More than $35,000 was awarded to some of Gananda’s most deserving and hard-working students at the Dollars for Scholars award ceremony at Ruben A. Cirillo High School on Monday.
Each year, the Gananda chapter of Dollars for Scholars (GDFS) raises scholarship funds for qualified Gananda students. Award winners demonstrate a strong work ethic in their studies and have contributed to their community. GDFS believes that it is important for students to not only earn money for college, but to have the experience of community service. Volunteering helps the community, teaches students what they are capable of, and how they can use their abilities and talents outside of school.
Together, the sponsors, the Gananda Dollars for Scholars Board, and associated committees seek to acknowledge confident, caring and successful youth by rewarding their past achievements and encouraging high education goals for the future.
Each award has its own criteria. Some awards require a minimum academic average: most are looking to recognize hard working, well-rounded individuals who contribute to their school and broader community.
An online student profile must be submitted by a March deadline in the student's senior year to be considered for a GDFS award. A record of community service is required to be completed for most awards; essays are required for some awards. All Gananda Dollars for Scholars applications are screened anonymously. Recipients are chosen according to donor criteria and point allocation. Applications are scored according to academic performance, personal characteristics, school activities, leadership distinctions, volunteer and community service, and work.
Thank you to the generous donors, board of directors, countless volunteers, event guest speaker and Gananda Class of 2006 graduate Christine Isselhard Limuti, dedicated parents and community members, and, most importantly, our amazing students.
Visit Gananda Central School District on Facebook for a full gallery of the event! For more information about Gananda Dollars for Scholars, visit www.gananda.org/gdfs.
Photos courtesy of Chris Cassavecca.
Scholarship Information and Recipients
"Coach” Anthony Morabito Memorial Scholarship: Brianna Holmes
Gananda Dollars for Scholars is pleased to announce the spotlight scholarship of "Coach" Anthony Morabito Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was created in the loving memory of "Coach" Tony Morabito; beloved husband, father, grandpa, friend and coach. "Coach” believed in building confidence, reinforced good sportsmanship, and encouraged teamwork. He instilled a love of learning the game and inspired his team to not only reach their athletic, academic and social goals. He loved coaching and this scholarship honors his beliefs and goals.
This scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete of high moral character who demonstrates good sportsmanship and is a team player. The recipient must have played in at least one sport every year of their high school career and maintained a GPA of at least 80.
Gananda Parents' Association Scholarship: Jordan Falso
Presented to a senior working to potential; willing to take difficult academic courses rather than easier or fewer courses; recognized as an overachiever; supported & participated in class or club activities; and enrolled in an institute of higher learning.
Macedon Center Twirlette Award: Maria D'Agostino
Awarded to a senior girl who, while in high school, took part in extra-curricular activities that enhanced her community and set a good personal example for others and will be continuing education beyond Gananda.
Richard Mann Award: Drew Smith
Awarded to the senior whose high school program has emphasis in science and math curriculum. This senior is recognized to be an all-around student and demonstrates potential for growth.
Walworth Auxiliary Fire Department: Madison Marshall
Given to a Walworth resident in good standing and in the top half of the class. The student exhibits good citizenship by performing community service and outreach beyond that required by the actual curriculum.
Walworth Chamber of Commerce WTCC Award: Heavana Mount
Awarded to the senior who demonstrates the greatest potential in his or her vocational program, respect for others, honesty and integrity, leadership by example and involvement in school and community activities and organizations. Walworth resident preferred.
Walworth Fire Department Award: Joseph Arcoraci
Given to a Walworth resident in good standing and in the top half of the class. The student exhibits good citizenship by performing community service and outreach beyond that required by the actual curriculum.
Walworth Grange Award: Ryan Haynes
Walworth senior pursuing higher education who has persevered in high school curriculum and has earned the respect of teachers and peers.
Walworth Order of the Eastern Star Award: Jenna Dettman
This award is given to a senior with appropriate grades and the qualifications of good citizenship who also has obligations at home or a part-time job.
Emily Paige Bickert Human Spirit Award: Maria D'Agostino
Awarded to a girl based on her fun-loving personality. This senior raises the spirit of the people around her and has a contagious smile.
Western Wayne Art Group Thomas McCune Award: Penelope Walter
Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated a mastery of artistic media, technique and creativity and excels in the field of art.
