Editor’s note: This list and the photos were provided by the Pelham Union Free School District.
The Arnold M. Albero Memorial Patriotism Award
This is a $2,500 award given to a high school senior who demonstrates an appreciation for the freedoms we share as Americans as well as an understanding of the historic price individuals have paid for these freedoms. The recipient of this award must be a student who displays a reverence for the values upon which our country was founded and whose hard work allows him or her to reach their potential and thereby safeguard the freedoms of the next generation of Americans.
Award Winners
The Doris Carson Jackson Memorial Scholarship
The Doris Carson Jackson Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Doris Carson Jackson by her family. Doris Carson Jackson attended Hutchinson Elementary School from 1946-1952 and graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1959. In 1970, she returned to teach at PMHS as the first African-American teacher in the English Department. Doris loved the written and spoken word and sought to ensure that students understood the elegance, beauty, and power of the English language to “shape their future and change the world.” Doris taught in Pelham for seven and a half years before transitioning to the corporate world. Her true calling, however, was as an educator of young people, and she returned to the classroom in 1992 for The Hackley School, King’s College, Concordia College, and Westchester Community College over the next 20+ years. Doris believed strongly in the power of education and its ability to uplift future generations. Her family wishes to honor her commitment to young people of color by awarding this scholarship. It will be awarded annually to a deserving senior student of color with unmet financial need and who has demonstrated scholastic achievement.
Award Winners
The Siwanoy School PTA Scholarship
The Siwanoy School PTA Scholarship is presented by the Siwanoy PTA to a Siwanoy alumnus who is a PMHS graduating senior. The student selected is one who embodies those attributes instilled during their years at Siwanoy: friendship, leadership, citizenship and commitment to educational excellence.
Award Winner
The Colonial School PTA Scholarship
The Colonial School PTA is pleased to award a scholarship to a graduating PMHS senior who is an alumnus of Colonial School and who has shown significant achievements and contributions to the Pelham school district and community.
Award Winner
The Hutchinson Elementary PTA Scholarship
The Hutchinson Elementary PTA Scholarship is given each year by the members of the PTA to a graduating PMHS senior who attended Hutchinson School and who has shown qualities of integrity, loyalty and scholarship.
Award Winner
The Pelham Civic Association Community Awards
The Pelham Civic Association is Westchester County’s most active volunteer, charitable organization. Founded in 1939, PCA is run by local residents who volunteer their time to serve the community in many ways, concentrating on four main objectives: the financially needy, the physically and mentally challenged, the youth and the elderly. As part of our Youth Program, a Pelham Civic Community Awards Program was established. Each of the awards is named in honor of a member and the special contributions each made to the organization and the community.
Vincent Lopardi Community Service Award
Vincent Lopardi Community Service Award ($10,000) is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham, NY who best exemplifies outstanding civic pride and community spirit. Recipient will demonstrate active participation in facing real life problems and issues by offering his or her skills to the needs of the community.
Award Winner
Camillo D’Urso Charitable Support Award
Camillo D’Urso Charitable Support Award ($8,000) is presented to either a high school, college or graduate student who resides in Pelham, NY and who best exemplifies leadership and support in charitable work. Recipient will demonstrate generous actions, donation of time, money, service or help to persons less fortunate or organizations that provide for those in need.
Award Winner
Joseph L. Nunziata Award for Creativity and Service
Joseph L. Nunziata Award for Creativity and Service ($2,500) is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham, NY who best represents her or his outstanding creative talents for the benefit of others. This may include creative disciplines such as writing, art, graphic design, photography, and creative and strategic concepts that enhance the lives of others.
Award Winner
Hilda Monaghan Porter Support Award
Hilda Monaghan Porter, RN, PHD, FNP-BC Support Award ($3,000) is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham, NY who desires to apply their talents to the study of disciplines within health and sciences. This may include medical care, nursing, medicine or dental studies wherein they would benefit others and give back to their community in the future.
Award Winner
Anthony Senerchia Memorial Services Award
Anthony Senerchia Memorial Services Award ($2,000) is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham, NY who demonstrates strong community service by giving back to the community. Such actions would be best represented by helping the next generation of students reach their full potential whether through teaching/assisting younger students with after school programs, activities, studies or equivalent.
