Greenwich group gives students a boost toward college

More than 100 graduating high school seniors in Greenwich this year are moving on to the next chapters in their academic careers with two important assets: a diploma and a sizable college scholarship allotment.

The first of those hallmarks of achievement comes from their high schools. The second has been facilitated by the Greenwich Scholarship Association.

Formed in 1972, the GSA is a nonprofit umbrella organization that awards need-based scholarships. This year, the GSA awarded about $520,000 to 120 graduating seniors. Most recipients are Greenwich High School graduates, but a few come from Greenwich private schools. Nearly 100 sponsors contributed some $395,000 in funding, while the GSA endowment fund distributed about $125,000.

"This town is a very generous community and definitely a community very interested in the opportunity to participate in a young person's future by helping to fund the cost of college," said Marie Hertzig, GSA's president. "Many of these students wouldn't be going to college, except with the money we offer to help fill unmeet financial need. I think the sponsors in town have a sense that they are helping to shape the future."

Recipients generally rank in the top third of their graduating class and have participated in several extracurricular activities. Most have also worked after school and in the summer.

Scholarships go to students who, after considering their financial aid package and their family's ability to pay for college, still show an "unmet financial need." In a typical year, 120 to 125 students receive scholarships through GSA. Most recipients receive awards between $500 and $2,000.

Students can use their awards for tuition, room and board.

Annie Zheng, a Greenwich High graduate who received three scholarships totaling $8,000, emphasized the importance of that financial support.

"It alleviates a lot of families' financial burden," said Zheng, who will attend Syracuse University. "For my first year, it will allow me to dedicate more time for studying and academics. I think the best investment anyone can make is in education and for people to support that is phenomenal."

Zheng added that she is interested in studying public policy and international relations.

Nicholas Debany, another Greenwich High graduate, will attend the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where he does not expect to receive financial aid. He received several scholarships totaling $7,000.

"I was incredibly honored for people to think I was worthy of those generous scholarships," he said. "I'm so grateful for the generosity of strangers to help me pursue my undergraduate education."

Debany plans to double-major in economics and statistics.

The breadth of scholarships reflected the diverse range of the recipients' interests and talents.

Among the roughly $7,000 he was awarded from several sponsors, Brett Steinberg received scholarship money that recognized his community service involvement with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

"It was just an honor to be recognized, because there are so many people in the GHS community who did incredible things when it comes to accomplishments in and out of the classroom," said Steinberg, a Greenwich High graduate who will attend the University of Connecticut.

Steinberg is considering majoring in psychology and minoring in music.

Sponsors included Greenwich community groups, civic clubs, families and businesses.

Top sponsors' contributions this year included: Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association, $36,500; PTA Council, $28,675; John Vrabec Shadow Foundation, $26,000; Greenwich High School PTA, $21,000; Virginia Flanagan Memorial, $20,000; Countess Frances Thorley Palen-Klar, $19,000; The Greenwich Rotary Club, $15,000; Rudy's Limousine-Dominic Conetta Memorial, $12,500; The Woman's Club of Greenwich, $10,000; The Elizabeth Matthews Memorial, $9,630.

pschott@scni.com; 203-625-4439; twitter.com/paulschott

Source: http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Greenwich-group-gives-students-a-boost-toward-4647174.php

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