‘Simply outstanding’ ’07 Scacalossi winners
By DEBORAH A. MILES
In 1988, when PEF awarded the first Joseph Scacalossi Scholarships, the winners
had impressive credentials.
As time has demanded more from students throughout the past 19 years, the
caliber of applicants has been described as “simply outstanding.”
That was the reaction of Bob Harms, chair of the scholarship committee, who said
PEF received 605 preliminary applications and selected the 10 winners from a
pool of 357.
The scholarship committee also includes Maureen Hogle and Executive Board
members Eric Lindemann and Barbara Rock.
The scholarship was created in memory of Scacalossi, a leader in organizing PEF
and Division 245 at the state Labor Department in New York City. Since the
scholarship began, PEF has given $760,000 to talented and dedicated students.
The 10 college-bound students will receive $4,000 during the next four years, in
annual $1,000 installments.
They are all children of PEF members and have earned a variety of academic
awards and other honors.
 |
 |
 Prateek
Kumar is headed to Harvard University to study economics and government.
He was selected an Apex Scholar by the American Psychological
Association and has studied constitutional law. He is one of 75 high
school students selected worldwide to attend the Research Science
Institute at MIT. He is the recipient of the Gold Congressional Award
for volunteer work, interned at the NYS Division of Budget, and is
co-founder and director of Policy for Concerned Youth. Parent: Aseem
Kumar, state Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany. |
 Megan
E. Petroski will enter her sophomore year at Kent State University to
study international relations. Petroski made the dean’s list during both
semesters of her freshman year and is a member of the Honors College.
During her senior year at Livonia Central School, she was president of
the French club and the wind ensemble. She is a Red Cross certified
lifeguard and water safety instructor. She enjoys sailing, reading,
quilting and traveling. Parent: Bernice Petroski, state Department of
Transportation, Lima. |
 Erin
M. Rider heads to the University of Notre Dame where she will major
in theology and complete pre-dentistry requirements. She received
the Holy Cross College Award for Leadership, and the Leader by
Example award. Her achievements include yearbook editor, president
of Students Against Drunk Driving and organizer of blood drives. She
was project coordinator for a seven-month effort to send more than
2,000 school supplies to Iraqi children. She studied dance for 15
years and attended World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. Parent:
David Rider, Taconic DDSO, Poughkeepsie. |
 Rachel
M. Rieder will major in liberal arts at Brown University in Rhode
Island. Her achievements include salutatorian of Columbia High School
and top of her class in numerous areas. She participated in Harvard
University’s Marine Biology Lab. A scholar and competitive rower,
Rieder’s crew team won the NYS championship. She also rowed in the
national finals in Cincinnati. She plays flute and piano and is active
in community service. Parent: Dr. Conly L. Rieder, state Health
Department, Albany. |
 Michelle
A. Riedman studies bio-medical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute (RPI). She has won several awards including the RPI Medal
Award and math competitions, and participated in science and engineering
programs. She plays clarinet, saxophone and piano. Riedman is also a
varsity team member for cross county and indoor and outdoor tracks. She
participated in numerous charity runs and won the Scholar Athlete Award.
Parent: Charles L. Riedman, state Department of Transportation,
Kirkville. |
 Danielle
N. Saunders will study pre-dentistry at Canisius College in Buffalo
where she also looks forward to swimming with the school’s nationally
ranked Division 1 synchronized swimming team. A certified lifeguard, she
has earned awards for swimming while also earning top academic honors.
She was valedictorian of her class at Ross Corners Christian Academy and
won her school’s science and statewide math competition. She also plays
piano. Parent: Kathy Saunders, state Office of Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities, Vestal. |
 Nicole
Stadnicky, a Bethpage High School salutatorian, will continue her
academic career at Binghamton University. A four-year letter winner in
soccer, marine physical fitness and lacrosse, she chaired the American
Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Activities Committee. She was
vice-president of Tri-M Music Honor Society, leader of a summer reading
program, band leader and recipient of many academic and humanitarian
awards. Parent: Margaret Stadnicky, Long Island DDSO. |
 Katherine
A. Whalen plans a dual major in naval architecture and engineering at
Webb Institute. She was the 2007 valedictorian at Geneva High School and
a College Board Advanced Placement Scholar. She has won scholar athlete
awards and was co-captain of her varsity swim team. A state finalist in
the DAR essay competition, Whalen enjoys playing the violin, figure
skating, filmmaking and photography. She also researches, designs and
constructs 19th century apparel. Parent: Linda Whalen, state Health
Department, Geneva. |
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