Ten students win Biondo foundation scholarships - Funding supports students pursuing careers in special education

Milford — The Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation recently awarded scholarships totaling $23,250 to ten students from the tri-state region pursuing careers in special education. The scholarships provide financial support to those who will one day deliver skilled care, education and other services to individuals with special needs. Students receiving the 2008 scholarships are Doug Conklin, of Milford; Regina Finelli of Milford; Melissa Kistle, of Sandyston, N.J.: Joshua Horning, of Milford; Rebecca Philhower, of Shohola; Michael Danko, of Newton, N.J.; Maegan DiAgastino, of Milford; Annemarie Proulx, of Milford; Linda Huttman, of Milford; and Cody Smyth, of Milford. Scholarship recipient, Doug Conklin, a recent graduate of Delaware Valley High School, will use his award to attend Kutztown University where he will study special education with a minor in secondary education. One of Doug’s teachers involved him in volunteer work with autistic children, which lead to the completion of his senior research paper on autism. “I never realized how big the spectrum of possible causes for autism was,” said Conklin. “I want to teach children with autism and help them cope with their challenges. The scholarship will help me to pay for my education.” Scholarship committee chairman, attorney Art Ridley, is pleased to see the annual awards growing. “People have begun to recognize that they can come to us for help with their special education goals,” said Ridley. “The number of applicants increased dramatically this year, and we had an unusually good group to select from.” Applicants must submit an application and an essay and explain why they are going into the field of special needs, what their plans are and how they hope to achieve them. They must also undergo an interview process with the scholarship committee. “It’s very demanding, but also very satisfying,” explained Ridley. Annual awards of up to $5,000 are to be used for courses or activities related to the student’s special education field of endeavor or course of study. The awards extend the foundation’s mission to financially assist developmentally, neurologically and physically challenged individuals and their families and caregivers within the tri-state region. Applicants must be residents of Pike County; Sussex County, N.J.; or Western Orange County, N.Y. The Foundation was created in 1986 as a living memorial to Joe Biondo’s wife, Ingeborg, whose life ended in 1979 in an automobile accident. Mother, wife, friend and children’s advocate, Inga’s life was defined by her passion for her four children and the many specially-abled children she helped. The Foundation continues to build on the community outreach initiated by Inga. For additional information, call 570/686-2402 or email info@biondofoundation.org. To download a scholarship application, visit www.biondofoundation.org .