Congratulations to all of our seniors who were honored with scholarships and awards at our annual ceremony in the High School courtyard! We are incredibly proud of your achievements. This year, 60 seniors were recognized, receiving a combined total of $80,000 in scholarships. We are deeply grateful to all the sponsors for helping make our students’ future dreams a reality.
You can view the full list of recipients below or download a copy of the ceremony program here — and an album of photos taken by Kelly Firmbach here.
(¡Felicitaciones a todos nuestros estudiantes de último año que recibieron becas y premios en nuestra ceremonia anual en el patio de la preparatoria! Estamos sumamente orgullosos de sus logros. Este año, 60 estudiantes de último año fueron reconocidos, recibiendo un total combinado de $80,000 en becas. Estamos profundamente agradecidos a todos nuestros patrocinadores por su apoyo para hacer realidad los sueños futuros de nuestros estudiantes.Pueden ver la lista completa de beneficiarios a continuación o descargar una copia del programa de la ceremonia aquí — y un álbum de fotografías tomadas por Kelly Firmbach aquí.)
Alice & Murray Giddings Foundation Award
Alice & Murray Giddings Foundation
This award is presented to a senior who possesses the following qualities: scholarship, citizenship, leadership, perseverance, resourcefulness, and patriotism.
Recipient: Guadalupe Martinez
AC7 Memorial Scholarship
AC7 Memorial Board
This scholarship is presented to seniors who have participated in at least two years of a Varsity sport and also have an interest in the trades. The recipients of this scholarship exhibited the following qualities: a tremendous sense of humor, compassion and a friend to everyone.
Recipients: Valerie Kopec and Quinn Rapport
Assured Partners Northeast Scholarship
Assured Partners Northeast, LLC
The recipient of this award is a senior who has demonstrated academic success, actively participated in extracurricular and community service activities, and is pursuing higher education in the field of business.
Recipient: Paige Everett
Bank of Greene County Scholarship
Bank of Greene County
This scholarship is presented to a senior who plans to continue his or her education in the field of business.
Recipient: Nolan Space
Bank of Greene County Scholarship
Bank of Greene County
This scholarship is presented to a senior who plans to continue his or her education in the field of medicine or veterinary science.
Recipient: Sophia Hlavac
Bank of Greene County Scholarship
Bank of Greene County
This scholarship is presented to a senior who plans to continue in the technical or trade fields.
Recipient: Luke Profera
Booster Club Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Riders Booster Club
This scholarship is presented to seniors who have participated in sports and demonstrate the positive qualities of enthusiasm, team spirit, sportsmanship, and cooperation.
Recipients: Michael Clark, Brianna Doria, Patrick Graziano, and Emma Holmberg
Brad and Meredith Phillips Trades Initiative Scholarship
Brad and Meredith Phillips
This award is presented to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a continuing education program in the trades.
Recipient: Valerie Kopec
Charles E. Cotsonas Memorial Scholarship
Family Members of Charles E. Cotsonas
This scholarship exists to honor the life of Charles E. Cotsonas and encourage those who are looking to pursue their secondary education. It is given to a senior who plans to attend a full-time accredited college, vocational training, or technical school.
Recipient: Valerie Kopec
Christian Corradino Memorial Award
The Family of Christian Corradino
This award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown significant improvement in baseball.
Recipient: Ryder Herchenroder
Citizenship Scholarship
The Town of Kinderhook Democratic Committee
This scholarship is presented to a student who has participated in student government, has accomplishments in community service activities, and good grades in social studies.
Recipient: Samuel Stead
Clarence & Stacia M. Losewicz-Whiteman Scholarship
Capital District Masonic Charities Corporation
This scholarship is presented to members of the Class of 2025 who have demonstrated effort and promise of future success.
Recipients: Alexa Beach, Haven Edwards, Ryan Gibeault, Ryder Herchenroder, Guadalupe Martinez, and Roberto Vasquez
Class of 2014 Memorial Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Class of 2014
This scholarship is given in fond remembrance of Loukas Gravlin, Sierra Mink, Zander Hern, & Seth Giammarco.