Award Winner
Honorable Richard J. Daronco Civic Leadership Award
Hon. Richard J. Daronco Civic Leadership Award ($1,500) provides expense reimbursement to high school students who serve as Pelham representatives to the Model Congress or Model United Nations Program, or similar program with expenses paid up to $1,500.
Award Winner
Philip J. Colicchio Award
Philip J. Colicchio Award ($1,000), presented each year to the incoming Pelham Memorial High School President of the Student Association, allows for the recipient to attend a leadership conference of their choice.
Award Winner
The Pelham Children’s Theater Vange Gorsline Scholarship
Pelham Children’s Theater is a community theater group for 5th and 6th graders who attend Pelham schools. We consider ourselves to be the stepping stone in theater for children. Hopefully, they will fall in love with theater and pursue their acting in the Middle School Drama Club, Sock ‘n Buskin and beyond. Several years ago we voted to award scholarships to PCT alumni who have continued in theater, whether it is acting, stage crew, lighting or sound. It has been a pleasure to watch our alumni grow, and see the talent they share with all of us.
Award Winner
The Village of Pelham PBA Award
The Village of Pelham PBA would like to honor a graduating senior with a $500 scholarship who has taken criminal justice classes and is interested in a law enforcement career.
Award Winner
The Pelham Women’s Club Award
The Pelham Women’s Club was founded in 1968 to foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding among women through civic, cultural and philanthropic activities. This award will be given to a student who best represents the qualities of scholarship, and service to the community among others.
Award Winners
The Houlihan Lawrence Theatre Arts Award
The Houlihan Lawrence Theatre Arts Award is given in recognition of the importance of Theatre Arts to the enrichment of the student experience and contribution to the Pelham Community. The recipient is honored for teamwork, accomplishment and responsibility to self and others.
Award Winners
The Ernest H. Wood Memorial Scholarship
Ernest Wood was a devoted and learned member of the Community Church of the Pelhams. Mr. Wood believed in the importance of education, and asked that part of the proceeds from his estate be used for a scholarship program for Pelham students pursuing further education. Since 1988, we have had the privilege of distributing over $170,000 to deserving Pelham students who have demonstrated a combination of volunteerism, community service and academic achievement.
Award Winners
The Marjorie Linn Strong P.E.O. Scholarship
This scholarship, inaugurated in 2015, is given in memory of Marjorie Linn Strong, an active member of P.E.O. for 57 years and a three-time president of local Chapter P. She was a passionate supporter of P.E.O. ‘s mission to promote higher education for women. Our local Chapter P has been awarding an annual scholarship for more than 25 years. Through local chapters, P.E.O. offers loans and scholarships to women pursuing degrees that range from the undergraduate level to PhD programs. P.E.O. sponsors awards for women of many backgrounds, including foreign students from over 85 countries and women whose college education has been interrupted. 102,000 women have benefited from P.E.O.’s educational opportunities. To date, over $304 million in scholarships, grants and loans have been awarded.
Award Winner
The Manor Club Scholarship
The present Manor Club was founded in 1914 with the objective to encourage the cultural and philanthropic activities of its members. Since 2014, The Manor Club is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. This year the committee is awarding scholarships to students who were chosen for academic achievements, community involvement, a desire to further academic studies, and as examples of young people who embody the very spirit of The Manor Club. This yearly scholarship has been awarded uninterrupted since 1944.
We extend a very special thank you to the students who applied for our scholarship and to their families and teachers.
Award Winners
The Danny Fund – Julianne Borsella Scholarship
The Danny Fund Julianne Borsella Scholarship is presented to a young man or woman who embodies the attributes of spirit and courage in overcoming what appears to be an insurmountable obstacle, a continuing sense of humor in the face of hardship, a willingness to assist fellow students to the greatest extent possible during this period of adversity, and a determination to never give up.
Award Winner
The Mimi Buckley Pelham Preservation & Garden Society Scholarship
The Pelham Preservation Society is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1999 for the purpose of fostering community understanding and appreciation of the architecture, historic structures, natural beauty and aesthetic character of the Town of Pelham and surrounding areas. This scholarship is named in honor of Mimi Buckley, a valued member of the Pelham community whose life long pursuit of Pelham’s history began with co-authoring An Historical Perspective of the Town of Pelham, a well-known map which dates every building in the town, created to celebrate our nations’ Bicentennial in 1976. Her roles included deputy Pelham Town Historian, then Pelham Town Historian and co-founder of the Pelham Historical Society. It was her wish that every Pelhamite know and value our town’s important place in history. We will award this scholarship to the Pelham High School student who best demonstrates an understanding and appreciation for historic preservation and promoting Pelham’s local history and cultural significance during the past four years.
