2022 Columbian Awards

Amanda Craven

Abagail Dowen

Lauren Ernst

Cara Lallier

Connor Mead

Kylie Mugrace

Chelsea Skarzynski

Nova Vath

Marielle Warmt

Edward Witko lived for his family, friends and chosen profession.  In his ten year career in law enforcement, he served with honesty, integrity and loyalty and was admired by all.  He trained with an intensity that gave all who knew him comfort in knowing that he was part of us.  In August of 2010, Officer Edward L. Witko died tragically while participating in a motorcycle benefit run for Combat Veterans.  This scholarship will be dedicated to the memory of Edward Witko, #29

Perfect Attendance – All Four Years of High School

Sophia Hamilton

Connor Mead

Justin Sapienza

Perfect Attendance – All 12 Years

Juliet Cirincione

The following PIG Projects were selected as winners in each senior class.

Kylie Matthews

Anna Puglisi

Lanie Smith

Ryan Johnson

Jacob Martin

Victoria Winter

Enson Tang

Paige Hausler

Alexandros Wheeler

Justin Sapienza

Ryan Seely

Jacquelyn Urschel

Grace Warburton

Steven Yang

Madigan Hoffman

Jolena Krikorian

Kaiden Ring 

Faith Webb

Natalie Fiacco

Emily Seely

Zobia Sajid

Marisela Spaziani

Allison Silliman

In recognition of their academic excellence in Economics.

Tessa Burke

Katelyn Edick

Anna Hallock

Jordan Jakielaszek

Alyssa Manning

Rachel Parry

Zavion Penn

Haley Prendergast

Juliana Slawson

In recognition of their academic excellence in Economics.

Taylor Childs

Juliet Cirincione

Amanda Craven

Evan Farnan

Anthony Ferrara

Nathan Geng

Lily Gowie

Julia Hannum

Asunta Illenberg

Cara Lallier

Brittany Linden

Georgia Mahoney

Mark Monthie

Shashwat Panigrahi

Ashish Roddam

Maria Rybakov

Justin Sapienza

Ryan Seely

Travis Taylor

Emily Wilson

Shelby Young

Best demonstrated the ideals of Key Club through service and leadership. 

Julia Harbour

Dylan Marx

Marielle Warmt

This award is presented in recognition of your enthusiastic commitment to Key Club

Alyssa Manning

Presented to a student member of the blood drive recruitment team for his or her dedication and hard work in assisting Columbia with its blood drive goal for the 2021-2022 school year.

Presented to a Student Council member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership for all four years of high school.

Presented to an active Student Council member who has not held an elected position but has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the school community above and beyond her peers.

Awarded to students who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities in club functions and meetings.

Isabella Pioggia 

Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of Four Years of Dedicated Service

Drea VanVranken

Awarded to an outstanding junior female student who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities and concern for others.

Awarded to a junior in the top 5% of his or her class who has demonstrated intellectual leadership, and has made a significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the school.

Awarded to a senior who has contributed significantly to an understanding of a love for dramatic works within our school and/or community.

Awarded to the senior who has consistently demonstrated a passion for the English Language and achieved excellence within English studies for four years.

Recipient is chosen because of his hard work and individuality.

Commitment to Advancement in English Language Arts Award

Awarded to a student who has demonstrated a concerted effort in all English classes and has shown significant advancement in reading, writing and analytical skills.

Carter Albano

Zavion Penn

Awarded to the juniors who exhibit characteristics of academic excellence, student leadership and community involvement.

Raziya Coleman

Zoe Sheridan

Awarded to a junior in recognition of high school achievement, leadership, citizenship and participation in extracurricular activities.

Awarded to those that have a keen interest in service, celebrating diversity, students who demonstrate an interest in acquiring a great depth of broad knowledge at a liberal arts institution, and those who will embrace the mission and values of St. Bonaventure.

Seana Weerakoon

Awarded to one student in recognition of outstanding character and academic curiosity. 

Presented to a sophomore student who embodies strong performance in the classroom and who wants to make a difference in this ever-evolving world. 

Awarded to a high school junior who has displayed a significant commitment to community service.

