We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 NYSUT RC 45 Scholarship, an award designed to support the academic endeavors of students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their education and community. This year, we had an outstanding pool of applicants, making the selection process particularly challenging. After careful consideration, we are proud to recognize three remarkable students as this year’s scholarship recipients:

1. Phalen Hill

Phalen Hill, a senior at Unadilla Valley Central School, has been awarded the NYSUT RC 45 Scholarship for her academic achievements and contributions to her school community. Phalen has maintained a mid 90’s GPA while being actively involved in her school's bowling team and other school activities like Student Council and Honor Society. Phalen is proud to have overcome a learning disability that allowed her to excel as a student. Beyond academics, Phalen is known as a pleasant and responsible student who demonstrates responsibility and a high level of commitment toward her academics. She plans to major in the nursing program at Marywood University, with aspirations of pursuing a career in nursing, specifically pediatrics.

Phalen’s grandmother, Marion Cassella, is a retiree from Greene Central School.

2. Avery Canzano

Avery Canzano, a graduate of Cortland Jr. Sr. High School, is the second recipient of this year's scholarship. Avery’s high 90’s cumulative average is a clear representation of his commitment to academics. Avery's athletic interest in wrestling is shown in his commitment to continual improvement over his years as a member of the Cortland wrestling program. Avery has also excelled in his coursework and is known as an outstanding student who is focused and dedicated to his endeavors as a student. He intends to attend SUNY Oswego in the Technology Management program with a concentration in Facility Planning.

Avery’s grandmother, Elizabeth Snyder, is a retiree from Groton Elementary School.

3. Nick Gamel

Nick Gamel, the third recipient, is a standout student from Groton High School. Graduating at the top of his class, academics are obviously important but Nick is also known as an athlete and student leader. His teachers are impressed that he is not content to coast on his innate abilities but strives to excel at everything he approaches. Nick was a respected member of his public speaking class where he recognized the importance of communication skills and worked hard to be a top speaker in the class. Nick will be attending University of Buffalo this fall.

Nick’s father, Rick Gamel, is a retiree from Cortland Enlarged City School district.

Looking Ahead

The NYSUT RC 45 Scholarship was established to recognize and support students who not only excel academically but also contribute positively to their communities. This year’s winners, Phalen, Avery, and Nick, embody these values, and we are confident that they will continue to make significant contributions as they pursue their higher education and beyond.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students on their well-deserved scholarships. We wish them the best of luck in their academic journeys and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in the future.

For more information on the NYSUT RC 45 Scholarship and how to apply, please visit our website or contact our scholarship committee.

Program Eligibility You must be:

• A child or grandchild of a NYSUT Retiree Council 45 member.

• A senior graduating from any New York State public high school or private/parochial high school whose staff is NYSUT affiliated and who plans to enter a profession requiring higher education at an accredited institute of learning.

****Application must be postmarked between March 15 and May 31, 2025****

Please consider becoming a contributor to RC 45:

Please print and complete the form below and send your voluntary contribution to RC 45 to: Maxine Cleveland, RC 45 Treasurer, 5 Brentwood Drive, Homer NY 13077.

Please make checks payable to: NYSUT Retiree Council 45.

Name:_______________________________________________________

Address:___________________City ____________________State_______ZIP_______

District From Which You Retired:______________________________________

E-Mail: ______________________________________________________
(Your e-mail address will only be used to communicate information from RC 45)

Amount Contributed: _____________________________________________