Press release
The Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County is pleased to announce the names of the recipients of their annual scholarships for the graduating class of June 2020.
Many of the scholarships are named for former club members for their dedication to Zonta International’s mission and to local club projects during their years as a club member.
Zonta International is 100 years old, it was founded in Buffalo, NY in November 1919 by Marian DeForest.
Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County received its charter in the Zonta International organization in May 1958. In June of 1961, the club awarded its first scholarship and in 1991 the Young Women in Public Affairs became an annual award.
Macayla Burke– Batavia HS Winner of The Young Woman in Public Affairs.
The goal of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to honor young women of age 16 to 19 who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government, and volunteer organizations. Value $750.
Paige Haile Batavia HS Winner of The Z-Club Award.
Her spirit and enthusiasm for school and Z-Club of Batavia High School are what makes Paige our winner this year! Value $250
Norah Janes Batavia HS Winner of The Zonta Higher Education Scholarship. Value $1,000
Arianna Green Notre Dame HS Winner of The Belongia/Pacino Family Higher Education Memorial Scholarship. Christine Belongia & Patti Pacino are current Zontians. Christine is a professor at GCC. Patti worked many years at BHS in the Career Center helping students find their way through SATs, FASFA and College Admissions. Value $1,000
Grace Rudolph Batavia HS Winner of the Alex O’Brien Memorial Scholarship.
Alex was a former BHS Graduate class of 2017. Last year Alex lost his battle to cancer. His mother Karen will be presenting the Scholarship in Alex’s memory. Value $1,000
Ally Flint LeRoy HS Winner of The Muriel Pies Memorial Scholarship. This annual scholarship is made possible by the late Muriel’s husband, Phil Pies of Max Pies Furniture. Muriel was involved in Zonta for 16 years. She was the first Art Teacher at Notre Dame High School. Value $500
Meghan Smith Batavia HS Winner of the Patti Riner Scholarship. Patti was a club member who lost her second battle to cancer in 2016. She was a true advocate for Woman and children. She was a local Farmer (Call Farms) who enjoyed life itself! Value $1,000
Emily Eckdahl LeRoy HS Winner of the Winnie Legg Scholarship. Winnie was a Charter Member of our club when it received its charter in 1958. She was the first /Original employee of WBTA. Value $ 1,000
Morgan Reimer Batavia HS Winner of The Maybelle Ellis Scholarship. Maybelle was also a former Zontian. Maybelle was the owner of Ellis Ice Cream & Candy Store in LeRoy for many years before she passed in 1979. Value $1,000
Isabella Riner Elba HS Winner of The Ann Robertson Scholarship. Ann was a Charter Member of our club dating back to 1958. She owned Ann’s Paint Store in Batavia many years ago until her passing in 1997. She was very active in Zonta attending many district conferences and international conventions. She held board meetings at her business and chaired many of the club’s annual fundraisers. Value $1,000
Jillian Menzie Byron-Bergen HS Winner of The Belva Myers Scholarship. Belva was a club member for 33 years, she passed away in 2009. Belva was a Post Master in Elba for many years and very active in the club. Value $1,000.
In total, we awarded $9,500.00 to 11 Recipients for 2020!
Our thanks to all in the county who have supported our many fundraisers which make it possible to award these scholarships.