Award Winner
The Pelham Democratic Committee Michael Schwerner Social Action Award
The Pelham Democratic Committee Michael Schwerner Social Action Award is given to a student who has made important contributions in the area of social action. This includes activities aimed at making the world a better place, effecting social change or supporting civil liberties. Michael was a popular PMHS graduate of the Class of 1957, and one of three civil rights workers murdered near Meridian, Mississippi in the summer of 1964 while working to register poor black voters who had been deprived of their rights as citizens in the segregated south. Michael had hoped to spend the rest of his life working towards the integration of American society.
Award Winner
The John Graham Memorial Scholarship
The John Graham Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a senior who has shown hard work, dedication and commitment throughout his/her high school career overcoming any obstacles in his/her way. John had many wonderful personal attributes but, in his long career as a New York State Court Officer, his dedication, hard work and commitment in the face of adversity are the traits that we honor with this scholarship.
Award Winner
The Jeanne Serocke and Joseph Stavola Scholarship
The Jeanne Serocke and Joseph Stavola Scholarship is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated a strong work ethic and is devoted to community service. Jeanne and Joseph were outstanding members of the Pelham community and their outstanding dedication and commitment are the traits we honor in this scholarship.
Award Winner
The Junior League of Pelham Scholarship
This $2,000 scholarship was established in 1987 and is given annually to a Pelham Memorial High School senior girl who has demonstrated outstanding community service during her high school years. While neither financial need nor academic standing is a determining factor in selecting the recipient, candidates must include written verification of their plan for continuing their education.
Award Winner
The American Legion Award
The American Legion is the nation’s largest veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. This award is presented annually by Pelham Post #50 to one graduating male and female student from PMHS. The students are recognized for distinguished achievement during their high school careers. It recognizes the possession of those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service which are necessary to the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our great Nation.
The Rotary Club of the Pelhams Scholarship
The Rotary Club of the Pelhams brings together business persons and civically engaged residents to promote fellowship, integrity, international goodwill and local community service. Prominent among its service activities is its support of local youth. The Club recognizes two outstanding high school students as “Rotary Scholars” each month during the academic year and grants a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) to provide one Pelham Memorial High School student with transformative leadership training at a weekend retreat for youth from the tri-state area. The Rotary Club of the Pelhams Scholarship is among the community’s largest. It is a $12,000 scholarship awarded to a single Pelham Memorial High School senior. Funds for this scholarship are raised from Club members and the generous donations of the greater Pelham community, which has supported this program since 1992. Including this 2024 award, $228,000 in scholarships have been awarded to PMHS seniors over the past 25 years. Awardees are determined on the basis of academic excellence as well as on whether they conduct themselves in a fashion consistent with Rotary’s aim of encouraging understanding, respect and cooperation among all people, and a willingness to become constructively and generously involved.
Award Winner
The Pelham Memorial High School PTA Scholarships
It is with great pleasure that the Pelham Memorial High School PTA awards three scholarships this year. The criteria are based not solely on academic achievement, but also on the hallmarks of school citizenship and character. The recipients of the PMHS PTA Scholarships embody a commitment to school and community. These young adults have maintained the highest standards of behavior and regard for others. They have been recognized and respected by their peers and they have made Pelham Memorial High School a better place.
Award Winners
The Hutchinson School Nancy Thompson Service Award
The Nancy Thompson Service Award was inaugurated by the Hutchinson School community to acknowledge Coach Jim Thompson’s wife, Nancy Thompson, who passed away in 2009. Mrs. Thompson was dedicated to her family and the nursing profession, and was also an active member of her community. The award will serve to remember Mrs. Thompson’s dedication to and involvement in her community. This Nancy Thompson Service Award and $100 contribution will be given to a Pelham Memorial High School senior and Hutchinson School alumnus who has generously given of his/her time and talents to the Pelham Community.
Award Winner
The Prospect Hill School Marian St. Clair Award
The Marian St. Clair Award is presented by the Prospect Hill School PTA as a tribute to Marian St. Clair, a primary teacher whose love of the arts was an important part of her classroom teaching. This award is presented to a Prospect Hill graduate who shares Ms. St. Clair’s commitment to and love of the Arts through education.
