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 |