Biondo Foundation awards scholarships
Special education scholars accept $15,000 for career training MILFORD The Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation recently awarded scholarships totaling $15,000 to five students from the tri-state region pursuing careers in special education. Students receiving the 2010 scholarships are Joseph Maillet of Port Jervis, N.Y., Heather List of Glen Spey, N.Y., Cheryl D’Uva of Shohola, Kristyn Gross of Milford, and Emily Onofry of Port Jervis. 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 of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The scholarships provide financial support to those who will one day deliver skilled care, education and other services to individuals with special needs. 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. Viable candidates are interviewed by members of the board of directors of the foundation. The process allows board members to gain a clearer understanding of the applicant’s motivation, financial need and commitment to their goals. Applicants are evaluated based upon a series of standardized questions centered around certain criteria such as a demonstrated desire to help those with special needs, sensitivity and caring communication style, ability to relate with others under varied circumstances, integrity, previous experience in the field of special education, future plans related to that field and demonstrated need for resources to carry out their commitment. In addition, applicants must be residents of Pike or Sussex counties or Western Orange County, N.Y. In selecting the 2010 recipients, the foundation’s scholarship committee members, Marion Almquist, Joyce Rocko and Art Ridley worked hard to select applicants with a strong commitment to their goals. “These are the students who will make the greatest contribution to the special needs population,” said Ridley. “As committee members, we may never see the long-term effects, but we hope they ripple outward. Based upon letters we’ve received from past recipients, we know the scholarships have made a difference.” Ridley takes great satisfaction in his involvement with the Biondo Foundation. “What motivates me is making a difference in other people’s lives. It’s a great foundation. Fifty years down the road, we know its work will have touched lives in far-reaching ways.”
About the foundation
The Foundation was created in 1986 as a living memorial to Joseph Biondo’s wife, Inga. 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 .