Presented to members of the junior class who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and have made positive contributions to both school and community.  They will qualify for a tuition scholarship should they choose to enroll at Clarkson University.

Leadership

Achievement

Theodore Howard

Each year a distinguished group of students are selected and recognized by Wells College for their leadership ability, community involvement and academic excellence.  This award honors commitment to academics and student leadership.  This program is designed to honor these students who embody the spirit, integrity and intellectual qualities of a strong leader.

Adeline Nizer

This award recognizes academic achievement in the study of a foreign language.

French

German

Spanish

Justin Sapienza

Renaya Kelly

This award recognizes effort, commitment and enthusiasm to the study of a foreign language.

French

German

Spanish

Isabella Pioggia

Ryan Seely

This award is presented to the most considerate senior in the graduating class.

Awarded to the student who has shown significant assistance to Columbia staff.

Awarded to students who have been active participants in Columbia’s chapter of FBLA and have successfully led the members to reach the goals of this National Organization.

Thomas Roche

Brenna Sambrook

Steven Yang

The following students have successfully completed 3.5 credits of business courses (some of which students earned Hudson Valley Community College credits). Students have completed a Pathway in Business Management and/or Accounting to obtain a Technical Endorsement on their Diploma through the New York State Education Department.

Erin Dalton

Liam Gibney

Awarded to two seniors who have gone above and beyond in their participation in The Stock Market Game and in the St. Rose Sales Competition.

Ethan Harris

Awarded to two seniors that have demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to their studies in Marketing and Entrepreneurship business classes. These students have earned Hudson Valley Community College credits for their academic studies.

Lauren Preston

To the senior who has successfully completed the most business classes during all four years of high school. This student has an entrepreneurial spirit and has demonstrated perseverance.

The following students have demonstrated high academic achievement in business courses.  In addition, these students have proven good character, leadership, and service in business education.

Jayson Clerge

Erin Dalton

Carter Durivage

Liam Gibney

Ethan Harris

Kellie LaPointe

Ryan Seely

Akashi Walsh

Steven Yang

Jacob Yannone

Riley Young

Given to a senior business student who has excelled in Business education in memory of all departed members of the East Greenbush School Related Personnel support staff.

Excellence in Computer Applications

Excellence in Business and Sales

Excellence in Business Communication 

Jacob Yannone

Aidan Brock

Ryan Seely

For achievement in mathematics and science for engineering inspiration.

Tori Patrissy

John Loja-Pinguil

To recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women as well as promising juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior 

Senior

Caitlin Weinheimer

Akshat Arinav

Nathan Geng

Columbia High School has participated in the NYS Mathematics League for more than 25 years.  There are six contests during the school year which draw problems from a wide range of high school topics.  Out of more than 140 Columbia students who participated, this student achieved the highest score.

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Best Stage Manager

Best Assistant Stage Manager

Madeline Gruber

Roan Butterfield

Marianna Loomis

Bridget Burns

Leah Buono

Presented to a senior who demonstrates an overwhelming desire to promote equality, acceptance and respect for all within our school community.

Rachael Pugh

Abigail Silliman

Allison Silliman

Presented to the student who has shown excellence in academics, citizenship and exemplifies kindness to others.

Presented to a student for their Dedication to the Club and Publication

Biology

Chemistry

Earth Science

Environmental Science

Physics

Cumulative Excellence in Science

Evan Rainville

Caitlin Weinheimer

Tolulope Ogunsanwo

Anna Hallock

Nathan Geng

Anika Galkiwicz

Nathan Geng

Ashish Roddam

Maria Rybakov

Justin Sapienza

To be a graduate of this program, students must create and perform authentic research experiments under the direction of a supervising scientist.  Science research is a rigorous program which requires time management skills, presentation and writing skills, and research skills in a laboratory or field setting.  Students have spent hundreds of hours on their projects and they should be very proud  The following seniors have stood the test of time and completed the three year program in grand fashion.

