Scholarship Opportunities

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Rodrigues family, in memory of Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues, scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or currrent undergraduate who reside in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut and who plan to study in a field which will lead to a career in the building/construction industry. These fields include but are not limited to engineering, construction management, electrical construction technology, plumbing and heating, welding and fabrication, etc. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are or will be full time students at any accredited vocational school, college or university in the United States.

Alexander Cervone Scholarship

Established in memory of gifted guitarist and musician Alexander Cervone, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors of Our Lady of Lourdes High School and Spackenkill High School who have demonstrated a passion or aptitude for music or history. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States. It may be used for tuition, books and fees.

Andy Vito/Harold Tompkins/Ron Vece Scholarship Fund

Established by the Hudson Valley Umpires Association in memory of Andy Vito, Harold Tompkins and Ron Vece this scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Dutchess County high schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School or Wallkill High School who have played high school baseball.

Applewood Leadership Scholarship

The Applewood Leadership scholarship is available for incoming Dutchess Community College students of African or Caribbean descent who are residents of the City of Poughkeepsie and are 21 and under. Applicants must be current or former students at Poughkeepsie High School. Recipients of this scholarship will be part of the Applewood Leadership for High Achievement (ALPHA) Initiative at Dutchess Community College. The program will support students working towards an Associate’s Degree who are striving towards a four-year degree.

Baker Family Scholarship

The Baker Family Scholarship was established in memory of John & Barbara Baker and their daughter Dr. Beverly Baker. Education has always been a high priority in the Baker family. Barbara Baker went to college while her five children were in high school; completing her undergrad in Elementary Education and Masters in Geography in four years. Upon graduation she was an elementary school teacher for 15 years. Four of her five children have advanced degrees. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage highly qualified students to go into the field of education.

Barbara & John DeGilio Science Scholarship

In recognition of his 50 years as an educator and his 70th birthday, former students family friends and neighbors of John F. DeGilio established a fund to provide scholarships to college-bound graduating seniors of Poughkeepsie High School who plan to pursue a career in science. The scholarship has been expanded to honor the memory of John’s wife, Barbara. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States.

Christopher M. C. Ulanmo Memorial Scholarship

The Christopher M. C. Ulanmo Memorial Scholarship honors Chris’ life by making a scholarship available to high school seniors from John Jay High school who plan to enter college. Chris was a kind, happy, fun loving, giving and intelligent person who had a positive influence on everyone he knew. He was generous, loved family and community and had many friends. Chris was a teenager with a promising future and the ability to become anything. He aspired to become a doctor because he believed in service to others. The scholarship has been established to help others who exemplify generosity, intelligence, goodwill, and a love for life.

Corey G. Ingram Memorial Scholarship

The Corey G. Ingram Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of beloved hero Corey Ingram. Corey was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 2006 before attending Dutchess Community College. After a few semesters at DCC, Corey joined the US Navy where he served for over 8 years before making the ultimate sacrifice in August of 2017.To honor Corey and give back to the community he loved so dearly, the Ingram family has created this scholarship in his name for Poughkeepsie High School seniors to help them pay for school after graduation. The family hopes this scholarship will help carry on his legacy and may the memories of him live on forever.

David Jagaciewski Scholarship

Established by family and friends in memory of David Jagaciewski who passed away on November 29, 2006. David was a teacher of technology education at Poughkeepsie High School for 33 years. This scholarship is established to assist students in receiving a post-secondary education. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college or university in the United States.

Dennis J. Markle Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Dennis Markle the scholarship is available to a graduating student of Poughkeepsie High School or Millbrook High School planning to major in Education (students planning to major in History will be considered if there is not an appropriate candidate who intends to major in Education). The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college or university in the United States.

Doherty-Package Pavement Company Scholarship

Education has always been a high priority with the Doherty Family. Second generation Dohertys assisted with the education of local school children through plant tours speaking and gifts to area organizations. Third generation Dohertys now lead this group of companies and in keeping with the family’s educational priorities they and the Boards of Directors are pleased to offer this scholarship to the children of company employees. Students continuing their education beyond high school whose parents or guardians have been employed by one of the companies for at least three years are eligible to apply. Scholarship is not renewable, but winners may apply for up to three subsequent years.

Ed Joba Scholarship

Established in 2021, the Ed Joba Scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors of Poughkeepsie High School who plan to study in a field of engineering or the hard sciences, and demonstrate financial need. Specific examples of acceptable areas of study for this scholarship include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and all sub-disciplines within these areas of study. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be students at any accredited vocational school, college, or university in the United States.

Elena Eckert Memorial Scholarship

The Elena Eckert Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Elena Eckert, a New York State Corrections officer that served for roughly three decades. Her son Billy created the scholarship to honor two of his mother’s strongest beliefs: helping high school seniors in the local community achieve their dreams of higher education; and, giving back to family members of those that selflessly protect and serve in police, corrections and the armed forces. The scholarship is available to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster County high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of current or former armed forces members, police officers or corrections officers.