Recipient: Rose Holliday
Class of 2025 Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Class of 2025
This scholarship is chosen by the Senior Class Advisors and presented to a student who has contributed most to the class.
Recipients: Amara Gabriel and Emma Holmberg
Colonial Council Principal’s Award
Colonial Council Principals
This award is presented to a graduating senior boy and girl whose actions best exemplify positive leadership as recognized by the building principal.
Recipients: Emma Holmberg and Nolan Space
Columbia County Farm Bureau Award
Columbia County Farm Bureau
This award is given to a student who will be furthering his or her education in the field of agriculture or related studies.
Recipient: Kyah Bonetsky
Dana V. Flax Award
Friends & Family of Dana Flax
This award is presented to a student who demonstrates a strong sense of individuality, openness to learning, and a sense of humor.
Recipient: Jake Schieren
Delta Kappa Gamma-Alpha Nu Chapter Scholarship
Delta Kappa Gamma International
This award is presented to a graduating female senior who will be attending college and is enrolled in a Teaching/Education program.
Recipient: Riley Strobel
Dr. Daniel Langan Memorial Scholarship
Knights of Columbus John J. Curran Council #7606
This scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in all academic areas.
Recipient: Amya Nazario
Dr. Luis A. Jacome Scholarship
The Family of Dr. Luis Jacome
This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior who possesses a passion for sports, health, and science.
Recipient: Allison Flint
Dr. Subbarao Kunchala, M.D. Memorial Scholarship
The Family of Dr. Subbarao Kunchala, M.D.
This award recognizes a student pursuing a degree in science or the medical field.
Recipient: Katelyn Meltz
E. Joyce Gould Robinson Award
Ichabod Crane High School Social Studies Department
This award is to honor long-time Ichabod Crane High School Social Studies teacher Joyce Gould Robinson. This award is given to a student who best exemplifies the ideal that Ms. Gould Robinson lived by and instilled in her students, including a passion for U. S. History, a civic-minded spirit, and a drive to better the school and local community.
Recipient: Amara Gabriel
F. Fowler Root Scholarship
Riders Mills Historical Association
This award is chosen by the Riders Mills Historical Association, based on academic achievement and community involvement.
Recipients: Amara Gabriel, Riley Strobel, and Valerie Kopec
Gary Schermerhorn Memorial Award
Family of Gary Schermerhorn
This award is given to students who value education, are responsible and hard working, and wish to continue their education.
Recipients: Jessed Castillo Fugon, Audrey Church, and Kiley Melanson
Geraldine Schermerhorn Memorial Award
Family of Geraldine Schermerhorn
This award is given to students who value education, are responsible and hard working, and wish to continue their education.
Recipients: Rylee Dunn, Iliany Mejia Navarro, and Robert Park
Greg Foster Memorial Scholarship
Family & Friends of Greg Foster
This scholarship is presented to a visually impaired senior, or if there is no one, to a senior with a physical impairment or a student approved by Greg’s family. The student is to be continuing their education in any field in any type of college.
Recipient: Andrew Spangler
Hudson River Bank & Trust Co. Foundation Citizenship Scholarship
Hudson River Bank & Trust Co. Foundation
This scholarship is presented to seniors who have demonstrated a high level of citizenship and community involvement throughout his or her high school career as evidenced by their participation in school, church, charity, civic organizations, or other community groups.
Recipients: Kylie Brown and Ian Sweeney
Hudson Valley Community College Book Award
Hudson Valley Community College
This award is presented to a student who exemplifies hard work and individuality and who will be attending Hudson Valley Community College in the fall semester.
Recipient: Rebecca Church
Ichabod Crane Art Club Award
Ichabod Crane Art Club
This award is presented to a graduating senior who is an enthusiastic participant in art classes at Ichabod Crane and has a sincere interest and love of creating.
Recipients: Sophia Karic and Elise Sayers
Ichabod Crane English Department Award
Ichabod Crane High School English Department
This award is given to a student who shows outstanding ability, achievement, and dedication to the study of English.