Award Winner
The Joseph Longobardi Scholarship
These scholarship winners have exhibited a strong community involvement, as well as being leaders with great character. This scholarship began in 2012 with the retirement of Pelham Middle School Principal, Joseph Longobardi after serving as its Principal since 1992. He began his 30 year career in the Pelham School District as a teacher. This scholarship is funded by the Pelham Middle School PTA and is awarded to seniors who attended the Pelham Middle School for three years.
Award Winner
New York State Office of the Attorney General Triple “C” Award
This award is presented to two students in recognition of his/her Commitment to bettering themselves and their community, their strength of Character and Courage, which will aid in meeting all of the challenges ahead.
Award Winners
The New York State Assembly Leadership Award
New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin awards this certificate to a PMHS graduating senior who has shown leadership in the fields of journalism, student government, and/or speech and debate.
Award Winner
New York State Comptroller Achievement Award
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli presents this award annually to a PMHS senior who has devoted a significant amount of time to helping his or her school and/or community, has shown academic excellence and displayed a potential for leadership.
Award Winners
The Fitzgerald Brothers Scholarship
The Fitzgerald Brothers Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in memory of Police Officer Patrick Fitzgerald and his older brother Sergeant Walker Fitzgerald, both New York City Police Officers and PMHS graduates who tragically lost their lives in 1997 only two months apart. The Foundation helps to raise money “when the need arises” for all men and women in blue. They donate money to families of fallen police officers, to police precincts for better equipment and to many other charitable organizations, such as the Danny Fund, the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. The foundation was the idea of Mrs. Lona Fitzgerald, Patrick and Walker’s mother. She felt that her sons’ passion for criminal justice could in some way be passed on through PMHS’s Criminal Justice curriculum.
Award Winner
The Kerry Clare Kennett Scholarship
Kerry Clare Kennett was a 1970 graduate of Pelham Memorial High School. She attended the College of New Rochelle School of Nursing and the Mt. Vernon Hospital
Hopfer School of Nursing where she successfully passed her nursing board to become an LPN. She was to begin working at Sound Shore Medical Center on February 10, 1987. Unfortunately, she was killed in an accident on Boston Post Road. Her family has asked that PMHS award a scholarship in her name to graduating seniors who will enter a degree program in nursing as Kerry had planned to continue to study for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
Award Winner
The Sandy Stephens Award
This award is given in memory of Sandy Stephens, who died while a student at PMHS in the late 1970s. It is presented each year to the girl who has “contributed the most to women’s athletics and team spirit, friendship and dedication.”
Award Winner
The Walter Alan Arrington Sr. Award
Walter Alan Arrington, Sr. was a charismatic leader, outstanding athlete, veteran of the United States Air Force and government official at the Government Services Administration (GSA), as well as a wonderful husband and father to four children. His leadership skills became evident as a junior at Pelham High School, when he was elected as president of the General Organization. During the same year he qualified for the semi-finals of the Olympics in the hop, skip and jump. In his senior year he won the National Interscholastic high jump competition at Madison Square Garden in February, 1937. He was the star of Pelham High School’s undefeated track team, and holder of three Westchester County high-school records, and was elected captain of his track team in his senior year. Based on his outstanding high-school career, Walter was given a scholarship in 1938 to attend Michigan State University.
In 1939, as a sophomore in his first year of varsity competition at Michigan State, he was selected to the All-American Track and Field Team and shined brightly as one of the true stars of that year’s AAU competition. He was chosen to compete as a member of the 1940 Olympic Track and Field Team, which was canceled due to World War II. He captained the Michigan State squad to victory in the Michigan Intercollegiate Meet. That same afternoon, he bid farewell to collegiate athletics by sweeping four first-place victories in the high jump, broad jump, discus and shot-put competitions.After graduating from Michigan State, Walter served in the United States Army Air Corps (which later became the U.S. Air Force) and attended the prestigious Tuskegee Institute for pilot training in 1942. He attended the Army Air Corps Navigation School at Hondo, Texas, where he graduated as the Air Corps’ first black navigator. His service to our country was distinguished by 23 years in the Air Force, primarily with the Strategic Air Command.Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1964 as a Lt. Colonel, he continued to serve his country as Director of Property Division, Region 3 at GSA until his death in 1977.
