armstrong, James Ball, Bhavreet Dhandi and Lilith Haig.
The awards are based on scholastic achievement and are given to students who will be attending a school in New York state after graduating high school.
••• Ulster BOCES Hudson Valley Pathways Academy students presented their final projects for the year to an audience of educators, industry leaders and family members on June 7 at SUNY Ulster’s satellite campus in Kingston.
The project offered students the opportunity to reflect on the past year — what they learned, how they improved and what areas they should focus on for next year.
Not all students succeed in a traditional school environment. That was made evident when students discussed how the academy gave them a new outlook on their education, future and dreams. Students credited small class sizes, workplace learning, caring teachers and individual learning plans as the reasons for their success.
Freshman student Dani Coy of the Kingston city school district said in a press release, “HVPA has been a blessing.” Coy moved to the United States three years ago and said America’s schooling, along with having to learn a new language, has been very challenging. “HVPA instructors are very encouraging and supportive,” he said.
The academy’s mission is to develop and support pathways to higher education that lead to careers in science, technology, engineering and math through rigorous academic programing and work-based learning through industry partners. This program lets students earn an associate’s degree while preparing them to transition into career fields within the region. The program also matches students with mentors from industry partners.
••• Anna White was named the valedictorian of the Catskill High School Class of 2017.
Katelynn Caro was named the class salutatorian.
While at Catskill High, White participated in chorus, trebelairs, band, musical theatre productions, Odyssey of the Mind and varsity volleyball. She spent her senior year studying in Troy as a member of the New Vision’s Visual and Performing Arts program. She also volunteers with the biannual Red Cross Blood Drive and is an active member of both the National Honor Society and Rotary’s Interact Club.
White will attend the State University of New York at Cortland’s Honor’s College and will be majoring in musical theatre and writing.
She is the daughter of MaryEllen and Douglas White.
During her high school career, Caro played the clarinet in the symphonic band and wind ensemble. She also participated in Odyssey of the Mind and the French Club. She completed her senior year while also enrolled at ColumbiaGreene Community College.
Outside of school, Caro has danced for the Farrell School of Irish Dance since 2006. This July, she will be competing at the North American Irish Dance Championships in New Orleans. She also has been active in Catskill Ski Club for the past 10 years. In addition, Caro is a member of the Kiskatom Reformed Church and has been active in a variety of church events and community service activities.
Caro will attend Pace University in the fall and will major in business and accounting.
She is the daughter of Stephen and Bonnie Caro.
••• Rhinebeck High School senior Elizabeth Goldstone was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Rhiebeck Area Chamber of Commerce.
The scholarship will be used to further recipient’s education at a college, professional, technical, vocational or business school. Goldstone, a Clinton Corners resident, will attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and will major in international studies, with a minor in entrepreneurship and management.
In addition to the scholarship amount, all Chamber scholarship applicants receive a one-year free membership in the chamber when the applicant opens a business in the Rhinebeck area. Funds for the scholarships are raised through various Rhinebeck Chamber events, including Business Breakfasts and 50⁄50’s that take place throughout the year.