News

June 29, 2016

Schenectady County Residents Named BlueShield Scholars

BlueShield of Northeastern New York is proud to honor 107 local high school seniors, including 7 residents of Schenectady County, as the 2016 recipients of the 5th Annual BlueShield Scholars Award. Now in its fifth year, BlueShield has awarded over $125,000 to over 500 local students since the program’s inception.

BlueShield Scholars is an annual program recognizing exceptional high school seniors who are pursuing higher education for a career in the fields of health or human sciences.  Local high school guidance counselors and administrators nominated deserving seniors that represent BlueShield’s core values of respect, personal responsibility, excellence, teamwork, passion, and integrity.
“A solid education plays a vital role in shaping the future of not only our children, but our community,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York.  “These hardworking students, their parents, and teachers, make our region a better place to live, work, and play. That’s why we’re proud to recognize this year’s Scholars and help provide opportunities for today and tomorrow.”
Each of the 107 winners receives a $250 scholarship towards his or her continuing education and a certificate of recognition. Extended profiles of each of the recipients are featured at bsneny.com/scholars.

Schenectady County Recipients:

ScholarHigh SchoolAttending College/UniversityIntended Major
Talia BanksNotre Dame – Bishop Gibbons High SchoolMaria CollegeNursing
Ashley CarpenterMohonasen High SchoolHofstra UniversityPhysician’s Assistant
Alayna FredenburgSchalmont High SchoolHudson Valley Community CollegeNursing
Claire KarafandaNiskayuna High SchoolUnion CollegeBiology
Selena KattickSchenectady High SchoolHobart and William smith CollegeBiology
Lisa SmithScotia-Glenville High SchoolUndecidedBiology/Pre-Med
Heidi WenzelDuanesburg High SchoolHudson Valley Community CollegeHealth Sciences