Award Winner
The Dr. Lori A. McQueen, Ed.D. Memorial Award
The Dr. Lori A. McQueen, Ed.D. Memorial Award is bestowed annually to a graduating female student who best exemplifies dedication to scholarship, service to others and spirit of PMHS. The award is $1,000 and honors the life of Dr. McQueen (1961-2015), Class of 1979, who excelled in academics and athletics at PMHS. Dr. McQueen was an accomplished college professor and administrator who also founded a national intercollegiate athletics consultancy.
Award Winner
The Joe Reda Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to two PMHS graduating scholar athletes (one male, one female) who demonstrate leadership qualities and perform at an elite level both on and off the field. This award is presented in memory of Joe “The Barber” Reda (April 9, 1937 – January 18, 2016), who through his own selfless actions, motivated and inspired people to help others.
Award Winners
The American Association of University Women Outstanding Student Award
The recipient of this award has demonstrated service to her school, academic ability, and potential for future service to women in the solution of social and civic problems.
Award Winner
The American Association of University Women Excellence in Writing Award
The recipient of this award excels in the writing of short stories, poetry, personal essays and plays, along with fulfilling the state writing standards of excellence in academic writing.
Award Winner
National Merit Scholarship Program 2023
These awards are given to students who have demonstrated, through distinguished performance, a high potential for future academic accomplishment based on criteria from the National Merit Scholarship Program: Finalist and Commended Award Finalists
Commended
The President’s Awards for Outstanding Academic Excellence
The President’s Awards for Outstanding Academic Excellence are presented to members of the senior class who have achieved an average of 90% or better.
Award Winners
The President’s Awards for Educational Achievement
The President’s Awards for Educational Achievement are presented to members of the senior class who have shown outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment or intellectual development in their academic subjects. It is meant to encourage and reward students who are persistent and committed to personal growth.
Award Winners
DaniLee’s Scholarship
The DaniLee Scholarship is presented to an individual who has provided a helping hand to youth within our community. This individual is someone who exerts kindness, patience and compassion for others.
Award Winner
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Equitable Excellence Scholarship is a national program funded by Equitable Foundation and supports our company’s mission to honor the courage, strength and wisdom of students in pursuing higher education and making their dreams a reality.
Award Winner
Bridge Academy MARGARET Fund Scholarship
The Bridge Academy MARGARET Fund Scholarships are given to graduating seniors who have successfully demonstrated dedication to academics, social and emotional growth, along with citizenship within the school and the community. The scholarships are also given to students who have overcome extraordinary circumstances and/or obstacles to their education.
Award Winner
Fine Arts Department
These senior art students are to be commended for their outstanding creative growth and dedication to the Fine Arts. 9 Excellence in Advanced Placement Art & Design Excellence in Design Excellence in Advanced Placement Art History Excellence in Photography Excellence in Ceramics Yearbook- These seniors are recognized for their hard work and dedication in creating the 2023 Pelican yearbook.
Excellence in Advanced Placement Art and Design
Award Winners
Excellence in Design
Award Winners
Excellence in Advanced Placement Art History
Award Winners
Excellence in Photography
Award Winners
Excellence in Ceramics
Award Winner
Yearbook
These seniors are recognized for their hard work and dedication in creating the 2024 Pelican Yearbook
Award Winners
English Department
The English Department Awards for Excellence in English
Award Winners
The English Department Awards for Commitment in English
The Achievement and Commitment/Dedication to English Award recognizes seniors for their consistent dedication and engagement in English over four years.
Award Winners
The English Department Awards for The Excellence in Public Speaking
The Excellence in Public Speaking Award recognizes seniors for their eloquence in speech and/or communication.
Award Winner
The English Department Awards for Excellence in Creative Writing
The Excellence in Creative Writing recognizes seniors for their imaginative contributions to fiction/nonfiction writing.
Award Winner
The Yale Westchester Alumni Association Book Award
The English Department is pleased to present the following Yale Westchester Alumni Book Award to a member of this year’s junior class..
Award Winner
World Language Department
The Northeast Conference Award for Excellence in Language Study: French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin.
Award Winners
The Syracuse University Project Advance
The SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) Award is given to students who have contributed great effort and demonstrate commitment to the study of (French, Spanish, and Italian) by successfully completing Syracuse University courses.
