Sewanhaka District Retirees Honor Seniors Again

SFTR Awards Outstanding Students Once Again

The Sewanhaka Federation of Teachers Retired is a 250-member active group who remembers with fondness the schools and students they served for many years. Looking to recognize those present students who are not always in the limelight, the SFTR developed a scholarship award ten years ago. The criteria include college-bound students who have not always been stellar students for a variety of reasons but who eventually “saw the light” and achieved at a higher level. Students are recommended by guidance counselors and allow us into their lives and achievements. Five individual building winners then agree for an interview to determine a district winner. Four students receive $350 grants, and the district winner receives $700. The awards are distributed at each school’s senior awards assembly.

This year’s district winner is Jason Rocha from Sewanhaka High School, a personable and promising hard worker who will attend SUNY Albany with plans of a sports marketing career. The Elmont High School winner is Scarlin Hernandez, an aspiring pilot who plans to attend college. Grace McKay is Floral Park High School’s winner headed to university to study art or perhaps art therapy. The H. Frank Carey winner is Daniella Pomara who will attend The University of Mississippi in the fall. From New Hyde Park High School, Ye Chen heads to college in the fall to study business. Every one of these students completed an application, wrote an essay, and underwent an interview with the SFTR Grant Committee. Our hopes and wishes are for their continued success.

Retired teachers who serve on the Grant Committee include Norma Busching (chairperson), Marie Cannava, Thomas Gehrer, Randy Lewis, Connie Lord, and Sophia Suzzi-Valli. Member contributions fund the scholarship awards as individuals donate in their own name, anonymously, or in honor of a family member or colleague.