The Application of LESS Score, Lower Extremity Injury, and Muscle Control in a Group of Single-Sport vs Multi-Sport Athletes and It’s Implications

Analysis of Differential Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing in Males and Females with Myotonic Dystrophy Type I in Two Muscle Types

Maria Rybakov

This award recognizes high school juniors who have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community, and demonstrate outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity or entrepreneurship.  

Akkhil Morkonda

This award recognizes high school juniors who have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community and demonstrate interest and ability in computing.

Joann Pole

Awarded to students that demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service, social responsibility, integrity, and an appreciation for diversity.

Mylah Rosbozom

Honors the memory of Leonard Michon who was a beloved teacher and Supervisor of Social Studies in East Greenbush for many years.  Given to the student who has demonstrated outstanding character, scholarship, leadership and service.

Awarded to two students who have demonstrated proficiency in the study of U.S. History and understanding of its Constitution.

Ryan Seely

Membership in RHO KAPPA is an honor bestowed

upon a student by a local chapter for his or her

accomplishments in the field of social studies and

overall academic achievement.

Leah Buono

Tessa Burke

Bridget Burns

Evan Farnan

Anna Hallock

Julia Hannum

Alyssa Manning

Anthony Ortega-Fisher

Haley Prendergast

Anna Puglisi

Thomas Roche

Brenna Sambrook

Justin Sapienza

Ryan Seely

Makenzie Wagner

Steven Yang

Seniors demonstrating academic excellence and exemplary citizenship in the high school community and who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education in one of the designated areas.

Awarded to a student who is either a child or grandchild of a public safety officer or pursuing a career in law enforcement in honor of Police Detective Timothy J. Murphy of the Albany Police Department.

Student who has excelled academically and shown leadership potential by volunteering time to serve the school or community.

Alayna Smith

In recognition for promoting tolerance, endorsing diversity and demonstrating friendship to a fellow student in a recognized and responsible manner.

Recognizes students who, by their character, courage and commitment, reflect the highest values in their school and the community.

Asunta Illenberg

To recognize students who demonstrate a commitment to

volunteering and are actively serving their community with their time and talents.  We honor these students who exhibit sustained commitment to service to their community. 

Shawn Hoag

Awarded for academic achievement and community service

This award recognizes graduating seniors who are pursuing further education in Cosmetology, Business and Criminal Justice.

Kaiden Ring

Established in 2004 to commemorate Christopher’s life that was taken away so tragically by a hit and run driver.  To honor and perpetuate Christopher’s memory, financial assistance will be awarded to deserving seniors who possess and exhibit many of the same qualities that made Chris such a special and fine young man.  His spirit, which truly defined him, was his compassion and willingness to help others; his enthusiasm, delightful sense of humor and fun loving personality; his motivation that brought out the best in others; his love of history and great interest in sports and most importantly his loyalty, love and devotion to his family and friends.

Evan Farnan

Ellie Marshall

This scholarship was started in 2022 to honor the legacy of a beloved Special Education Teacher at Columbia High School. This award is given to a graduating senior from the Academic Skills Program that embodies the characteristics of kindness, patience, positivity, and acceptance.

Senior boy and girl who are outstanding in qualities of honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, and service.

LayVon Scott

Awarded to a senior girl who exhibits charity, truth and loving kindness.

Appointments are offered to students who have demonstrated exceptional potential for future service to the US Army and the nation.

Awarded to a student with exceptional service to their school and community while being a full-time student enrolled in Columbia High School. 

The Doug and Lynda Porter Scholarship Committee will award one scholarship in the amount of $500 to a Columbia High School graduating senior who has excelled in and has a genuine interest in math and music.  This award was made possible by the generous gift of Mr. and Mrs. Porter who were longtime teachers in the music and math departments in the EGCSD. The recipient chosen best exemplifies a well-rounded academic and musical individual.

Presented to a student who, at the end of their junior year, has obtained the highest academic average in the sciences.

Awarded to the student who has shown strong leadership, high grades with challenging courses and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities.  The award recognizes future leaders who may have an impact on our world.

Presented to a student who shares in the pursuit of innovative approaches and has appreciation for the possibilities of technology.

