Ten St. Lawrence County high school students are the first recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Evergreen STEM Scholarship. Students received the scholarship due to their interest and intent to study the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics while in college. Students applied while in their junior year of high school and were selected over the summer. Recipients will receive a one-year $3,000 scholarship toward their freshman year of college next fall.
The Evergreen STEM scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Gouverneur residents and Massena natives Charles and Higouhi (Hi) Owens. The scholarship, a new permanent component fund of the Community Foundation, will provide at least an annual total of $30,000 for high school students residing in St. Lawrence County.
“The thoughtful generosity of the Owens will have a profound impact on the lives of many. It is exciting to see the first of those who will be helped by this initiative and the potential they have to make a difference in our communities and the world,” said Rande S. Richardson, Northern New York Community Foundation executive director.
On Tuesday, October 11th Clarkson University sponsored a reception and dinner presentation for students, along with their parents/guardians, school guidance counselors, principals, STEM coordinators and superintendents. Students had the opportunity to meet and thank Mr. & Mrs. Owens, and their daughter and son-in-law Sandra and Michael Hosier, Auburn, New York, for their generosity. This year’s students are interested in careers such as software and electrical engineering, wildlife biology, health care ~ physicians, surgeons and physician assistants, robotics and game design and development.
“Hi and I are very pleased with the students selected this year. I truly believe education in any STEM field will prepare these students for life-long success,” commented Charles Owens. “I spoke with the students regarding their future contributions and our hope that they return to the North Country to invest in our communities upon their college graduation.”
2016-2017 Evergreen STEM Scholarship recipients are:
Matthew Cameron Heuvelton Central Computer Science
Benjamin Gushlaw Norwood-Norfolk Central Biology
Tanner LaPiene Heuvelton Central Engineering
Cassidy LaPierre Gouverneur Central Biology
Blake LaPoint Canton Central Engineering
Ryan Morrill Hermon-Dekalb Central Engineering
Roderick Parow Harrisville Central Engineering
Margaret Peo Ogdensburg Free Academy Biology
Mara Vaccaro Colton-Pierrepont Central Biology
Alaina White Edwards-Knox Central Biology
The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.
Photo attached Mr.& Mrs. Owens sit among this year’s Evergreen STEM recipients at dinner at Cheel Center, Clarkson University.
L to R – back row: Matthew Cameron; Benjamin Gushlaw; Tanner LaPiene; Blake LaPoint; Ryan Morrill; Roderick Parow.
L to R – front row: Mara Vaccaro; Cassidy LaPierre; donors Mr. & Mrs. Owens; Alaina White; Margaret Peo.