History Buff Receives Knapp North Country Scholarship

December 12, 2013

North Country native Morgan Judkins has a passion for local history, and, now — thanks to a scholarship — she’ll be able to breathe a little easier while she pursues that passion.

The six-year Kent Delord House Museum volunteer and Battle of Plattsburgh re-enactor was awarded the 2013 Knapp North Country Scholarship — a merit-based scholarship for qualified students from Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties. North Country scholarships are funded by gifts from local businesses and individuals, which support high-achieving local students.

Judkins’ scholarship, funded by the Champlain Telephone Company, was renamed in 2009 to honor the late Edit and Kenneth Knapp. Edith was the executive vice president of the Champlain Telephone Company and a benefactor to many residents of the Champlain region. In addition to serving on the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council, Kenneth was the youngest mayor of Mooers, N.Y., elected at age 18.

Judkins was thrilled when she learned about the scholarship during her graduation from Northeastern Clinton Central School. She knew the gift would make it easier for her to keep reliving history while she got her education close to home.

“I picked Plattsburgh because I’ve lived here my whole life,” the freshman said, “and being a part of the Battle of Plattsburgh is something that’s really important to me.”

Judkins’ desire to be a veterinarian led her to choose biochemistry as her major, but she was still able to pick up history as a minor.

“History as a minor is a hobby, something I enjoy,” she said. “Biochemistry keeps my career options open.”

Judkins is grateful to the Knapps and other North Country donors for the respite from some of the strain of paying for her education by herself.

She thanks them “for lifting some of the burden off of college.”

Additional gifts may be made to the North Country Scholarship fund at any time. For more information, contact the Plattsburgh College Foundation, 518-564-2090.