Marlboro students receive President’s Challenge Scholarship

Posted 11/20/19

The Marlboro Central School District is pleased to announce that five former Grade 8 students were awarded the President’s Challenge Scholarship from SUNY Ulster and the SUNY Ulster Foundation. …

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Marlboro students receive President’s Challenge Scholarship

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The Marlboro Central School District is pleased to announce that five former Grade 8 students were awarded the President’s Challenge Scholarship from SUNY Ulster and the SUNY Ulster Foundation. Upon graduating from Marlboro High School (MHS), current Grade 9 students Leonardo Trejo, Jose Iraola-Ceely, Adriana Turner, Cheishta Maraweera, and Destanie Scarpell-Rivera will each have the opportunity to earn a two-year, tuition-free college education at SUNY Ulster.

The President’s Challenge Scholarship is available to Grade 8, first generation, college-bound students. Selected students receive additional guidance and mentoring throughout high school to ensure they stay on track to meet their college goals. So long as they continue to do well and graduate, they will have their first two years of college at SUNY Ulster paid for through donations from community sponsors.

“This is a wonderful program and a unique opportunity for our students and their families,” said MHS Principal Ryan Lawler. “We are proud of the students who were selected and we look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with SUNY Ulster.”

This is the first year that the President’s Challenge Scholarship has been offered in Marlboro. To be considered eligible, Grade 8 students must have a minimum 80 percent cumulative grade point average, including at least a 75 percent cumulative grade point average in English, math, science, and social studies, through the third marking period. In addition, they must have had an 85 percent or higher attendance rate and minimal disciplinary infractions.

Interested Grade 8 students were required to submit an application and essay and sit for an interview. Selected students will now have the opportunity to meet and build relationships with their sponsors, as well as attend events at both the High School and on the SUNY Ulster campus.

Adriana Turner said she is glad she decided to apply for the scholarship and was pleased to find out she had been chosen as a recipient. “My parents have four children so this opportunity will mean less college debt,” she said, adding that she plans to study Human Services at SUNY Ulster.

Cheishta Maraweera, who was born in Sri Lanka and came to Marlboro a few years ago, explained that he would be the first in his family to receive a post-secondary education in the United States. He said this scholarship will help him establish an early bond with his future college, where he plans to study Astronomy or Biology.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this scholarship to these five well-deserving students who are dreaming of going to college,” said Marlboro Superintendent Michael Brooks. “We are grateful to SUNY Ulster and the SUNY Ulster Foundation, as well as to our community sponsors for making this possible.”