Each year, Berkshire Taconic receives scholarship applications from high school students across our region that highlight their academic achievements and unique local contributions. Each application tells a story; stories of adventure, family, friendship, and courage in the face of hardship. Some students describe accomplishments like performing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, winning a national decathlon or learning how to fly an airplane. Others tell stories of courage, such as standing up to racism, or educating their community about different religions and cultures. They also include stories of resilience and overcoming obstacles after immigrating to the U.S. or fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

Scholarships reduce financial barriers, affirm the incredible individual journeys of each student, and show that their community supports and believes in their aspirations. Berkshire Taconic is expanding educational access as part of a strategic approach to build stronger communities and brighter futures. In 2024, the foundation awarded over $897K in scholarships to over 250 students, each of whom is preparing to begin the next chapter of their story. Meet five of our 2024 winners:

Student Spotlights

Fathima Chowdhury, winner of the Emma M. Kirchhofer Scholarship, will be attending the University at Buffalo in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health or biology. At Hudson High School, she served as a Student Council President, Multicultural Club President, Mock Trial member and Secretary of the Environmental Club. Her awards include Capital Region Independent Media’s Top 5 Changemaker Award in the youth category and the Multicultural High School Scholars Award from the University at Albany, which recognizes highschoolers for their academic achievements and involvement in community activities. Additionally, Chowdhury conceptualized a monthly Israel-Palestine Teach-In in Hudson, New York. Her Social Studies teacher Meghan Abitabile shared, "Fathima's leadership skills are truly exemplary. As the president of the student council, she has proven herself to be an outstanding leader who is dedicated to serving her fellow students and advocating for their needs. Fathima leads with integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, always striving to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all students." 

Genevieve Collins will attend Brown University this fall, pursuing an AB in Music with a focus on classical singing and music history. BTCF awarded her the Ferris Burtis and James E. Bugley scholarships for musical education. Having trained at Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute and Brevard Music Center, she has performed at Tanglewood and Boston Symphony Hall. Among her honors are the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Academic Excellence Award and The Harvard Book Award. Genevieve has also shown leadership, organizing a fundraiser concert for The Homework House in Holyoke, MA, mentoring peers, and captaining her cross-country running team. She is eager to continue her musical journey, saying, “...I am so excited to grow as a musician. I have been singing since I was six years old, and I've always known it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. In this next level of learning, I am looking forward to taking full advantage of all the opportunities available to grow in my craft.”

Leandra Costa, winner of the Northeast Dutchess scholarship, will attend Siena college in the fall to study Pre-Law and Political Science, with the goal of becoming a lawyer. Her extracurricular achievements at Stissing Mountain High School in Pine Plains, New York include Student Council Vice President, Math Honor Society President and Varsity Track Captain, with membership in Varsity Volleyball, Mock Trial, Key Club, Stissing Theater Guild, Travel Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance. She also enjoys art, coached Pine Plains Youth Soccer and was in Bombernation Buddies, which supports kids in the Special Education program. Her science teacher, James Wiley says, “Leandra is not just a diligent student but a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and passion...she excels academically, taking on challenges with enthusiasm...whether it be organizing a charity event, leading a team project, or spearheading a community service initiative, she approaches every task with a remarkable sense of purpose and an innate ability to inspire those around her...[and] exemplifies the values of hard work, determination, and leadership."

Michael Ullrich, recipient of the William J. Newton Memorial Scholarship, will attend Lincoln Technical Institute to become a certified welder and metal fabricator. He plans to follow that with an apprenticeship to further hone his skills in preparation for his own custom welding business. After trying welding, Ullrich soon discovered it was his passion. He has crafted home décor pieces by upcycling discarded horseshoes and helps friends and neighbors with simple metal repairs. Ullrich shares, “Discovering a career in welding was like uncovering a hidden treasure, a path that resonated deeply with my passion for creation and precision...I envision a space where creativity meets craftsmanship, where clients trust in the quality of my workmanship and the integrity of my business.” In the past year, as Michael’s father recovered from a medical issue, Michael helped his family by running his father’s property management business. He is also an accomplished athlete, placing 28 out of 80 in Berkshire County Boys Basketball’s 1000-Point Club.

Yaritza Vega, recipient of the Margaret Derwin Scholarship will be attending Middlebury College in the Fall to pursue her Bachelor's degree in International and Global Studies. In the summer of 2023, Vega travelled to Thailand to teach English to children in local schools and volunteered at an elephant sanctuary through Global Leadership Adventures’ Elephant and Education Initiative. Peter Vermilyea, Chair, Social Studies Department at Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS) says that Yaritza “...takes on every challenge, overcomes every obstacle, and seeks out every opportunity to further her learning.... she is selfless in helping others and a superb collaborator” with a "great desire to learn.” While at HVRHS, Vega served as Vice Secretary and President of Class Council and Captain of the Girls’ Cross-Country Team. In addition, Vega was Valedictorian of her graduating class.

All 2024 scholarship winners are listed in our 2024 Yearbook!      See Yearbook 

Scholarship applications for 2025 open January 1, 2025, with a deadline of March 15, 2025.