2024 Founder's Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the four recipients of the 2024 New York Rural Water Association
Founder’s Scholarships. 

The New York Rural Water Association is proud to provide up to five students each year with $500.00 each to help defray the costs of tuition, books, or room and board at college. This year, we received four outstanding applications, which were completed in their entirety and submitted by the deadline. 
We encourage more students from the entire state to apply in the future.

Capital Region: Ryleigh Fonda
Residing in Fonda, NY, Ryleigh plans to attend Fulton-Montgomery Community College this fall to study nursing. Ryleigh would first like to become a registered nurse, then continue her education to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Ultimately, Ryleigh would like to work in pediatric nursing and maybe one day become a physician assistant. Ryleigh has been very active with school and community throughout her high school years serving on student council, Spanish club, cards for veterans and cards for breast cancer patients, and Ryleigh is a member of the soccer, basketball and softball teams. We wish Ryleigh great success in her future endeavors.

Northeast Central Region: Samuel Carroll
Residing in Copenhagen, NY, Samuel plans to attend SUNY Brockport this fall to study physical education. Samuel plans to complete a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, and then pursue either a career as a physical education teacher or as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot (RFA) in the US Air Force. In high school, Samuel was a member of the National Honor Society and played soccer, basketball and baseball. Good luck, Samuel, in pursuing your dreams.

Finger Lakes Region: Keyonna Garrison
Residing in Odessa, NY, Keyonna plans to attend the Arnot School of Radiology to become a Radiology Technologist. Keyonna gained a perspective most of us could not imagine. During her junior year, she suffered a stroke due to an issue with her vertebral artery. She gained a passion for the health care industry based on the experienced and compassionate professionals who provided her care and rehabilitation. Keyonna was a member of the soccer and basketball teams, as well as the diversity club while in high school. Best wishes, Keyonna, on your future endeavors.

Buffalo Region: Paige Pecorella
Residing in Allegany, NY, Paige plans to attend Coastal Carolina University to pursue a 4-year degree in elementary education & school counseling. Paige was born 10 weeks prematurely and was lucky to survive and develop as an infant. Paige is quick to credit her family, teachers and coaches for her success in academics, community activities and athletics. In high school, Paige has been very busy. She served as president of the LEO Club, captain of the swim team and was accepted into the New Vision Education Program. Paige participated in community activities such as the Friends of Rachel Club, WNY Alzheimer’s Association, and she was a Salvation Army volunteer. Additionally, Paige worked for the Olean YMCA. We wish Paige great success in her future endeavors.

For those considering applying next year, please ensure all the necessary materials, including your application, are completed before submitting. To our members, please encourage students who reside in the boundaries of a rural water or wastewater system to apply by the end of January 2025 for the next round of scholarships. The application will be available on the website in November.