Public Employee Press

College help from the Education Committee
25 union students win DC 37 scholarships

By ALFREDO ALVARADO



The DC 37 Education Committee awarded 25 scholarships to children and grandchildren of union members Sept. 18 at its Scholarship Awards luncheon. "A Celebration of Academic Achievement," was the theme of the annual event that bought together scholarship winners, their proud parents, committee members and staff for the ceremony where the winners received certificates of achievement.

"All of these scholarships are made possible by the generous contributions from our locals, other unions, and the DC 37 staff, " said Education Committee Chair and Local 1219 President Shirley A. Willams at the annual affair. "We are fortunate to have their support."

A team effort

Over the last five years the committee has given out $105,000 in scholarships to deserving students from union families. The committee also raises money by hosting an evening of jazz every spring.

"Shirley's commitment should be an example to all of us," said DC 37 Associate Director Henry Garrido. He also praised the teachers, parents and mentors who have helped the scholarship winners along their journey. "You could not have achieved this without them," he said.

DC 37 Education Dept. Director Barbara Kairson addressed the scholarship students, expressing her concern that many students enter college but fail to complete their degrees. "We celebrate your entrance, but we want to celebrate your completion too," she said.

Kairson also gave each student a copy of the book, "I Can Finish College: The Overcome Any Obstacle and Get Your Degree Guide."

In addition to the 25 scholarships, the education committee awarded Local 957 President Walthene Primus and Local 1407 Vice President Jed Matalon presented scholarships to children of their local union members.

"This scholarship was a great help easing the financial burden on my parents," said Oscar Buitrago Jr., who is enrolled at Mercy College and plans to study medicine.

"I want to get my degree as soon as I can so I can start teaching," said Danielle Sorrentino, who is enrolled as an education major at the University of New Haven. "My mission is to help New York City students get a quality education."

Well worth it

Marlyn Ballie, an Auditor at the Dept. of Education, came to the luncheon with her daughter Rebecca, a student at York College in Queens. "She works very hard; I'm proud of her," said the Local 1407 member.

"It's a lot of work," said Williams, "But it's well worth the effort when we see all of these ambitious students and their happy parents."