The Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation presents scholarship
Sacred Heart alumna recipient of prestigious local award
The Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation has been giving out scholarships to high school seniors since 1958, and it was no different this year as Sacred Heart Academy valedictorian Colleen Hudak, 17, of Rockville Centre was the recipient of this prestigious award, presented at Angelina’s Restaurant in Lynbrook on June 30.
“I feel really blessed,” said Colleen, upon receiving her scholarship. “This will help me with my expenses at Loyola … this is so important for my education.” She added that is was a pleasure to meet members of the Becker family, and what they represented — including “Aunt Peggy” Becker, a Sacred Heart alumna herself, having been in the academy’s third graduating class in 1955.
“Each year I do this is more amazing than the last,” said Foundation Vice President Ken Jones, who heads the selection committee. “I have no doubt about the future of our country after seeing some of these applicants. Colleen is an amazing young lady.”
Colleen, who will be attending Loyola University in Maryland in the fall, hopes to pursue a masters or Ph.D. in speech-language pathology, working with young children with speech impediments.
In her application, she wrote, “… I am determined to make my mother proud in heaven by remaining dedicated to my education and remaining focused on reaching my goals in order to build a promising future for myself.”
“I can’t thank our supporters enough,” said Hilary Becker, Lynbrook Village trustee and president of the foundation. “Since 1958, the Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation has been giving local high school seniors scholarship money to help them pursue their dreams, and none of this could be possible without the generosity of our supporters. There is nothing more rewarding than to help our young people, and Colleen Hudak is a shining example of the future generation that will be leading our country and leading the world! May god continue to bless our supporters and all those involved with helping us to continue this great tradition in memory of a great American, Fran Becker.”
About the foundation
Frank John Becker was a Republican who served as the representative of the 4th Congressional District for the United States House of Representatives. Becker was born in Brooklyn in 1899 but was raised in Lynbrook. He left school in the eighth grade to help support his family. The World War I veteran also served in the New York State Assembly before becoming a representative, despite his limited educational experience. He died in 1981.
Every year the foundation awards a scholarship to a high school senior that lives in the 4th Congressional District after an application process that is based on financial need, academic achievement, an essay from the candidate, letters of recommendation and other accomplishments.
