Historical Society scholarship applications now available for high school seniors

Applications for the Kirk Memorial Scholarship and the Galberd Memorial Scholarship for Nursing are now available thanks to their sponsor, the Woodbury Historical Society.

The Kirk Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors from Monroe-Woodbury, Cornwall, and Burke high schools, or those who are home-schooled. It honors Margaret S. and Adam Kirk, educators and community leaders who were considered lifelong “learners.” Margaret was also a founding member of the historical society.

Applicants must be Woodbury residents planning to attend a college or technical school to pursue a career in the sciences, history, or the arts.

One to two letters of recommendation, a one-page essay describing the student’s interests, and details about any school/community initiative in which the student demonstrated leadership, compassion and altruism are required.

Applications and supporting documentation can be found at woodburyhistoricalsociety.org. Hard copies are available at both Woodbury public libraries, as well at the Historical Society building, 543 Route 32 in Highland Mills.

Completed applications can be submitted no later than April 6, 2024, to the school’s guidance office or the Woodbury Historical Society, PO Box 30, Highland Mills, NY 10930.

The Galberd Memorial Scholarship honors Constance and Herman Galberd, long-time residents of Central Valley who were both dedicated to serving the community. They were members of the Woodbury Historical Society for many years and served as officers/trustees. Herman served on the Monroe-Woodbury School Board and Constance was a registered nurse at Cornwall Hospital. They both were long-time members of the Woodbury Ambulance Corps.

This scholarship will be awarded to a current or former graduating senior who lives in the town of Woodbury and plans to attend a college, technical school, or nursing school to pursue a career in nursing and/or other health-related fields.

Students interested in applying should contact their school guidance department, or the Woodbury Historical Society at 845-928-6770 or 845-928-6740. Applications are also available at both the Central Valley and Highland Mills Libraries.

The application should include a detailed resume, a short summary of the student’s intended use of the scholarship, recommendation letters and a transcript accompanied by the form on the reverse, signed by parent or guardian releasing information to the scholarship committee. The applicant should also include a brief statement showing evidence of strong commitment in: 1.) Achievement in the sciences and/or health care; 2.) Service to school and/or community demonstrating compassion and altruism, as well as integrity, excellence, and/or leadership; and 3.) Intellectual curiosity and creativity.

Interviews will be held before determining the award recipient. The amount of the scholarship is determined by the scholarship committee and may vary from year to year. All applicants will be notified of the results, and the scholarship will be awarded at the high school academic award ceremony (if applicable). A completed application for the Galberd Scholarship must be submitted to the school guidance office by the date specified by the school (or, if necessary, to the Woodbury Historical Society no later than April 6, 2024).