Frank Thomas Groff Scholarship

The scholarship is available to members of the Roman Catholic Church who are graduating seniors of a high school in Dutchess County. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs of completing an Associate or Baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university in the United States.

This scholarship is awarded in odd number years.

George A. and Catherine V. Quill Scholarship

Through the thoughtfulness and generosity of George A. Quill and his wife Catherine V. Quill a scholarship fund has been established for the benefit of the residents of Dutchess and Orange counties. Mr. and Mrs. Quill were active in their community as residents of Beacon New York for 35 years. The Quills encouraged young people to have faith in God. They stressed the importance in getting a good education being self sufficient and living a respectable and honest life.

This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those students with the highest grade point average but rather intended for those students who must apply themselves to prosper or those who are able to demonstrate financial need.

H. Normington Schofield Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Norm Schofield, scholarships are available to graduating seniors of Beacon High School, John Jay High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School planning to major in environmental studies or education.

Helen H. Huntington Memorial Scholarship

Established by her family to honor her memory this scholarship celebrates the long and very full life of Helen H. Huntington who resided in New Paltz. This multi-year scholarship is open to graduating seniors of New Paltz High School going on to college who must apply themselves to prosper and who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship award will be $1,000 per year for no more than four consecutive years. The scholarship is available for students attending both two and four year colleges. This scholarship is awarded in odd number years.

Honorable Anthony J. Pagones Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announces the availability of the Honorable Anthony L. Pagones Memorial Scholarship. Through the generosity of friends and the community, a yearly scholarship will be awarded to a Dutchess County graduating senior with a preference for a Beacon resident, who has the intention to study law, political science/government or criminal justice. Students will be evaluated on their academic performance, community involvement, an essay detailing their career plans, letters of recommendation and financial need.

Hudson Valley Financial Professionals Scholarship

Established by the Hudson Valley Financial Professionals. One scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a Dutchess County high school who wishes to pursue a career in the financial services industry at any accredited college or university. Financial Services careers include banking, finance, insurance, investment banking, etc.

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses Scholarship

Established by Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses, the scholarship is available to paid or volunteer firefighters or law enforcement officers (or an immediate relative of a paid or volunteer firefighter or law enforcement officer) who are college bound or currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college students in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster Counties. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be either a full time undergraduate or matriculated graduate students at any accredited college or university or vocational school in the United States who plan to major in Criminal Justice, Fire Science, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Public Administration or Emergency Medical Services/Professions.

Jay Lamando Scholarship

Established by family and friends to honor his personal challenges against diabetes this scholarship recognizes the impact of others can have on an individual life celebrating character, discipline, family and teamwork. The scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors from John Jay and Roy C. Ketcham High Schools who play on an athletic team or are active in after school club(s)/activities and plan to attend an accredited college full time.

Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was set up as a memorial to Jean DeGrace Crandall, educator and friend to the migrant community. An annual scholarship will be awarded for post-secondary assistance to a migrant farmworker or child of a migrant farmworker (with a preference for those from Mexico) with a history of migration to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, or Westchester Counties in New York State. Though not required, but because of Jean’s personal interests, students with a demonstrated interest in traditional Mexican art and culture are especially encouraged to apply.

John J. Csizmar Memorial Scholarship

Established by John Csizmar, scholarships will be awarded to a male and a female graduating senior from Poughkeepsie High School who have achieved a strong academic record, and have participated in high school sports or and/or community service projects.

John T. Sloper Community Scholarship for Paramedics

The John T. Sloper Community Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to provide funding for educational programs for Paramedics. Scholarships will be awarded to those who reside or work in Dutchess and Putnam counties, who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing Paramedic certification.

Joseph H. and Mildred C. McManus Scholarship

Mr. and Mrs. McManus loved young people and it was their wish which was expressed in the Last Will and Testament of Joseph H. McManus to establish a Trust for the residents of their beloved Dutchess County. This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those with the greatest scholastic ability but is intended for those who must apply themselves to prosper, or who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is available to graduating seniors or recent graduates of high schools in Dutchess County. The scholarships shall be applied to tuition costs at accredited colleges or universities for a period not to exceed four (4) years.

Joseph H. Gellert / Dutchess County Bar Association Scholarship

The Joseph H. Gellert Scholarship is awarded to a resident of Dutchess County who is currently enrolled at or accepted to an accredited law school. The Honorable Joseph H. Gellert  was an important member of the Dutchess County legal community and this scholarship was established by his family and supplemented by the community to honor his legacy.

