Scholarship Recipient Hopes to Become Different Sort of Social Worker

June 21, 2011

A Champlain resident who hopes to put a softer face on social work is the recipient of this year’s Edith Knapp North Country Scholarship.

Rori K. Tetreault decided to go into the field after reading an article about how, for many children, social workers are scary individuals. Tetreault said children don’t need that — not when their lives are already in such chaos — so she is hoping to change that perception.

The Northeastern Clinton Central School senior, who will graduate Thursday, is also a drama buff and intends to declare a second major or a minor in theater.

Between the Edith Knapp North Country Scholarship and her decision to attend an affordable school, Tetreault said she feels she will be able to focus better on her studies. She also said the confidence people have put in her inspires her to keep working hard into the future.

The Knapp North Country Scholarship awards $2,500 annually to an academically gifted NCCS senior who has been admitted to SUNY Plattsburgh.

The award was named after the late Edith and Ken Knapp. Edith was the executive vice president of the Champlain Telephone Company and a known benefactor to many residents of the Champlain region. At 18 years of age, Ken was the youngest mayor ever of Mooers, N.Y. Ken also served on the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council.

"In continuing to fund these scholarships, Champlain Telephone Company and relatives of Edith Knapp are making a difference in the lives of North Country graduates of NCCS," said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Anne Hansen. "We, at SUNY Plattsburgh, are grateful for their efforts."

Additional gifts may be made to the scholarship endowment at any time.