Awarded to a student who has demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues as well as showing leadership and a dedication to community action.  Strong grades and rigorous courses taken throughout their years in the humanities and social sciences.

Presented to one male and one female senior who exemplify the principles of the Elks, which is to bring charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity to your community

Charles Welcome

The NYSCOPBA Statewide Scholarship Program provides $600.00 scholarships to high school dependents of members.

This scholarship is awarded to a student accepted to a college and major in an engineering field, who demonstrates high academic achievement, exhibits community involvement/volunteerism and is civic-minded.

Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated academic excellence in social studies using effective writing and research as well as showing civic responsibility and good citizenship.

To a senior whose parent has been deployed and who demonstrates excellence in the patriotic principles of the VFW, leadership and love of country.

Presented to a student who has achieved outstanding accomplishments in the field of science and has demonstrated exceptional scientific curiosity or potential.

Awarded to a sophomore who has maintained a strong academic record in the sciences during the first two years of high school.

To a senior who has consistently demonstrated excellence in English expression combined with a deep respect for the traditions of literature.

Awarded to an English 9R or 11R student who demonstrated high academic standards and a strong background in community service.

4 year – Student enrolled in a 4 year program leading to a teaching certificate

2 year – Student enrolled in a 2 year program leading to an associates degree

Benjamin Pauli

Each year a child of a South Colonie Teachers’ Association member is selected to receive a scholarship based on an application, transcript and personal statement.

Presented to a senior who plans on entering the business or communication fields, who has shown commitment to volunteerism, and who has displayed extraordinary teamwork and dedication in athletics or other extracurricular activities. Presented by Ryan Farnan and family who are grateful for the support, lessons and friendships received as part of the East Greenbush community.

Presented to a senior who plans on entering the field of medicine and who has displayed exceptional academic ability and community service.

Awarded to a student who excelled academically and volunteered in the community.

This scholarship is awarded to a student accepted to a college and major in an education and career in elementary education. 

Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated a continued commitment to community service.

Awarded to a graduating senior who has navigated hardships, is dealing with adversity, or has overcome adversity.

Anna Puglisi 

Albany City Lodge No. 540 Knights of Pythias Achievement Award presented for extra-curricular activities and/or community endeavors.

Presented to the Junior or Senior who is a leader on the Science Olympiad team.

For over forty-five years, thousands of US high schools have chosen this award to honor their most deserving senior band student.  The Sousa Award recognizes superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty and cooperation; qualities that directors strive to develop in all students.

Given to a senior who has shown outstanding performance and commitment to the orchestra.

Given to a senior who has shown outstanding performance and commitment to the chorus

LayVon Scott

2021 Music Enrichment Award 

Orchestra 

The Eastman Award recognizes a high school junior who has demonstrated superior musicianship on his or her instrument and has contributed positively to the school musical environment.   

EVAN FARNAN

ANTHONY FERRARA

NATHAN GENG

ANNA HALLOCK

JULIA HANNUM

JORDAN JAKIELASZEK

ALYSSA MANNING

ELLIE MARSHALL

SHASHWAT PANIGRAHI

ASHISH RODDAM

MARIA RYBAKOV

JUSTIN SAPIENZA

RYAN SEELY

JULIANA SLAWSON

MAKENZIE WAGNER

HUBERT CHANG

MACKENZIE CLUTE

AMANDA CRAVEN

NATHAN DAVIS

CONOR FROST

ANIKA GALKIEWICZ

ETHAN HARRIS

RENAYA KELLY

CARA LALLIER

MASON MILLAN

RACHEL PARRY

HALEY PRENDERGAST

ANNA PUGLISI

LANIE SMITH

GABE TUCKER

SHELBY YOUNG

KATHERINE BROWE

BRIELLE BUCHER

BRIDGET BURNS

ALICIA CIOFFI

JULIET CIRINCIONE

LILY GOWIE

TABITHA HOWLAND

JAMES KENNEDY

BRANDON LANG

GEORGIA MAHONEY

ANNIE MOTLER

ZAVION PENN

QIAN RAPPAZZO

HANNAH RITCHER

STEVEN YANG