Judith H. Trust Memorial Scholarship Awarded To Clarkstown Senior

The Rockland Community Foundation and the Trust family presented the Judith H. Trust Memorial Scholarship award to Patrick Taggart at a ceremony in the Clarkstown High School South Achievement Center. About 20 friends, family members and teachers gathered to celebrate Taggart's achievement. 

The Trust family established the scholarship in memory of Judith H. Trust, who served as coordinator of the Achievement Center for 17 years. It awards a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education to a deserving Clarkstown High School South senior who has benefitted from the services and support of the school's Achievement Center.

"We were so impressed by Pat's application," explained Rockland Community Foundation President Patrick Byrne. "His essay was open and honest in tracing his journey through high school and demonstrated the impact that caring and engaged teachers can have on a student who is determined to succeed."

Judith's husband, Bill Trust, presented Taggart with his scholarship check and certificate on Tuesday, and congratulated him for embodying "the fulfillment of the concept that Judy wanted."

The graduating senior attributed his success to group collaboration. 

"This is not just about my effort," said Taggart. "I couldn't have done it without everyone here. Thank you for the opportunity to prove that anyone can do this if they put their mind to it." 

He will be attending the University of Delaware and decided to major in Physical Therapy for a very specific reason.

"My experience with the Achievement Center has allowed me to discover that, much like my teachers, I want to help others," Taggart said.

The Rockland Community Foundation is a registered, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a local Board of Directors and an Advisory Board comprised of community leaders.  The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all people in Rockland County by increasing charitable giving and connecting donors to community needs which they care about most. For more information contact the Foundation at 845-947-2868 or info@rocklandgives.org.