Award Winners
The Ruth Yergin Award for Excellence in Latin
The Ruth Yergin Award for Excellence in Latin is given to the senior who has the highest average in the study of four or more years of Latin. Ms. Yergin taught Latin at Pelham Memorial High School for over 30 years.
Award Winner
The FIERI Italian Language Achievement Award
The FIERI Italian Language Achievement Award was established in 1985 to enable and encourage gifted students to pursue their educational goals. It is presented to a collegebound Italian American student who has excelled in the study of the Italian Language. It is awarded by the FIERI Bronx/Westchester Scholarship Fund.
Award Winner
World Language Dedication Award
This award recognizes a senior who has demonstrated a true commitment and passion to the study of world languages throughout his/her high school career. The World Language Plaque Award is given annually to students who have successfully completed at least seven years of study in one or more world languages.
Award Winner
Music Department
The National School Choral Award
This award recognizes distinguished singers who have shown outstanding dedication and musical achievement.
Award Winner
The Director’s Award for Chorus
This award recognizes the talent and enthusiasm of outstanding choral members.
Award Winner
Orchestra Citizenship Award
This award recognizes the dedicated Pelham Memorial High School Orchestra participant who has consistently been thoughtful and helpful to other orchestra members.
Award Winner
National School Orchestra Award
This award sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAME) recognizes musical leadership and contribution to the Pelham Memorial High School Orchestra. The recipient is recognized for consistent exceptional performance in the Orchestra.
The Amy Geissinger Music Award
The Amy Geissinger Music Award is named for Amy Geissinger, a member of the PMHS Class of 1992. Amy was a member of the Marching Band, Concert Band, Flute Ensemble and Stage Band. The criteria for this award is as follows: (1) a band member from the senior class, (2) recipient must possess an innate sense of musicality, (3) even though not planning a professional career in music, music is a powerful force in his or her life, as it was in Amy’s, (4) the student has pursued outside interests in music through private lessons, church activities, participation in bands or orchestras outside of school as well as active participation in school and (5) exhibits school spirit through active participation in varied school activities.
Award Winner
The John Philip Sousa Award
The John Philip Sousa Award is considered the pinnacle of achievement in high school band. It recognizes one student with superior musicianship, outstanding dedication, and tremendous loyalty to the PMHS band.
Award Winner
The Patrick Gilmore Band Award
The Patrick Gilmore Band Award is presented to a senior in the Band for effort, improvement, and commitment over four years in the PMHS Band and Ensemble.
Award Winner
The Campbell Whitford Scholarship
The Campbell Whitford Scholarship is presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding musical talent for the past four years in the PMHS Band. This student is an academically strong student with a love for music and who reflects the ideals of former Band Director, Campbell Whitford who served the students of Pelham for 40 years.
Award Winner
Physical Education Department
The Excellence in Physical Education Awards
The Excellence in Physical Education Awards are given to those students who exemplify excellence in physical fitness, skill, attitude and participation.
Award Winners
The Science Department
The Science Teachers’ Emeritus Award
The Science Teachers’ Emeritus Award is given annually in honor of all retired teachers of the science department. It recognizes students’ sustained effort in science classes, optimistic attitude, striving to do the best in science and for the persistent determination in meeting the demanding challenges of science.
Award Winner
Achievement in Science Courses
The following individuals have earned the recognition of being exemplary students in the specific subject taken. This includes outstanding grades, ability to complete the rigorous coursework in a timely fashion, the capability to work collaboratively with classmates, and proficiency in contributing to class discussions in a scholarly manner.
Achievement in Advanced Placement Biology
Award Winners
Achievement in Advanced Placement Chemistry
Award Winners
Achievement in Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Award Winners
Achievement in Advanced Placement Physics
Award Winners
Achievement in Advanced Placement Computer Science
Award Winners
Achievement in SUNY Forensic Science
Award Winners
Achievement in Science Research
Award Winners
The Excellence in Science
The Excellence in Science is given annually to the student who has excelled in every science course taken at Pelham Memorial High School. It takes into account not only the 11 scholastic record of the student, but also the number of courses taken by the student. The science department faculty then recognizes the individual merits of each nominated student with respect to motivation, participation in science activities and overall science aptitude.
