CFOS awards $462,525 in scholarships

Posted 7/21/21

It was a challenging year for high school seniors who had to be resilient in the face of the many impacts of COVID-19. However, their futures are extra bright thanks to the generosity of the donors …

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CFOS awards $462,525 in scholarships

Posted

It was a challenging year for high school seniors who had to be resilient in the face of the many impacts of COVID-19. However, their futures are extra bright thanks to the generosity of the donors who established scholarship funds within the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS).

In all, CFOS awarded $462,525 in scholarships this year to students in school districts throughout the region. 202 students received 237 scholarships, all made possible through generous donors who have established charitable funds within the Community Foundation.  

Grace Palczewski, a graduating senior from Valley Central High School is a recipient of the Dustin James Fallen Police Officer Memorial Scholarship.  

“Although I never met PO James, I have heard many amazing things about him and attended his funeral because I was so lucky to have his wife as my modified lacrosse coach,” said Palczewski. “I am proud to be associated with this scholarship and will use it well!”

“When generous donors establish scholarship funds, they are investing in the future of our communities by supporting young people’s continuing educations,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOS President and CEO. “The student recipients are extremely grateful for these awards.”

Students were able to apply for scholarships from the comfort and safety of their homes thanks to the Community Foundation’s online portal.

Walden Savings Bank has awarded this year’s David T. Cocks Memorial Scholarship to Cael Atkins, a 2021 Wallkill Senior High School graduate.

Atkins has demonstrated commitment to both his local and school communities. He has earned the distinction of Eagle Scout, installing a “buddy bench” at Leptondale Elementary School in Wallkill. It provides children a place to sit when feeling lonely, signaling to other children that they need someone to play with or talk to.

A member of the varsity wrestling and baseball teams at Wallkill High School, he was honored as a Mid-Hudson Athletic League scholar athlete. He plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill to study environmental and wildlife management.
Local recipients included:


Pine Bush High School
Center for Prayer and Meditation Scholarship
Bridget Kiernan
E.J Szulwach Environmental Fund

Leah Golding
Isidore and Ethel Wittenberg Memorial Scholarship
Lindsey Steele
Jean Rowe Scholarship in memory of John and Anna Culik
Deborah Phanor
Jean Rowe Scholarship in memory of Thomas and Jean Rowe
Briana Braidt
Jean Rowe Scholarship in memory of Thomas and Winifred Rowe
Destiny Corona
John C. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Gunnar Meland
Justin Speights Scholarship
Serina Garmendiz
Cristian Arroyo
Michelle Renee Bratton Memorial Scholarship
Brooke Hornbeck

Orange County Youth Football and Cheerleading Scholarship
Anthony Bressler
Pine Bush Alumni Scholarship Zaria Theodore
Roy D. Parker Education Scholarship

Claire Bavolar
Benjamin Martinez
Emilie Luztyik
Gabriella Toro
Scott F. Coen Memorial Scholarship
Oluwasen Ilori
Center for Prayer and Meditation Scholarship
Shania Cooney
Charlie Reichle Memorial Scholarship
Jacqueline Rometo
Corinne Feller Memorial Scholarship
Madeline Feller
Dustin James Fallen Police Officer Memorial Scholarship
Abigail Nokland
Sarah Congelosi
Cailynn Patterson
Grace Palczewski


Valley Central High School
E.J Szulwach Environmental Scholarship

Lia Grammer
John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship
Christopher Malley
John Mazur Memorial Scholarship
Leah Dungam
Jordan Russo
Kelly Conan
Kaylee Mayo
Kara-Lynn Caltavuturo Fashion Award
Jade Holliday
Michael Purcell Scholarship
Kaylee Mayo
Richie Reynolds Memorial Scholarship
Samantha Rockwood
Ronald I. Jacobowitz Leadership Scholarship
Delanie O’Neill
St. Pat’s Ramble Scholarship
Maddox Schaper
Grace Palczewski
Sean Zupko
Jacqueline Rometo
Declan Latimer
The Edward R. and J. Roscoe Crist Memorial Scholarship
Lia Grammer
The Morton I. Blackman Scholarship
Maddox Schaper
The Taylor and Kyle Doce Academic Scholarship
Maeve Harkin
Nicholas Suchy
Timothy Lubitz Memorial Scholarship
Kelly O’Connor
Noah Cabrera
Eduardo Moreno
Wallkill Valley Health Coalition Scholarship
Kaylee Mayo
Kelly Conan


Wallkill High School
David T. Cocks Walden Savings Bank Scholarship
Cael Atkins

Edward Edsall Scholarship
Aaron Rubinstein
John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship
Bianca Thompson
Meyer & Lillian Jacobowitz Award
Erin Oaks
Orange County Youth Football and Cheerleading Scholarship
Bianca Thompson
Wallkill Valley Health Coalition Scholarship
Erin Oakes