Archive: Around Town

Each year Ithaca students, teachers, and school programs receive awards and scholarships in June totaling more than $5,000 from special funds managed by the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI). Established to preserve the memory of those honored and to enhance education in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD), these IPEI grants are distributed annually based on each funds’ criteria.

The recipient of the Carol J. Buckley Scholarship for Students in the Arts is Sequoya Lee, a senior at the Lehman Alternative Community School. Hayya Mintz, Lee’s guidance counselor, presented the $3,000 award on May 28 at her Senior Meeting. Established by Buckley’s family and friends, the scholarship provides assistance for talented students pursuing advanced study in the arts. The fund also provides support for arts-related educational programs.

The Noreen Moore Memorial Award was awarded at the Ithaca High School Senior Awards Convocation on June 5 to Pre Dee Hser. The $500 scholarship is presented annually to a graduating student who has the potential and desire to make the world a better place. Casey Moore, the daughter-in-law of Noreen Moore, presented the award describing how she was an active member of the school district staff and community and an advocate throughout her life for families in need.

The Ithaca High School Senior Class Fund recognizes both a new teacher who exemplifies enthusiasm and creativity and a school club that makes a positive impact on student life. This year’s New Teacher Award went to science teacher Nicole Sosnoski. Tamar Law, secretary of the senior class, presented the $200 award at the Senior Awards Convocation, along with a gift of $150 to the high school library in Sosnoski’s honor. Law also accepted the Student Organization Award, which went to SWIS (Strong Women Impacting Society). Lauren Maley, who presented the $300 award, noted that SWIS is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting change, and celebrating the accomplishments of women as they overcome societal issues. Plaques listing the recipients of the Senior Class Awards since 2004 are in the high school library.

Erika Uchigasaki, an Ithaca High junior, received the Raymond C. Loehr Environmental Science Award at the June 3 awards ceremony for underclassmen. Presented by James Slattery, Science Department leader, the $150 award recognizes an underclass student who shows promise in environmental science. The Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award, which recognizes innovative science teaching, will be presented at the district’s All Staff Meeting on September 3, 2013.

Fifth grade students throughout the ICSD are the beneficiaries each year of the Ian Alberta Fund award of $500 that purchases books that complement their Kids Discover the Trail! activities at the Cayuga Nature Center. A plaque with a picture of Alberta, Ithaca High Class of 2001, hangs at the nature center, where he made a special impact.

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