Foundation awards scholarships for special education

MILFORD — The Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation recently awarded scholarships totaling $18,000 to five students from the tri-state region pursuing careers in special education. Students receiving the 2007 scholarships are Robert DeMono, Port Jervis, N.Y.; Kristyn Gross, Milford; Linda Huttman, Milford; Cody Smyth, Milford; and Ashley Soules, Sparrowbush, N.Y. 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. Attorney Art Ridley has chaired the committee since it began awarding scholarships in 2001. To date, 17 people have received awards totaling $78,000. Ridley enjoys meeting the individuals who apply for the scholarships. He notes, “One of the most rewarding parts is speaking to the applicants and realizing there are some really committed people out there. Some are young folks, while others are in mid-life and changing careers. The financial assistance helps to put them over the hump in many cases, as they juggle family responsibilities and several jobs.” 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 County; Sussex County, N.J.; or Western Orange County, N.Y. In selecting the 2007 recipients, the foundation’s scholarship committee members Marion Almquist, Edgar Brannon, Joyce Rocko and 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.” The Foundation was created in 1986 as a living memorial to Joe’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. 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.” For additional information, call 570/686-2402 or email info@biondofoundation.org. To download a scholarship application, visit www.biondofoundation.org .