Recipient: Sophia Karic
Ichabod Crane (PiCC) Mathematics Award
Ichabod Crane High School Mathematics Department
This award is given to students who show a love and desire for learning math.
Recipients: Franklin Navarro and Guadalupe Martinez
Ichabod Crane Retired Teachers’ Memorial Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Retired Teachers
This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior pursuing a career in education.
Recipient: Sarah Balon
Ichabod Crane Teachers’ Association Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Teachers’ Association
These scholarships are to be presented to deserving students over a period of four years. In order to qualify, the students must have shown a commitment to academics throughout their high school careers. Presented to Ichabod Crane High School seniors who plan to attend college, have shown exemplary fortitude in their high school career, or are a deserving dependent of an ICTA member.
Recipients: Continuing Education – Ryan Gibeault and Sophia Karic
Fortitude – Emma Holmberg
Member Dependent – Elena Pantoja
Educator’s Scholarship – Riley Strobel
Ichabod Crane Technology Award
Ichabod Crane Technology Teachers
Given in Memory of Shop Teacher/Principal Lawrence E. Loucks, this award is presented to an individual who demonstrated leadership, character, and craftsmanship.
Recipient: Matthias Connell
Ichabod Crane Transportation Memorial Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Transportation Department
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated consistent academic effort and achievement. The student is an all-around good student with sincere interest to continue their education in the fall as a full-time matriculated student.
Recipient: Evan Hilbert
Jackie Davis Memorial Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Teachers’ Association
This scholarship is presented to a student who has exhibited the following qualities in high school: a sense of humor, loyalty to the school, a pleasing personality, and commitment to academics.
Recipient: Patrick Graziano
James & Mildred Brignull Memorial Scholarship
Grandchildren of James & Mildred Brignull
The recipient of this scholarship exemplifies an all-around good student, with a sincere interest in helping others and his/her community. This student must have a positive attitude and outlook on life and be known for his/her “cheery disposition.”
Recipient: Daisy Morales
Jean Roeck Award for Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing
Ichabod Crane High School English Department
This award is presented to a student for outstanding achievement in creative writing.
Recipient: Sarah Balon
Jerry B. Gould Memorial Scholarship
Ichabod Crane Riders Booster Club
This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors who were active participants in the Ichabod Crane Varsity Basketball program. These students must have demonstrated positive qualities of enthusiasm, team spirit, sportsmanship, cooperation, and must be formally accepted at a post-secondary school.
Recipients: Michael Clark, Hailee Halstead, Chase Morrison, and Quinn Rapport
Kathelyn Caswell Memorial Scholarship
COARC
This award is presented to a student pursuing a college degree leading to a career relevant to work with the disabled.
Recipient: Elena Pantoja
Kinderhook Elks “Teenager of the Year” Scholarship
Kinderhook Elks Lodge # 2530
This scholarship is presented to a student who is in good academic standing, is a good citizen, and is involved in school and community events.
Recipient: Sophia Karic
Kinderhook OK5K Scholarship
Awarded to recognize the efforts and achievements of high school student athletes in track or cross country during the course of their high school years.
Recipient: Kiley Melanson and Ian Sweeney
Knights of Pythias Achievement Award
Albany City Lodge #540 Knights of Pythias
This award is given in recognition of exemplary community and /or extracurricular service to community or school.
Recipient: Ryan Antalek
Lawrence E. Loucks Award
Friends of Lawrence E. Loucks
This award is presented to a student possessing the qualities of Mr. Loucks: perseverance, hard work, and dedication to school.
Recipient: Guadalupe Martinez
Leverett F. Mansfield Memorial Award
Friends of Leverett Mansfield
This award is presented to a graduating senior who approaches each day with dignity, cheerfulness, and consideration of others.
Recipient: Gabriella Nack
Love of Running Scholarship
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior who has run cross country and track for at least two years and demonstrates a love of running.
Recipient: Kiley Melanson
Margaret Torre Plummer Memorial Scholarship
Family & Friends of Margaret Torre Plummer
This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior who has shown initiative throughout their high school years.
