Nyack High School Class of '55


Nyack High School Class of 1955 Scholarship...

An open letter to our classmates...

July 15, 2018

We are happy to report that your past generosity allowed us to present our first $500.00 scholarship in June, 2007 to Prashant Bendala, an outstanding senior at Nyack High School.  He was seventh in his class and was a varsity athlete.  Betsy Mettler Growney and Bob Merkert were on hand at the awards ceremony on June 7, 2007 to make the presentation.  Prashant used this scholarship to continue his education in biomedical studies at Wake Forest.  Since that initial award, we have presented eleven more scholarships to deserving seniors.

Our Class of 1955 contributions for our first appeal raised $6,618.  Subsequent appeals brought us to a high of $10,910 on July 13, 2011.  Currently we have approximately $7,457, guaranteeing us that we will have enough funds for another 15 years.  But, we would like to keep it going longer.  We are again asking for contributions to the scholarship fund so that we can make it a perpetual gift - one that will fund the yearly gift from the interest earned, a difficult task with the interest rates so low.

The ingenuity of the gifts made during past years was impressive.  The donations reflected the year of our graduation - 1955.  Contributions were made in the amounts of  $19.55, $55.00, $195.50, $550.00, and a generous contribution from one donor for $1,955.00.

A brief background of the Class of 1955 Scholarship - it was at our 50th 1955 class reunion that Alison Church Hyde, Bob Merkert, and Dr. Ralf Taupmann were discussing how great our class was and how great Nyack High School was.  In thinking about how we could leave a lasting impression on NHS, and also thank the school for all that we received from our education there, we came up with the idea of establishing a Class of 1955 Scholarship which would be awarded annually to a deserving senior.

We again ask that you consider making a contribution to the scholarship fund.  It could be any amount you feel comfortable giving.  Remember the great times at NHS and your wonderful classmates.  If you care to join us in this quest, please send a check.

Make your check payable to Nyack High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund and mail it to:

Ms. Gloria Menoitis, District Treasurer
Nyack Public Schools
13 A Dickinson  Avenue
Nyack, NY 10960

We thank you for any support that you can lend, and we look forward to seeing you at the next Nyack High School Class of 1955 reunion.

Fondly,     Alison Church Hyde,   Bob Merkert,   Dr. Ralf Taupmann 



NHS Class of 1955 Scholarship Award - Dorian Hudson - 2018

Article by Alison Church Hyde

Nyack High School does an admirable job of preparing its students for success in life. Your class scholarship committee had to choose from five outstanding graduates presented to us by the guidance department.  Our criteria are academic achievement, service, and need.  At Awards Night Betsy Mettler Growney and I presented the Class of 1955 Scholarship Award to Dorian Hudson to much applause from the audience and great excitement from his family.  First we congratulated all students, highlighting our bond as classes watching the original Tappan Zee Bridge being built, and now the new Tappan Zee Bridge being opened.  Speaking of Dorian's achievements and goals, we noted that he has been 2nd in the class academically all through NHS, belonged to and led many clubs, taught English to newcomers to Nyack from all over the world, and taught music in NHS summer camp.  He plans to study Business Management, and Entrepreneurship in college so that he can empower others to be successful in their chosen fields.  He hopes to serve in the wider world, especially in Puerto Rico and Africa where his heritage lies.  We concluded our comments by saying that we expect Dorian to build bridges of understanding in the world.

 



The 2007 Nyack High School Scholarship Fund Award


June 7, 2007. NHS Awards Night. Bob Merkert and Betsy Mettler Growney presenting the 2007 scholarship award to Prashant Bendala


The 2008 Nyack High School Scholership Fund Award

 Betsy Mettler Growney (L)  and Firth Haring Fabend (R) present the 2008 scholarship award to Jessica Gilpin of Valley Cottage, NY. June 7, 2008. Jessica was an outstanding student and athlete and is using the scholarship to help pursue her college education at Fairfield University.  Jessica was very involved with the Cancer Society and hopes that her education leads to a position in the battle against cancer.



Bob Merkert also presenting the award to Jessica Gilpin.


The 2009 Nyack High School Scholarship Fund Award

 

Yong Kim


 The 2010 Nyack High School Scholarship Fund Award

 

Bob Merkert (R) presenting the 2010 scholarship award to Dylan Sansone


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