Award Winner
The Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Westchester
The Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Westchester, along with the Harvard Alumnae Association, has for many years awarded the Harvard Book Prize to one outstanding student in the junior class in Westchester County High Schools. The outstanding junior is the person who “displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.” Harvard Alumni originated the Harvard Prize Book Program in 1910 as part of an effort to attract the attention of talented young students to the opportunities available at Harvard.
Award Winner
The Arabinda Guha Award
Award Winner
Lucas Calderon
Social Studies Department
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Awards
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Awards are presented to seniors who have demonstrated overall achievement and scholarship in United States History.
Award Winners
The Excellence in History Award
The Excellence in History Award recognizes seniors for their superior academic scholarship and motivation in Social Studies over four years.
Award Winners
The Excellence in Social Sciences Award
The Excellence in Social Sciences Award seniors for their superior academic scholarship and motivation in social science classes over four years.
Award Winners
The Commitment and Dedication to Social Studies Award
The Commitment and dedication to Social Studies Award recognizes seniors who have contributed great effort and demonstrated commitment to the study of Social Study over four years. It takes into account not only the academic record of the student, but also the number of courses taken by the student.
Award Winners
The Excellence in Journalism Award
The Excellence in Journalism Award recognizes seniors for their superior achievement and motivation in Journalism.
Award Winners
Mathematics Department
The Rensselaer Award for Mathematics and Science
The Rensselaer Award for Mathematics and Science is awarded annually to a member of the junior class who has distinguished his/herself in the study of math and science. Upon enrolling at Rensselaer, the medalist is awarded a $15,000 annual scholarship.
Award Winner
The Ralph E. Roberts Mathematics Award
The Ralph E. Roberts Mathematics Award is given annually to a senior in recognition of her/his dedication to the study of mathematics.
Award Winner
The Math Team Award
The Math Team Award is given to students who have been active participants on the PMHS Math Team.
The Excellence in Mathematics Award
The Excellence in Mathematics Award recognizes seniors for their outstanding achievements in math over four years, along with an exceptional insight and ongoing quest for deeper understanding of mathematics.
Award Winner
Smith College Book Award
The Math Department is also pleased to present the Smith College Book Award to a member of the junior class.
Award Winner
Kathleen McGrath STEM Award
This award is given to a member of the senior class who demonstrates academic excellence and a dedication to study in the areas of mathematics, science, engineering and technology. The student must display a passion for the subjects, as well as a strong sense of collegiality and teamwork. The recipient of this award is a leader 12 who embodies generosity, passion and a genuine desire for the betterment of their school and community.
Award Winner
The Despina Patsoulakis Memorial Scholarship
The Despina Patsoulakis Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Despina Patsoulakis who dedicated 40 years of service as a teacher at Hutchinson Elementary School. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating high school student who attended Hutchinson.
Award Winners
The Janet E. Keiser Memorial Scholarship
Janet E. Keiser, a Pelham resident for fifty-one years, worked at the high school as curator of the English-Social Studies Center from 1970- 1992. In managing the materials used by the English and Social Studies departments, Mrs. Keiser collaborated with the teachers to help students with projects and special assignments. Her passion for learning was reflected in her enthusiastic support for student and faculty endeavors alike. When she retired, the students honored her with the Spirit Award. After Mrs. Keiser’s death in 2010, her family decided to establish a memorial scholarship in her honor. It will be awarded annually to a graduating senior who has excelled in English and Social Studies.
Award Winner
The Lawrence C. Ryan Prize
The Lawrence C. Ryan Prize is awarded to a student in the senior class who most reflects the qualities Mr. Ryan exemplified in his 29 years at Pelham Memorial High School. These qualities include a dedication to and excellence in the study of Latin, a demonstrated interest in Roman culture, outstanding character, active participation in athletics or community service and an engaging sense of humor.
Award Winner
The Pelham Teachers’ Association Scholarship
Each year the Pelham Teachers’ Association requests donations from its members to award $2,000 in scholarship money. Each scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to a senior who displays a high level of academic achievement and a strong desire to continue their education studies.
Award Winner
Princeton University Book Award
The Social Studies Faculty is pleased to present the Princeton University Book Award to a member of the junior class who is at the top of her/his class academically and has demonstrated both intellectual leadership and strong character. This student also best exemplifies the spirit behind Princeton’s motto, “In the Nation’s service, in the service of all nations.”
