Read about the recipients and where they are headed for higher education!!
From the Bath Rotary Club, Pictured are Frank E. Nicklaus Memorial Scholarship: Sitting left to right: Elaine Tears, Aimee Bristol, McKenzie Calderwood, Zayda Braun, Leah Krelie, Sandra Hepler, and Roy Hepler. Standing left to right: Tess McKinley, Carolyn Morford, Steven Calderwood, Kayla Nichiporuk, Lori Krelie, and Jane Russell.
Eight graduating seniors from five area schools were awarded $8500 collectively by the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc. (BRSF, Inc.), the scholarship arm of the Bath Rotary Club, as part of the organization’s continuing commitment to help students further their education.
The students, accompanied by their parents/guests, were honored by the local club on May 15 at its Annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon held in Lyon Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Bath. Also recognized as guests at this memorable and celebratory event were: Rotary District 7120 Governor Dave DeMers and his wife, Ann; Roy and Sandra Hepler, members of the Dr. Frank E. Nicklaus and Rachel Nicklaus family; Brian Markham and Leigh Markham Peck, members of the Ted Markham family; Heidi Burns, Avoca Central School Guidance Counselor; Tim Gallagher, Bath-Haverling Central School Guidance Counselor; Matt Holmes, Campbell-Savona Central School Guidance Counselor; Matt Burns, Hammondsport Central School Guidance Counselor; Aimee Bristol, Prattsburgh Central School Guidance Counselor. Also in attendance were Kelly Houck, Bath-Haverling Central School Superintendent, who is herself a Bath Rotarian, and her guest, Brett Harrison, Bath-Haverling Central School High School Principal, as well as fourteen other Bath Rotarians and four guests. The students were lauded for their outstanding academic achievement and extraordinary involvement in school and community activities, including service projects.
The program began with a welcome by Elaine Tears, Chairperson of the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc. Board of Directors and was followed by an inspirational invocation by John Gould, Bath Rotary Club President and a member of the BRSF, Inc. Board of Directors; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Eddie VanStine, Bath Rotary Club President-Elect and also a member of the BRSF, Inc. Board of Directors; the singing of “Rotary Bonds” led by Nancy Latour, a Bath Rotarian and the Rotary District 7120 Assistant Governor, Area 3.
After a bountiful salad bar and delicious dessert, provided by Waters Clubhouse and Catering, LLC, Tears introduced the recipients, announced the scholarship each had been awarded, and presented the recipient with a Certificate of Scholarship. The students then introduced their parents/guests who were in attendance. The awards, including the names of the recipients’ parents, high school, and college plans are as follows:
Frank E. Nicklaus Memorial Scholarship ($1500 each)
- Zayda Braun, daughter of Lisa Nichiporuk and Zegin Braun; Hammondsport Central School; Nazareth University; Speech Pathology
- McKenzie Calderwood, daughter of Steven and Deborah Calderwood; Prattsburgh Central School; Dakota State University; Dual Major in Production Animation and Digital Content Creation
- Leah Krelie, daughter of Chad and Lori Krelie; Bath-Haverling Central School; Corning Community College with a transfer to St. John Fisher University; Wegman’s School of Pharmacy
Ted Markham Memorial Scholarship (Student must be entering the field of environmental studies, agricultural studies, or a related field.) ($1000 each)
- Vivian Crane, daughter of Brian and Kimberly Crane; Avoca Central School; Alfred University; Environmental Engineering
- Corinne Ruddy, daughter of George and Jennifer Ruddy; Hammondsport Central School; University of Rhode Island; Biotechnology
Bath Rotary Club Scholarship ($500 each)
- Sage Brinckerhoff, daughter of Nate and Wendy Brinckerhoff; Campbell-Savona Central School; Houghton University; Mathematics
- Austin Durand, son of Katie Durand; Bath-Haverling Central School; Duquesne University; Sports Media/Information
- Linsey Haff, daughter of Michael and Carrie Haff; Bath-Haverling Central School; Finger Lakes Community College; Hospitality and Tourism
Interact Scholarship ($500)
- Leah Krelie, daughter of Chad and Lori Krelie; Bath-Haverling Central School; Corning Community College with a transfer to St. John Fisher University; Wegman’s School of Pharmacy
VanStine then presented the recipients with a yard sign stating “A Bath Rotary Scholarship Winner Lives Here” to be placed in their front yards.
The Board of Directors for the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc., who enjoyed reading and rating the applications submitted by the students, include: Elaine Tears, Chairperson; Jane Russell, Treasurer; Benita Nesbitt, Secretary; John Gould; Tess McKinley; Cheryl Muller; Eddie VanStine.
Rotary, an organization of business and professional leaders, provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. One of the commitments of this service organization is the awarding of scholarships.
