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Community Service Scholarship Program at SUNY Plattsburgh


PLATTSBURGH, NY __ "Spread the word: Community service is alive and well here at SUNY Plattsburgh, and thank God for that," said Mark Barie '75, founder and president of Crossborder Development Corporation and community scholarship sponsor, at the Community Scholarship Breakfast held recently at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh.

2004-2005 Community Service Scholars The breakfast brought together the 13 students who received this year's Community Service Scholarships, the scholarship sponsors and the community service agency representatives.

The Community Service Scholarships, funded through the Plattsburgh College Foundation, are $2,500 scholarships awarded to new students in exchange for service in the community.

Funding for the scholarships comes from contributions given specifically to the foundation to support the Community Scholarship Program. Sponsors of the program are: College Auxiliary Services; Crossborder Development Corporation; Crowley Foods, Inc.; Empire State Coca-Cola Bottling; Edith Knapp Endowment; HSBC; Evergreen Financial Services; Nine Platt Hospitality Group; Dr. Celine Racine Paquette '60; PARC; Press Republican; Sodexho Campus Services; SUNY Plattsburgh Federal Credit Union; and Tracy Trombley Construction.

The student scholarship recipients are required to engage in 10 hours of community service per week throughout the academic year through the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism. In return for their service, they receive tuition, room and board assistance.

"This is a win-win opportunity," said Brad Ott '71, the principal at Morrisonville Elementary School where one of the scholars is fulfilling her community service. "We benefit, the school kids get better attention, and the college students are getting invaluable experience. We intend to be a part of this for years to come."

This year's 13 scholarship recipients are performing community service at numerous service agencies in the Plattsburgh area.

Nicholas Ancrum, from Staten Island, N.Y. and an international business major, plays board games, does puzzles and assists with arts and crafts activities with children of all ages at the John Collins Center.   
Cory Burton, from Fort Edward, N.Y. and a business administration major, is working at the Head Start Program in Ward Hall.

Matthew Clemons, from Peru, N.Y. and a nursing major, is administering patient surveys, filing and performing other office duties at CVPH Medical Center. Since Clemons is a nursing major, he is looking forward to the opportunities volunteering at CVPH will offer him.

Latisha Franklin, from Peru, N.Y. and a medical technology/ biology major, is working at Morrisonville Elementary School assisting in several classrooms. She works with the children one--on-one, helping with homework and other individual assignments.

Justin Friedman, from New City, N.Y. and a history major, is volunteering for the City of Plattsburgh teaching sports such as basketball, soccer and gymnastics to children between the ages of three- and six-years old.

Kim Garrison, from Palatine Bridge, N.Y. and an education major, is assisting with "Stop Domestic Violence Month" through the Office for Violence Prevention at SUNY Plattsburgh. She is also working at the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion, assisting with various projects on campus.

Joshua Hough, from Waddington, N.Y. and a secondary education major, serves at the YMCA Afterschool Program at Momot Elementary School. He serves as an afterschool counselor and helps coordinate and implement recreational activities for third through fifth-graders.

Morgan Jeschawitz, from Watertown, N.Y. and a communication disorders major, is working as a volunteer in the Wobbler Room in Sibley Hall.

Gabrielle Kronyak, from Ogdensburg, N.Y. and a social work major, is working with the JCEO Big Buddy Program and works on the program's newsletter.

Dan McIlrath, from Sandy Hook, Conn. and an international business major, is working at CVPH Medical Center in various departments and is assisting with general office duties.

Brenna Merry, from Homer, N.Y. and an elementary/special education major, is working with the pre-school room in Sibley Hall.

Jennifer Newman, from Marlboro, N.Y. and a communications major, is working at CVPH Medical Center in various departments, performing assorted office duties.

Sarah Samson, from Pembroke, ONT. and a social work major, works with clients of the Traumatic Brain Injury Center in Beaumont Hall at SUNY Plattsburgh State. She helps to implement and participate in group activities.

Garrison said that the Community Service Scholarship Program has provided her a fantastic experience.

"This is definitely the opportunity of a lifetime," said Garrison. "I wouldn't trade it for anything." 

For more information on the Community Service Scholarship Program, contact the Plattsburgh College Foundation at 518-564-2090.

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