THE JEFF WHIITEHOUSE - PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP
The Paul Harris Fellows Scholarship was the brainchild of our very own Jeffrey Whitehouse and was created in 2003 for the purpose of distinguishing and providing financial support to an often overlooked but deserving student. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that on its 20th Anniversary the Club retitled the scholarship in Jeff's name to honor his many years of service to our club and his strong commitment to this scholarship and its well-deserved receipients. Jeff was a 47 year member of the club and sadly passed away last year after a hard fought battle with cancer. This scholarship will serve as a lasting legacy to Jeff's commitment to the service of rotary and to the students wanting to better themselves through further education and service. The Jeff Whitehouse-Paul Harris scholarship was awarded to 2 very deserving students:
Congratulations to:
SPOZHMAI MANGAL
JOSHUA TAN DOH
NASH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Many of us knew Ken Nash well...but for those who didn't, here's some insight. A rotarian for 32 years, Ken was a local businessman, adventurer and philanthropist. He passed away in 2012. Ken loved the Berkshires, Travel, Art, and Music ... He was an imposing man of few words ... Ken was a doer ... not a talker. Ken had somewhat of a gruff exterior ... but those who knew him knew he had a gigantic heart and a soft spot for helping those in need. Ken was passionate about flying and was a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight ... an organization that transported sick children and adults for treatment and care they needed anywhere in the country. He and his wife Suzanne founded this scholarship to support students who had an interest in aviation, music and just plain needed some assistance to accomplish the goals that they have.
We're doing just that .... and I'd like to introduce this years' Nash Family Scholarship recipient:
Brendan Bayles
THE LYON FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established this scholarship in memory of Lynn Lyon. A husband, father and grandfather taken from them at the early age of 60 in 2003. While I didn't know Lynn personally ... ! understand that he was a down to earth guy, who himself struggled with academics ... and was unable to get involved in extra-curriculars and activites due to cost, work and family responsibilities. What Lynn lacked in grades ... he made up for with hard work and determination. Lynn started his career as an apprentice and became a master electrician.
He earned his pilot's license at the age of 20, became a certified flight instructor and managed the Pittsfield Airport for over 20 years. Lynn earned numerous aeronautical credentials including a top-level civilian pilot ranking. In 1980, Lynn founded Lyon Aviation ... still family owned, it is one of the largest private jet charter operations in the Northeast ... and flies corporate and private clients all over the country and overseas. Lynn was a truly accomplished man that came from rather humble beginnings. The Family has asked us to find a student that exhibits similar qualities to Lynn ... hardworking and determined to succeed ... and if interested in developing a particular skill or craft ... so much the better.
I think we nailed it...and I'll introduce him: Mason Manning
SHERYL BARON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP THRU PITTSFIELD ROTARY CLUB FOUNDATION
The Sheryl E Baron Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established first in March 2018 by Sheryl's father Dr William Baron and his wife Joanna Baron at The Viscardi Center and School in Long Island , an institution Sheryl was enrolled in up until Junior High School. The SDcholarship still exists and is being expanded to include a yearly scholarship presented by us via Pittsfield Rotary Club Foundation. Sheryl attended the Henry Viscardi elementary School in the 1980's. She then attended Junior High School and High School in Long Island and graduated college with a teaching degree from Hofstra University. Sheryl is remembered fondly by staff, teachers, peers and all who knew her as a very happy person who loved life and enjoyed helping children as she got older.
Despite physical obstacles , in her youth she frequently competed in the Nassau County Empire State Games for Physically Challenged where she won many gold medals. She enjoyed wheelchair tennis and softball, as well as swimming and bowling. When she graduated Elementary School , Marie from Sesame Street was guest speaker and after spoke at length with Sheryl. She was so impressed with her and mentioned Sesame Street had always wanted to do some shows showing how wheelchair bound and physically challenged children interacted in life and with other children. She asked Sheryl if she would be interested in starring in their show. She said yes. She joined the Actor's Guild and then Sesame Street Children's Workshop. In late 1990 and early 1991 Sheryl was the star of 2 Sesame Street Shows. While in High Schoql she was a member of the High School Bowling Team. While attending Hofstra University she joined a Service Sorority and went about teaching children how to deal with physical challenges and also teaching others how to interact with those physically challenged. She naturally gravitated towards teaching. As an adult she did volunteer work for the Nassau Chapter of Pulmonary Hypertension Society. Throughout her life, Sheryl was a beautiful warm, kind, courageous, generous, strong determined person with an amazing heart for others She left footprints of Courage, Love Kindness and Humor that even now, that she is gone, leave a trail for others to follow. She had unshakeable willpower. =She saw sunlight in what was often a bleak horizon In summary Sheryl Baron had a childs innocent passion for life and an adults sensitive maturity to approach it and accept her situation with resolve She would be extremely pleased to know that her caring for others is being continued through this scholarship.
Congratulations to:
Logan Williams
Olivia Angeline McMahon
Jack of Clubs is your ticket to Rotary riches! The pot is $418!