Student Aid Fund Helps Send Kids to College

from the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Student Aid Fund

(November 6, 2008) When we’re reading about billion dollar bailouts, $5,000, $2,000 or even $1,000 sounds like small change. But it can make a big difference to a college-bound senior, to students like Bryan Vargas, a freshman this year at Fordham University and the first in his family to go to college.

Bryan is attending college thanks to the money he received from the fund, along with other grants, scholarships and work/study.

Bryan Vargas waiting for the train to Fordham University.

“It’s very helpful,” said Bryan, who during his high school years worked as a peer leader, and helped raise funds for community members affected by the 2007 Nor’easter through Habitat for Humanity. He has regularly worked to give back to his community by volunteering at the Mamaroneck Library or his church.

Since 1937, the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Student Aid Fund has offered scholarships for Mamaroneck High School students to help smooth their way to college. The fund provides awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to students with financial needs for the first and second year of college. Money is raised through contributions from the community. The fund-raising appeal went out at the end of October, with the hope of surpassing the $185,000 raised last year.

Students are referred by the high school’s financial aid officer, Marcia Burkett, who said, “This organization is an important source of local funding, and helps to ease the financial burden on families.”

The Student Aid Fund board – made up of members of the community – interviews the students in May. Awards are distributed at a ceremony at the high school’s PACE Auditorium in June.

“We often don’t think of this as a community in need, but considering how much college now costs, a few thousand dollars can make a difference,” said Janet Bear, president of the Student Aid Fund. “These are deserving students who have worked exceptionally hard and greatly appreciate any help that we can give.”

Another recipient who echoes that sentiment is Liz Eney, who is in her freshman year at Syracuse University. “I’m very grateful that I’ll be facing less debt when I graduate from college." With an older brother also in college, she acknowledges that every little bit helps.

At Mamaroneck High School, Liz was captain of the girls' swim team, a member of Habitat for Humanity, active in performing arts, and voted "most likely to brighten your day" by her classmates. Her enthusiasm for life continues at college, where she is wasting no time in getting involved. She has already had a review published by The Syracuse Daily Orange and is also swimming on the university's club team.

And of her experience at Syracuse? "Syracuse has everything I could ever want in a school," Liz said.

Those wishing to contribute can email mlsaf@mamkschools.org or send a check to the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Student Aid Fund, 1000 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, 10543.

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