Award Winner
St. Lawrence University Book Award
This award is given to a junior who embodies the spirit of a mentoring relationship in the Peer Leadership Program. This student has volunteered his/her service to tutor a Middle School student, and in the process, has become a friend and confidant.
Award Winner
The Dorina DiLullo Scholarship
The Dorina DiLullo Scholarship has been established to honor the memory of “Ms. Dorina” and her many contributions to the Sock n’Buskin program. A choreographer for many years in both the middle and high school theatre programs, Ms. DiLullo passed away suddenly in March 2013 at the age of 44. Each year an award will be given to students who in their 4 years exemplify the qualities that Ms. Dorina taught: commitment, creativity, collaboration and kindness.
Award Winner
The John A. Orefice Jr. Scholarship
The John A. Orefice Jr. scholarship has been established by the Orefice family to honor his many years of service to PMHS and the Sock n’ Buskin program. Each year an award is given to a student who has made a significant contribution to Sock n’ Buskin in their 4 years and who has an expressed interest in continuing their devotion to theatre arts. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving senior who understands the value of the performing arts, exhibits passion, commitment, a sense of humor, humility, and who, like Mr. Orefice, has the innate ability to dream
Award Winner
The David Pentz Scholarship
The David Pentz Scholarship has been established to honor David’s memory and his years of service as lighting designer for Sock’n’Buskin. David passed away suddenly on Christmas Day 2018 after 15 years of service to the school district and the community. David’s commitment to educational theatre was evident in his years of service to Pelham Children’s Theatre, Pelham Middle School as well as Pelham Memorial High School. Each year this award will be given to a senior who understands the values of educational theatre, performing arts and creativity.
Award Winner
The John M. Conroy Scholarship
Dr. John Conroy was the principal of PMHS from 1977 through 1998. At the time of his retirement, a scholarship fund was established in his name to honor a PMHS graduating senior who, in addition to having a strong academic record, is generous in his/her commitment to others and makes a real effort to include everyone in the work that he/she does. The John M. Conroy scholarship is presented this year to a student whose involvement in the life of the school, generosity of spirit and concern for others fully reflects the ideals of the Pelham community.
Award Winner
The Dr. Suzanne T. Megahan Scholarship
Dr. Suzanne Tellman Megahan was the school psychologist at PMHS in the early 1980s, who died tragically from cancer in the prime of her life. Her family has funded a scholarship in her name to keep her memory alive in the PMHS community. This award is presented to a graduating senior who is pursuing academic or vocational goals after high school. The recipient must exemplify those qualities most admired by Dr. Megahan: a sense of compassion and concern for others, and a capacity to persevere with dignity and integrity.
Award Winner
The Yvonne Bornholz Award
The Yvonne Bornholz Award In loving memory of Yvonne Bornholz, the Yvonne Bornholz Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is pursuing a college degree or vocational training. This student embodies the essence of the values Yvonne instilled in her students year after year, including perseverance, commitment and kindness. Yvonne was a beloved member of the Pelham School District who worked directly with and had a great impact on her students for three decades.
Award Winner
The Faculty Service Awards
The Faculty Service Awards recognize students who demonstrated service and worked to improve the quality of life at PMHS.
Award Winner
The Charles Wilson Memorial Scholarship
The Charles Wilson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to two PMHS graduating seniors in honor of Dr. Charles T. Wilson, longtime Superintendent of the Pelham Public Schools who passed away in April 2022. Recipients must apply for the scholarship and demonstrate a commitment to advanced studies to achieve their postsecondary educational goals through an accredited program. Dr. Wilson began his career in Pelham as a Social Studies Teacher in 1968. He subsequently served in a variety of capacities, including Guidance Counselor, Director of Guidance Services, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Director of Instruction & Personnel, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction & Personnel, and ultimately Superintendent, a post he held from 1996 until his retirement in 2008. In 2013, he returned to serve briefly as Interim Superintendent. His care and commitment for the Pelham Schools were well known, as was the legacy he left. Beyond his role as an educator, he was incredibly active in the Pelham community and was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of the Pelhams. He truly loved his time in Pelham and always boasted about how wonderful the students and staff were. This scholarship awarded in his memory serves to honor his unending care and support for the Pelham Public Schools.
Award Winner
The School Spirit Award
Each year, the members of the Student Association single out one member of the PMHS family for special recognition.
Award Winner
Mark Berkowitz
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