News
June 29, 2016Schenectady 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:
| Scholar | High School | Attending College/University | Intended Major |
| Talia Banks | Notre Dame – Bishop Gibbons High School | Maria College | Nursing |
| Ashley Carpenter | Mohonasen High School | Hofstra University | Physician’s Assistant |
| Alayna Fredenburg | Schalmont High School | Hudson Valley Community College | Nursing |
| Claire Karafanda | Niskayuna High School | Union College | Biology |
| Selena Kattick | Schenectady High School | Hobart and William smith College | Biology |
| Lisa Smith | Scotia-Glenville High School | Undecided | Biology/Pre-Med |
| Heidi Wenzel | Duanesburg High School | Hudson Valley Community College | Health Sciences |
