Family Scholarships

Cleo Verderosa, daughter of Timothy Curtis, District-wide Head Custodian for New Paltz Central School District.

I am a rising senior at Sarah Lawrence College, where I am pursuing a multidisciplinary education with a primary concentration in creative nonfiction. My academic interests also include history, literature, and Spanish language, and my writing focuses on personal essays, music history, social commentary, profiles, and more.

Outside of the classroom, I have spent two years working with my campus’s Title IX office, focusing on student outreach, communication, and event planning. I also spent the past year studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, and Mérida, Mexico, where I focused on language immersion and volunteered within the local communities. I am currently interning with a nonprofit magazine, where I write opinion and culture pieces and continue to strengthen my voice as a writer. In the future, I hope to build a career that combines creative writing, community building, and social impact.

Dominic Licardi, son of James Licardi, Director of Facilities for Pine Bush Central School District.

I am entering my freshman year at the University of Georgia. Throughout high school, I have worked hard to balance academics with involvement in my school and community. I was recognized as an OCIAA Scholar Athlete and also volunteered with Unified Basketball. I am excited to begin this next chapter at the University of Georgia and look forward to the new academic and personal opportunities that college will bring.

Emily Phillips, daughter of Gregory Phillips, Director of Facilities for Niagara Wheatfield Central School District.

I am entering my sophomore year at Gannon University, where I am enrolled in the Physician Assistant program. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a physician assistant and am particularly interested in working in emergency medicine or orthopedics. I look forward to continuing my education and gaining the knowledge and experience that will prepare me for a career helping others through medicine.

Jalynn Machuga, daughter of John Machuga, Director of Facilities for Campbell Savona School.

I am entering my junior year at the University at Buffalo, where I am enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student. I am looking forward to continuing my studies, building on the experiences I have gained during my first two years of college, and working toward completing my undergraduate degree.

Jenna Machuga, daughter of John Machuga, Director of Facilities for Campbell Savona School.

I am entering my junior year at the University at Buffalo, where I will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I hope to pursue a career in prosthetics. As I begin another year of college, I am excited to continue my education, expand my experiences, and work toward achieving my academic and future career goals.

Rowan Swatling, stepson of Joshua Reiss, Risk & Safety Officer for ONC BOCES.

I am entering my sophomore year at the University at Buffalo, where I am pursuing studies in both Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and potentially a Ph.D.

My long-term goal is to build a career in the field of robotics, eventually working as a project or research team leader. I am excited to continue developing my skills and knowledge as I work toward a career focused on innovation, engineering, and technology.