April 15, 2008
Dear Classmates,

We are happy to report that your generosity last year allowed us to present a $500 scholarship to Prashant Bendala, an outstanding senior at Nyack High School. Prashant was 7th in his class academically, was a varsity athlete and participated in many extra curricular activities. Betsy Mettler Growney and Bob Merkert were on hand at the awards ceremony on June 7th to make the presentation. Prashant will be using this scholarship money to continue his studies in biomedical studies at Wake Forest.

Our Class of 1955 contributions for our first appeal last year raised $6,618. We are asking again for contributions to the scholarship fund so that we can make it a perpetual gift – one that will fund the yearly gift out of the interest earned.

The ingenuity of the gifts made last year was impressive. The donations reflected the year of our graduation – 1955, the class of '55. Gift were made for $19.55 ($20), $55, $195.50 ($200), $550, and, counting this years' contribution of one donor, $1,955.

A brief background of the NHS 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. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving senior.

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

Make your check out to – Nyack High School Class of 1955 Scholarship and mail it to –

Ms. Gloria Menoutis
Nyack Public Schools
13A 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 Class of 1955 reunion.

Fondly,

Your classmates, 

Alison Church Hyde
AHyde37492@aol.com

Bob Merkert
rjmerkert@aol.com
856-784-7177

Dr. Ralf Taupman
docralf@cox.net

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