The 2024 Dollars for Scholars Awards Ceremony took place on Monday, June 3, at Ruben A. Cirillo High School and handed out $35,925 in scholarship money.
Since 1991, the Gananda chapter of Dollars for Scholars has raised scholarship funds for qualified Gananda students, which are presented annually. Most scholarships require a minimum number of community service hours in addition to academic standards as Dollars for Scholars believes it is important for students to not only earn money for higher education but to also learn the value of enriching a community through volunteer efforts.
Students are eligible for a scholarship after they submit a Dollars for Scholars profile. Applications are then scored by academic performance, personal characteristics, school activities, leadership distinctions, volunteer and community service and work to determine scholarship winners.
On Monday, students and families gathered in the high school auditorium for award presentations, an address by guest speaker Jill Escriva and a reception in the high school atrium afterward.
A special thank you goes out to the generous donors, the board of directors, countless volunteers and dedicated parents and community members who make this possible.
Scholarship Information and Recipients
Spotlight Scholarship: Nettie Bullis Prize
Gananda Dollars for Scholars announces the spotlight scholarship for 2024 is the Nettie Bullis Prize in Business.
Jeanette Aurelia (Nettie) Bullis was born in 1893. Nettie was a single woman and began her career as a bookkeeper at Gleason Works in Rochester. When Nettie retired in 1965 after 47 years, she was a corporate secretary and assistant to the president, James Gleason.
This scholarship is 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.
The recipient for 2024 is Aidan Giancursio.
Gananda Parents' Association Scholarship: Derek Morabito
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: Chloe Hetherley
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: Grace Walsh
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: Derek Morabito
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: Derek Morabito
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: Derek Morabito
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: Eva Jenny
Walworth senior pursuing higher education who has persevered in high school curriculum and has earned the respect of teachers and peers.
Emily Paige Bickert Human Spirit Award: Juliana LaDuke
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: Chloe Hetherley
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: Derek Morabito
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.
Debra L. Weiss make a Difference Memorial Scholarship: Benjamin Bettinger, Reese Davis, Layla Thomas, Paige VanAlstyne
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: Maria Melnik
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: Colleen Ginsberg
Awarded to a senior who participated in the Gananda Community Youth Theatre program.
Gananda Performing Arts Boosters Scholarship: Reese Davis, Layla Thomas
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: Mason Briner, Michael Farley, Maria Melnik, Meah Prutzman, Noah Van Scoy, Grace Walsh
Awarded to six students who have participated in a varsity sport during their high school career.
Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship: Colleen Ginsberg, Jacob Michaels, Paige VanAlstyne
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: Addelynne York
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: Chloe Hetherley
Awarded to a student meeting GDFS standards in academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience and character.
Invest Your Time Scholarship: Jacob Michaels
Awarded to a student meeting GDFS standards in academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience and character.
K&D Disposal Salutatorian Scholarship: Meah Prutzman
Awarded to the Salutatorian of the Senior Class.
K&D Academic Excellence Scholarship: Grace Walsh, Katherine McGarvey
Awarded to two students who have demonstrated academic excellence across the high school curriculum.
Steinmiller Associates, Inc. Award: Katherine McGarvey
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: Colleen Ginsberg, Andrew Pitolaj
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.
Airy Acres Sportsmanship Award: Eva Jenny
Awarded to a hardworking, dedicated, team member in any sport.
Coach Anthony Morabito Memorial Scholarship: Michael Farley, Paige VanAlstyne
Awarded to two student-athletes of high moral character who demonstrate good sportsmanship and is a team player. Recipient must have a minimum GPA of 80 and have participated in a sport each year of high school.
Get-It-Straight Orthodontics Scholarship Award: Michael Farley
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: Jacob Michaels
Awarded to a graduating senior who will attend a 2- or 4-year college, with intent to major in a business-related field.
Mike Pane Student Athlete Scholarship: Maria Melnik
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: Juliana LaDuke
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: Noah Van Scoy
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: Colleen Ginsberg
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: Katherine McGarvey
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: Andrew Pitolaj
Awarded to the student with the highest cumulative average in advanced mathematics and will enter college in the fall immediately following graduation.
Gananda Employees Care About Kids: Madison Dohse, Aidan Giancursio
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: Benjamin Bettinger
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: Reese Davis, Layla Thomas
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: Andrew Pitolaj
Awarded to the Valedictorian of the Senior Class.
Alex Fee Memorial Scholarship: Madison Dohse, Colleen Ginsberg, Juliana LaDuke
Awarded to three students whose life choices reflect Miss Fee's love of teaching. An essay is required.
Joshua Peter Bourgeois Memorial Scholarship: Mason Briner, Addelynne York
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: Noah Van Scoy
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: Mason Briner, Juliana LaDuke, Andrew Pitolaj, Meah Prutzman, Layla Thomas, Addelynne York
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: Mason Briner, Reese Davis, Colleen Ginsberg, Eva Jenny, Maria Melnik, Andrew Pitolaj, Mech Prutzman, Layla Thomas, Noah Van Scoy, Addelynne York
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: Gabrielle Brice, Jordan Falso, Savannah Harding, Julia Melnik, Kara Newton, Jordan Richards, Eisele Schachtner, Kyle Smith, Molly Tichacek
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.