Julia Marino and Meghan Farley
The East Greenbush Teachers Association is proud to announce its recipients, Meghan Farley and Julia Marino, for the 2016 EGTA scholarship awards. Both college-bound seniors will be recognized at Columbia’s awards ceremony on June 1.
Meghan Farley (pictured right), who will be attending SUNY New Paltz in the fall to study Art Education, is the four-year scholarship award recipient. A member of the National Honor Society and Girl Scouts, Meghan is passionate about art and her faith; she also maintains a busy competitive dance schedule, and enjoys babysitting for families in town. Several of her art projects have been honored with awards since 9th grade.
Meghan, who has truly enjoyed her Art and English classes at Columbia, cites her father, an assistant high school principal and former teacher, as a role model and inspiration for her career path. She looks forward to having her own classroom, teaching art to elementary school students.
Julia Marino, who will be attending Hudson Valley Community College in the fall to study Physical Education and Criminal Justice, is the two-year scholarship award recipient. A three-sport athlete in her senior year, Julia has taken part in the Freihofer’s Run for Women and The Race for the Cure annually since grade school, served as a Student Council representative, assisted in coaching modified lacrosse and volunteering at Green Meadow’s Field Day, in addition to other fundraisers and charitable causes.
Julia cites Ms. Hammond, Mrs. DeJulio, Mrs. Masiello, and Mr. Tooker as coaches and teachers who have inspired and encouraged her unwaveringly along her journey. She plans on taking the NYS police exam while pursuing a degree in Physical Education.
“The EGTA has granted over $237,000 in scholarship awards to graduating seniors from Columbia High School since 1964,” said Frederick Rudofsky, an English teacher at Columbia High School and the chair of the EGTA Scholarship Awards Committee.
Four-year scholarships ($5,600) are awarded to students who are enrolled in a program leading to a teacher’s certificate (K-12); two-year scholarships ($1,600) are awarded to those enrolled in a program leading to an associate’s degree.
The EGTA Scholarship Award committee reviews each applicant’s potential, academic achievement and financial need. Recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, community involvement, the applicant’s personal statement essay and other pertinent information are assessed as well by the committee.
“We are extremely proud of both seniors who are receiving these awards, and support their post-graduation plans,” Mr. Rudofsky said. “We also would like to thank those who wrote letters upon their behalf.”