Joseph S. Guarneri Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Guarneri family in memory of Joseph Guarneri, Sr., the scholarship is for graduating seniors of Beacon High School who intend to be full-time students at an accredited college in the United States. The scholarship is intended for students who have overcome or are overcoming personal, financial, family or emotional difficulties and are applying themselves to their studies with a goal of improving their lives through education.

Judith Mitchell Drabkin ‘On My Own’ Scholarship

Established by Brian Drabkin in memory of his wife Judith in recognition of her success in college due to the scholarship support she received without the benefit of having parents to support her or giving her a place to live. The scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors or current undergraduates in Dutchess and Ulster County who have had to overcome obstacles in order to pursue higher education and can demonstrate financial need.

Kathleen H. Zwissler Memorial Scholarship

Established by Adams Fairacre Farms to honor Kathleen’s memory, this scholarship is available to seniors graduating from high school and students currently enrolled in accredited academic institutions and who work at or whose parents or guardians are employed by Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc.

Leslie C. and Irene G. Roe Athletic Scholarship

The Leslie C. and Irene G. Roe Athletic Scholarship award was created to provide a multi-year award for Dutchess County students who have demonstrated outstanding athletic skills, and will attend a New York State Community College or public College/University (CUNY, SUNY).

Lorien Niniel and Howard Robert Kimlin Scholarship Fund

In memory of Lorien Niniel Kimlin who died tragically in a car accident in 1998 and her father Howard Robert Kimlin who passed peacefully at home in 2021, family and friends have established a scholarship to keep their memories alive.  This scholarship was established to give students who recognize the intrinsic value of learning about other cultures a chance to do such. The scholarship will be awarded to a student attending either Marist College or Dutchess, Orange or Ulster Community College who plans to study Art, International Business, or the Spanish language abroad in Spain for a semester or program. The applicant must have graduated from a Dutchess, Orange or Ulster County high school.

Luigi and Elisa Panichi Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Luigi and Elisa Panichi to honor their memory this scholarship is available to seniors graduating from high school and students currently enrolled in accredited academic institutions including 4-year public and private colleges or universities, community colleges and trade schools whose parents or guardians are employed by Panichi Holding Corp. d/b/a Royal Carting Service Co. or Valley 82 Holding Corp. d/b/a Welsh Sanitation Service. Children of owners Board members or officers of Royal Carting Service Co. or Welsh Sanitation Service are not eligible.

Maria E. McCarthy Ringwood Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Maria McCarthy Ringwood to honor her memory and love of theater, this scholarship is available to Roy C. Ketcham High School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School college-bound graduating seniors who have actively participated in theater in school.

Marjorie A. Rifenburg Scholarship

The scholarship is available to provide assistance with college expenses to individuals of Native American/American Indian/First Nation/Indigenous descent. Graduating seniors or past graduates of Dutchess County high schools and students enrolled in Dutchess County colleges are eligible to apply. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college or university or trade school.

Mark Milano Scholarship

In 2006, Mark Milano, died unexpectedly due to medical complications during the treatment of a high school football game injury. Mark was a gregarious human who was loved by many and a friend to all he knew. Through the generosity of the community, Rivera and Milano families and his cousins Mark and Jessie Milano, a yearly scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Spackenkill High School who will be full time student at any accredited college or university in the United States.

Mary McKenzie Memorial Scholarship

The Mary McKenzie Memorial Scholarship is an award given to graduating seniors from Beacon High School. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college, university or vocational school in the United States. It may be used for tuition, books and fees. Eligible students will be of African American descent and be selected on the basis of academic merit, financial need, essay on their career and personal goals and a personal interview.

Maureen and Stan Straub Scholarship

Established by Maureen and Stan Straub to provide a scholarship to a graduating senior from Roy C. Ketcham High School or a student who would resides in the RCK area who has demonstrated involvement/leadership in community service activities and an ability to succeed in their chosen course of study.

Maynard and Ferne Brownell Family Scholarship

Established by the family of Maynard and Ferne Brownell. One scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Beacon High School, John Jay High School or Roy C. Ketcham High School. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at accredited colleges or universities for a period not to exceed four (4) years. Candidates should have a strong academic record, strong participation in sports activities and/or community service and demonstrate financial need.

Melissa D. Bisaccia Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Melissa Bisaccia to honor her memory this scholarship is available to seniors graduating from Roy C. Ketcham High School. This scholarship was created to help students who have faced and overcome obstacles and challenges that could have prevented them from achieving their goal of pursuing a college education.

Melissa Gleichenhaus Choral Leadership Scholarship

The Melissa Gleichenhaus Choral Leadership Scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors of the Roy C. Ketcham High School who participated in the choral program a minimum of two years, including their senior year. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States.

Michael P. Murphy Public Service Graduate Scholarship

Established by the Dyson Foundation in honor of its friend and board member Michael P. Murphy and supported by his family friends and colleagues the Michael P. Murphy Public Service Scholarship awards an annual scholarship to a resident of Dutchess County who is currently enrolled in or planning to matriculate at an accredited graduate school with the intent to pursue a career in government.

Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship is to assist students who have been affected by breast cancer in some way to achieve their college aspirations. Breast cancer can take a terrible toll on a family by taking a loved one, draining financial resources and creating emotional challenges. This scholarship is awarded to help graduating seniors and eligible college students who have been affected by breast cancer in a meaningful way and who have turned those challenges into positive action. Multiple awards are available.

Nora Zeller Strudwick Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Nora Strudwick and the Wappingers Registered Professional Nurses Association to honor her memory this scholarship is available to a senior graduating from one of the Wappingers Central School District high schools who plans to pursue a career in nursing. The recipient will demonstrate the potential for the compassionate nursing practice which best symbolized Mrs. Strudwick’s nursing career.

Patrick G. Nestler Scholarship

Established in memory of Patrick G. Nestler to provide a scholarship to a graduating senior from Arlington, John Jay, Our Lady of Lourdes, Roy C. Ketcham or Spackenkill High School, pursuing a career in engineering. This is a four-year scholarship which provides a $4,000 scholarship annually.

Paul S. Kleidman Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Arlington High School who will be attending a 4-year college/university and whose life has been materially affected by the serious illness of a parent. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college or university in the United States.

Pawith Educators Scholarship

This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those with the greatest scholastic ability but is intended for those who have demonstrated a strong work ethic an ability to succeed in the chosen course of study and have demonstrated a strong record of community service. The scholarship will be awarded to graduating Poughkeepsie High School seniors who will be at least half-time students at any accredited educational institution in the United States.

Rhinebeck Community Scholarship

The Rhinebeck Community Scholarship provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors of the Rhinebeck Central School District. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States. It may be used for tuition, books and fees.

Robert K. and Clara Lou Gould Memorial Scholarship

The Robert K. and Clara Lou Gould Memorial Scholarship is an award given to graduating seniors from Beacon High School who have extensive community service experience and will attend a post-secondary institution after graduation.

Ronnie Berg Drummers Scholarship

Established in memory of gifted drummer Ronnie Berg, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and/or students already in college who share Ronnie’s enthusiasm for drumming. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States. It may be used for tuition, books and fees.

Ruth Oja Environmental Scholarship

Established by the Red Hook Town Conservation Advisory Council in honor of Ruth Oja, this scholarship is available to students who are residents of Red Hook, NY who are college bound graduating high school seniors or the home-schooled equivalent pursuing studies in environmental science or a related discipline or who have demonstrated a sensitivity to the environment through leadership/participation in pro-environmental programs like recycling, land conservancy, environmental cleanup projects, etc. This scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college university or trade school.

St. Joseph’s School Scholarship

Upon the closure of St. Joseph’s School in Kingston, NY, parent and community funds to support the school were reinstituted as a scholarship to support past St. Joseph’s School students pursuing a higher education. One time scholarships are available to any student who attended St. Joseph’s School in Kingston, NY. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the U.S. Previous recipients are not eligible to re-apply. Students shall be selected based upon financial need, academic achievement and participation in school activities.

Stephanie D. Brown and Barbara M. Murphy Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Stephanie Brown and Barbara Murphy to honor their memories. Stephanie was devoted to children and was tragically killed in a car accident. Barbara was a devoted mother to Stephanie, a Board member of the Community Foundations and held many job titles including that of teacher. This scholarship is available to female Dutchess County high school graduating seniors who intend to major or minor in Education with career plans to teach in Elementary, Middle or High School.

Steven A. Parascandola Art Scholarship

Established by Steven’s family in 2008 to honor his character his talent and his love of art. The scholarship is intended specifically for art students graduating from John Jay High School who are interested in pursuing an art-related major in college.

Thomas W. Haggerty Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship/donor advised fund established by Mrs. Ellen Haggerty in memory of her husband, Thomas, who was a social worker in Wappingers Central School District, income from this fund is used to provide scholarships to graduating seniors of John Jay High School and/or Roy C. Ketcham High School who have struggled to overcome personal, financial, family, or educational difficulties.

Through Dylan’s Eyes (The Dylan Feller Memorial Scholarship)

The scholarship was established in 2018 by the Feller family to honor the memory of Dylan Feller who was an Eagle Scout with a passion for photography. The scholarship is available for graduating students interested in photography and graphic communications attending any Dutchess County High School or DC BOCES/CTI.

Wappingers Rotary Scholarship

Established by the Rotary Club of Wappingers Falls, scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Roy C. Ketcham High School or who reside in the RCK area who have demonstrated involvement/leadership in community service activities and an ability to succeed in their chosen field.

William J. Nichols Medical Scholarship

Established by the Hyde Park Rotary in honor of Mr. Nichols, income from this fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in the Hyde Park School District with plans to pursue a career in a medical field.