Recipient: Emily Wood
Martin Van Buren Award
Friends of Lindenwald
This award is given to an outstanding history student.
Recipient: Michael Clark
Mike Di Gioia Memorial Award
The Di Gioia Family
The award is presented to the student who holds the rank of third in the class.
Recipient: Sarah Balon
Nancy Taggart Memorial Scholarship
Stephanie and Richard Cotsonas
This scholarship exists to honor the life of Nancy Taggart and encourage those who share her love of animals and who plan to continue their education after high school.
Recipient: Kyah Bonetsky
National Honor Society Award
Signum Laudis Chapter of ICHS
This award is given to members of the local chapter. Selection is based on the students who most exemplify the qualities of National Honor Society membership: scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
Recipient: Daisy Morales
New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, Inc. Scholarship
NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Assoc., Inc.
This scholarship is given to a student who is a dependent of a current or former member of the above.
Recipient: Brianna Doria
Northern Columbia County Lions Club Scholarship
Northern Columbia County Lions Club
This scholarship is selected by the Lions Club, and is presented to a student who demonstrates scholarship and service to the community.
Recipient: Elena Pantoja
OAG Civic Ambassador Award
New York State Attorney General
This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a passion and knowledge for civics and government.
Recipient: Michael Clark
Operation Unite Awards
Operation Unite, NY
This award is presented to graduating seniors who have shown outstanding academic achievement and have demonstrated service toward school and community.
Recipients: Academic Excellence – Sophia Karic
Community Service – Valerie Kopec
Academic Excellence – Honorable Mention – Elena Pantoja
Our Community Cares Award
Our Community Cares, Inc.
This award is presented to seniors who plan to further their education in the human services field or enter the military service, or a student who is selfless in nature and volunteers their time in the community.
Recipient: Elena Pantoja
Outstanding Senior
Ichabod Crane High School Administrators
This award is presented to graduating seniors for their participation in extracurricular activities and community activities.
Recipients: Sarah Balon and Franklin Navarro-Castillo
Patricia A. Mac Dowell Award
Ichabod Crane High School Social Studies Department
This award is given to a student who personifies Ms. Mac Dowell’s great contributions of instilling awareness, tolerance, and understanding of cultural and ethnic differences.
Recipient: Franklin Navarro-Castillo
President’s Education Award for Educational Excellence
United States Education Department
This award recognizes academic success in the classroom.
Recipient: Emma Holmberg
President’s Education Award for Educational Achievement
United States Education Department
This award recognizes a student that shows outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, or intellectual development in their academic subjects. Its purpose is to encourage and reward students who give their best effort.
Recipients: Jessed Castillo Fugon and Blaise Perez
Rider Citizenship Award
Hope Chapel
This award is presented to two seniors who have exemplified the Rider spirit and made the school a better place.
Recipients: Patrick Graziano and Sophia Karic
Roberta Rose Award
Friends of Roberta Rose
Awarded to a college-bound senior selected by the friends of Roberta Rose, a special education teacher at Ichabod Crane for over 30 years. This student, like Roberta, demonstrates perseverance, compassion, a continual and contagious positive outlook, acceptance of all others and circumstances, and an ability to see things through “rose-colored glasses.”
Recipient: Alexander Goodrich
Ron Gabriel Memorial Scholarship
Ron Gabriel Memorial Scholarship Committee
In memory of Ichabod Crane graduate and long-time teacher and coach, Ron Gabriel, for senior athletes pursuing a degree in Education or Math/Finance.
Recipients: Kari Graziano and Jacob Macfarlane
SALA Latina/International Student Organization Award
Nell Doane
This award is given to outstanding senior members of SALA Latina/International Student Organization who have demonstrated leadership in, and a commitment to, the Latino and International community. Given in memory of the Elizondo, Longhi, Doane, and Santa Theresa families.
Recipient: Christian Loyola, Franklin Navarro-Castillo, Guadalupe Martinez, Abdias Vasquez, and Roberto Vasquez
Senior Best Citizen Award
John W. McConnell Post #47 American Legion
Awarded to a student who possesses a strong academic record and positive citizenship qualities. Special consideration is given to a student who has a family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or is a Veteran. Selected by the High School faculty.