Gananda Dollars for Scholars 911 Award: Josephine LaDuke
Awarded to a senior continuing his/her education, who has a member of their immediate family actively involved in fire, police, emergency medical or "911" dispatch services, or has firm plans to pursue a career in law enforcement or emergency services.
Maureen Louise McGary Doway Scholarship: Jordan Richards and Julia Melnik
Awarded to two students with positive attitudes and personalities who demonstrate generosity, perseverance and good citizenship.
Debra L. Weiss make a Difference Memorial Scholarship: Amber Malinak, Jenna Dettman, Gabrielle Brice and Madison Marshall
Awarded to four students who meet GDFS standards in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience and character. The recipients must be honorable and respectful students with integrity. In addition, the recipients must complete a minimum of 10 volunteer hours, caring for children in grades K-5, being a mentor, big brother/big sister, or tutor. The recipients must have provided additional community service to their house of worship, scouting, food pantry, recreation, etc.
Dr. John Guerrieri Scholarship: Cody Smith
Given to a student who meets GDFS standards in the areas of academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience and character.
Gananda Community Youth Theatre Award: Josephine LaDuke
Awarded to a senior who participated in the Gananda Community Youth Theatre program.
Gananda Performing Arts Boosters Scholarship: Josephine LaDuke and Brianna Holmes
Awarded to two students attending an accredited institution of higher learning in the fall. Students must have participated in a performing art each year during his or her high school career, and must be in good academic standing. An essay is required.
Gananda Sports Boosters Award: Cody Smith, Drew Smith, Amber Thorne, Kyle Smith, Jordan Falso and Julia Melnik
Awarded to six students who have participated in a varsity sport during their high school career.
Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship: Steven LoTempio and Amber Malinak
Awarded to two students who participated in Gananda Youth Lacrosse and played at least two years of high school lacrosse including his or her senior season. This award is given in memory of Coach Tom Palmer.
GDFS Program Cover Artist Award: Penelope Walter
This senior had to submit original artwork for the cover of our Dollars of Scholars award program. They also received 2 volunteer hours.
The Golf Club at Blue Heron Hills Scholarship: Heavana Mount
Awarded to a student meeting GDFS standards in academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience and character.
K&D Academic Excellence Scholarship: Amber Thorne and Helena Hamilton
Awarded to two students who have demonstrated academic excellence across the high school curriculum.
Mac's Pizza Shack Award: Cody Smith
Awarded to a student who is currently an employee of Mac's Pizza Shack.
MacNeal Family Entrepreneur Scholarship: Heavana Mount
Awarded to a student who meets GDFS standards in the areas of academics, extra. curricular activities, community service, work experience, and character. Recipient must also include a short essay describing how they will use their college experience to leverage new opportunities for themselves and how their degree and entrepreneurship will come together to change the community in which they live.
SEI Design Group Scholarship: Joseph Arcoraci
Awarded to a student who meets GDFS standards in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, and character.
Steinmiller Associates, Inc. Award: Penelope Walter
Awarded to a student who meets GDFS standards in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience and character.
Gananda CSD Distinguished Panther Award: Savannah Harding and Maria D'Agostino
Awarded to two students in the top quarter of the class who have donated time to a school project that significantly improves the culture and future of the Gananda Central School District student body.
RE/MAX I Heart My Hometown Scholarship: Joseph Arcoraci and Brianna Holmes
Awarded by Brad Newton to two seniors who submit an original written work, essay, poem, video, song, or visual art piece that best shows Gananda Pride.
Airy Acres Sportsmanship Award: Kyle Smith
Awarded to a hardworking, dedicated, team member in any sport.
Class of 2023 Scholarship: Amber Thorne
Awarded to a student meeting GDFS standards in academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience and character.
Get-It-Straight Orthodontics Scholarship Award: Maria D'Agostino
Awarded to a student who underwent complete orthodontic treatment as a patient of Get-It-Straight Orthodontics. Student must have a history of community service, will be attending a 2- or 4-year college, or trade/vocational school. An essay is required.
J.D. Chapman Agency, Inc. Award: Isaiah Espaillat
Awarded to a graduating senior who will attend a 2- or 4-year college, with intent to major in a business-related field.
K&D Disposal Salutatorian Scholarship: Jordan Falso
Awarded to the salutatorian of the senior class.
Macedon Town Ambulance Corps Scholarship: Gabrielle Brice
Awarded to a student who intends to pursue a career in a medical field, preferably emergency medical services. In addition to participating in an apprenticeship/volunteer services program, the student must demonstrate compassion, a strong work ethic and a willingness to help others.
