Scholarships awarded to five West Hempstead H.S. grads

The West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund celebrated its 42 years of service — and the five West Hempstead High School graduates who won scholarships — in early June at Pompeii Restaurant.

All the scholarships given this year — $2,000 apiece — were awarded on the basis of necessity of further education to fulfill potential, character and need for financial assistance. Applicants completed an application process, which included a personal interview. This year’s outstanding students were Emily Barrett, who will attend Fashion Institute of Technology; Moriah BenJoseph, who is heading to Muhlenberg College; Michal Schecter, who is going to Yeshiva University; Leo Traub, who will attend the University of Maryland; and Timothy Wirtz, who is heading to SUNY Albany.

In 1969, the Scholarship Fund’s earliest awards were for $250. Throughout its 42-year existence, the Fund has awarded a total of $335,000 to 251 students. Today, the WHCSF is a non-profit organization, chartered by the State of New York and administered by a Board of Trustees elected by participating members. It is supported by tax-deductible contributions from organizations, businesses and individuals.  All contributions go toward scholarships, as the nominal administration costs are offset by the Annual Awards Dinner and raffle. This year the Trustees hosted several events in addition to the dinner.

The group of more than 80 dinner guests included many WHCSF supporters, members of the West Hempstead Board of Education, school district personnel from West Hempstead and Island Park, local private school directors, community leaders, clergy,  teachers and students and their families. Music was provided by students from West Hempstead High School. The Fund wishes to thank all who supported the event with donations and prizes.

The WHCSF Trustees are grateful to all of the individuals, businesses, clubs, and organizations for their generous support this year and throughout its history. This year’s winners truly reflect the talent and promise nurtured here in the West Hempstead community.

If you would like to become a member of the Scholarship Fund or have any questions, please contact Jeanine Kurs, president, at WHCSF, P.O. Box 2132, West Hempstead, NY 11552 or by email at whcsf@aol.com.