Recipient: Brooke May
Sharon Gaffney Memorial Scholarship
Family & Friends of Sharon Gaffney
This scholarship is presented to a student who is an avid and enthusiastic reader, is generous and a good listener, and has a concern for all living things, especially animals.
Recipient: Rebecca Church
State of New York Office of the Comptroller Award
New York State Comptroller’s Office
The New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award is presented each year to a student who has excelled academically and has also shown leadership potential by volunteering their time to serve the school or community. Comptroller DiNapoli sends his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the graduating class of 2025.
Recipient: Brooke May
Student Council Scholarship
Ichabod Crane High School Student Council
This scholarship is awarded to hardworking and dedicated members of the Student Council.
Recipients: Sarah Balon, Remidee Delaney, and Daisy Morales
Student Liaison Award
Ichabod Crane Central School District
Part of the superintendent’s initiative to increase communication with the student body has been the development of the Student Liaison Committee. Senior Student Liaisons will be recognized for their service.
Recipients: Alexa Beach, Remidee Delaney, Amara Gabriel, Emma Holmberg, Sophia Karic, Nidia Iliany Mejia Navarro, and Daisy Morales
Stuyvesant Falls Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary Scholarship
Stuyvesant Falls Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary
This scholarship is presented to a deserving senior who has demonstrated community service.
Recipient: Robert Park
Stuyvesant Falls Volunteer Fire Company Scholarship
Stuyvesant Falls Volunteer Fire Company
This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior who has shown good academic achievement and community service.
Recipient: Robert Park
Teacher of Tomorrow Scholarship
Susan Fusco Jermain
This scholarship is presented to a senior who will be pursuing a career as a teacher. This scholarship is presented in honor of Muriel and Frank Fusco.
Recipient: Patrick Graziano
Triple “C” Award
New York State Attorney General
This award is presented to students who have been recognized for their “Character, Courage and Commitment”, and who have shown a commitment to learning, to their community, and to their fellow classmates.
Recipients: Amara Gabriel and Luke Profera
Upstage Productions Senior Performing Arts Award
Upstage Productions, Inc.
The recipient of this award must have demonstrated an appreciation for the performing arts and displayed service toward school and community during their high school years. This award is intended for the student’s future endeavors in the performing arts.
Recipient: Aiden Spyros
Val & Dolly Farinacci Memorial Scholarship
Beth Farinacci-Cotton
This scholarship is given in loving memory of a wonderful and extraordinary couple who gave so much of themselves to their family and their community.
Recipient: Amara Gabriel
Vivian & Samuel Williams Memorial Scholarship
The Williams Family/Wil-Roc Farms
This scholarship is awarded to a senior who will be pursuing a degree in agriculture, with preference to a student pursuing the dairy field, specifically. If no student has chosen to study agriculture, then a student whose family is involved in agriculture is eligible.
Recipient: Rylee Dunn
Walter & Marie Habeck Scholastic Excellence Scholarship
Family of Walter & Marie Habeck
This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors who have achieved the highest scholastic average, and intend to pursue a graduate degree in Engineering or a related field.
Recipients: Emma Holmberg and Franklin Navarro-Castillo
Willard C. Drumm Memorial Award
Columbia County Republican Committee
This award is presented to a student who is actively involved in the community.
Recipient: Lauren Stigi
Zander Hern Creativity Scholarship
Friends & Family of Zander Hern
This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors who possess a special spark of creativity, the promise of a new perspective, and a desire to contribute to a better, more peaceful world.
Recipient: Blaise Perez
Recognition of Academic Excellence – Top Ten
Ichabod Crane Central School District
This award is presented to the students who have achieved the top ten cumulative averages.
Recipients: Sarah Balon, Meadow Brown, Rebecca Church, Paige Everett, Rose Holliday, Emma Holmberg,
Sophia Karic, Valerie Kopec, Elena Pantoja, and Heidi Storch
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
