Six St. Lawrence, Franklin County Students Share $25,000 in Scholarship Support
MASSENA — Air Products recently announced the first recipients of the Air Products Greater Massena Scholarship. Six students from St. Lawrence and Franklin counties were recognized for their academic achievements and future aspirations at a celebratory dinner in Massena, hosted by Air Products and the Northern New York Community Foundation.
The scholarship fund, established through a $25,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation and administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, provides support to students pursuing all avenues of education, with a particular focus on STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, — skilled trades, and environmental conservation.
The scholarships are part of Air Products’ community support initiatives as it continues development of its $500 million green-hydrogen production facility in Massena.
“Air Products is committed to supporting the communities where we operate,” said Trip Oliver, director of government and community relations at Air Products. “We believe investing in the education of our local youth is essential to the long-term success of the Massena community.”
Mary Perrine, coordinator of partnerships for the Northern New York Community Foundation, echoed Oliver’s sentiments.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Air Products to offer these scholarships to deserving students.” Ms. Perrine said. “These awards will undoubtedly make a positive impact on their lives and futures.”
The 2024 Air Products Greater Massena Scholarship recipients are:
- Cathleen Bell: Cathleen is a graduate of Massena High School and enrolled in the electrical construction and maintenance program at SUNY Canton. She is an aspiring electrician and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
- Michael Donie: Michael is enrolled in a Diesel Technology program at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming where he will train to become a diesel technician. He was a three-sport athlete at St. Lawrence Central High School. In 2023, he was selected and received Second Team All-Northern for Lacrosse. And in 2024, he received the Section X Sportsmanship Award.
- Shelby Frary: Shelby is pursuing a career in nursing at North Country Community College. She currently works at Canton-Potsdam Hospital as a Unit Clerk, a position which inspired her desire to become a nurse.
- Luke Lazore: Luke will be attending the University of Ottawa to pursue a degree in environmental studies. He is an aspiring environmentalist. While in high school, he played varsity lacrosse and earned an All-Northern Award during his senior year at Salmon River High School.
- Jasmine Oakes: Jasmine is planning to study Physical Therapy at Utica College. Jasmine competed on the cross country and track and field teams for Salmon River High School. She was also a member of 4-H and a concert band.
- Michael Smoke: Michael will be attending the University of Buffalo and pursuing a career in public health. His work as a Mohawk Youth Health Ambassador during his junior and senior years at Salmon River High School inspired his interest in healthcare.
This diverse group of recipients represents Air Products’ commitment to supporting students from various backgrounds and with diverse educational goals. Air Products is grateful for the opportunity to help them work towards their aspirations.
The scholarship application for the 2025 cycle will open in the spring of 2025.
About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets. The Company has two growth pillars driven by sustainability. Air Products’ base business provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food. The Company also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world’s largest clean hydrogen projects supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors.
Air Products previously announced plans to invest approximately $500 million to build the Massena Green Hydrogen Facility, which will produce 35 metric tons per day of green liquid hydrogen using hydroelectric power and electrolysis of water drawn from the St. Lawrence River. The project also includes green hydrogen liquefaction, storage, distribution, and operation of hydrogen refueling stations in the State of New York.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors, and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center in Watertown, NY to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.