Mike Pane Student Athlete Scholarship: Steven LoTempio
Awarded to a dedicated, high-achieving student with leadership qualities who participated in the Gananda Varsity Lacrosse program for at least two years. Recipient shows dedication to the sport and exemplifies characteristics that Mike possessed, including being a good friend, citizen, and teammate.
Mrs. Beverly Nursing Scholarship: Jenna Dettman
Awarded to a student who meets GDFS criteria in the areas of academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work history and character with an emphasis on volunteerism. Preference given to applicants accepted into a nursing program. This award is given in honor of Mrs. Peg Beverly, dedicated school nurse.
Rich Struzzi Memorial Scholarship: Jordan Richards
Awarded to an athlete involved in at least one sport each year of high school; a general all-around student with at least an 85 average. An essay is required.
Ruben A. Cirillo Award: Molly Tichacek
Awarded to a senior continuing his/her education, exemplifying integrity, open-mindedness, gentleness and compassion. Values fair play and a willingness to stand up for others and confront prejudice. Is goal-oriented, with a consistently positive work ethic.
Ryan J. Loftis Memorial Scholarship: Isaiah Espaillat
Awarded to a graduating senior who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the fall and participated in a sport during high school. An essay is required
Abraham Bullis Prize in Mathematics: Savannah Harding
Awarded to the student with the highest cumulative average in advanced mathematics and will enter college in the fall immediately following graduation.
Nettie Bullis Prize in Business: Jordan Richards
Awarded to the senior with the highest cumulative average in business courses. Recipient must have been accepted at a 2- or 4-year college and will enter college in the fall following graduation.
Gananda Employees Care About Kids: Eisele Schachtner and Brianna Holmes
Awarded to two seniors pursuing higher education who have demonstrated high personal and academic standards throughout his or her high school career and, as a result, has earned both peer and teacher respect.
Long Acre Farms Award: Drew Smith
Given in memory of Harlan Lawrence. Awarded to a deserving student not in the top 5% of the class who has participated in community service activities. Special consideration given to students continuing their education in the field of environmental studies.
Drumlin Square Lodge #1180 Award: Gabrielle Brice and Madison Marshall
Awarded to two students who have excelled in community service; are average, hardworking students. Have been accepted and plan to attend an accredited 2- or 4-year college. Preference given to relatives of Lodge members.
The Lyons National Bank Valedictorian Scholarship: Savannah Harding
Awarded to the Valedictorian of the Senior Class.
Alex Fee Memorial Scholarship: Josephine LaDuke, Madison Chatfield and Helena Hamilton
Awarded to three students whose life choices reflect Miss Fee's love of teaching. An essay is required.
Joshua Peter Bourgeois Memorial Scholarship: Kara Newton and Molly Tichacek
Awarded to two students who will continue their education and exemplify the characteristics of Joshua. These characteristics include: loyalty, a passion for life, faith, helpfulness, a sense of humor, dedication, compassion, citizenship, competitiveness, friendship, sportsmanship and environmentalism. An essay is required.
Susan Alexander Memorial Scholarship: Julia Melnik
Awarded to a student in good standing. An essay is required in response to the following: "What do you want to be doing at age 35 and how are you going to make it happen"?
Foundations of the Future Award: Savannah Harding, Ryan Haynes, Heavana Mount, Josephine LaDuke, Amber Malinak and Madison Chatfield
Awarded to outstanding seniors who meet GDFS standards for academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience and character. Unusual circumstances are considered. An essay is required.
Mail-a-thon Award: Savannah Harding, Kara Newton, Eisele Schachtner, Jordan Richards, Kyle Smith, Jordan Falso, Molly Tichacek, Gabrielle Brice, and Julia Melnik
Awarded to seniors pursuing higher education who have demonstrated high personal and academic standards throughout high school, and as a result, have earned both peer and teacher respect. This scholarship is automatically renewed as "Scholarships Plus" for the recipients' sophomore years.
Scholarships Plus: Sydney Campbell, Cailey Cotter, Lillian Freeman, Emma Guthrie, Christian Jenny, Tierney Kelley, Isabelle Keovongxay and Ethan Kuntz
Last year's Mail-a-thon award recipients automatically renew their award as “Scholarships Plus" for their sophomore year. These students must notify the treasurer of their re-registration for the fall. Value of this one-time renewable award depends on endowment earnings and alumni donations.