2010 GROWNEY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Rochester, N.Y.--  The CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board and the Local 828 Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 George M. Growney Scholarship Awards.

Since 1993, CSEA Local 828 has awarded over $85,000.00 in scholarship prize money. In 1994, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and has distributed more than $14,000.00.

Mr. Growney was a long time labor leader and activist who was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor the following year after his death.

The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. The scholarship committees reviewed more than 32 entries this year.  Scholarships applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

This year's Local 828 first year $1000 winners are:

Alexa DiRaimo attends Eastridge High School and will attend either Fredonia or Ithaca College. She plans on majoring in Music. Her father is David DiRaimo, who is employed by the Monroe County DA's Office.

Lauren Goewey attends Irondequoit High School and will attend Lehigh University. She plans to major in Behavioral Neuroscience. Her mother is Anne Goewey, who is employed by the Monroe County Probation Department.

Ethan Harding attends Webster Thomas High School and will attend MCC. He plans on majoring in Nursing. His father is Edward Harding, who is employed by the Monroe County Department of Environmental Services.

Andrew Zielinski attends Hilton High School and will attend Clarkson University. He will be majoring in Electrical Engineering. His father is Joseph Zielinski, who is employed by the Monroe County Health Department.

Local 828 first year $500 winners:

Jacob Bliss attends The Harley School and will attend Nazareth College. He plans on obtaining a 4 year degree but has not decided on a major. His mother is Katharine Bliss, who is employed by the Rochester Public Library at the Winton Branch.

Shannon Cook attends Aquinas Institute and will attend SUNY Brockport. She plans on majoring in Health Sciences. Her mother is Diane Cook, who is employed by the Monroe County Fire and EMS Bureau.

Andrew Mantione attends Brighton High School and will attend RIT. He plans on majoring in Finance. His mother is Elizabeth Mantione, who is employed by the Monroe County Community Hospital.

Jonathan Nemeth attends Fairport High School and will attend the University of Rochester. He plans to major in Chemistry and French. His father is David Nemeth, who is employed by the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office.

Local 828 second year winners:

Katelyn Armes attends St. John Fisher, majoring in Pharmacology. Her father is Frederick Armes who is employed by the Monroe County Department of Weights and Measures. Katelyn is a $1000.00 winner.

Brittany Gugel attends SUNY Brockport, majoring in Nursing. Her mother is Barbara Fraser-Gugel who is employed at Monroe Community Hospital. Brittany is a $1000.00 winner.

James Arcediano attends MCC, majoring in Psychology and Education. His father is John Arcediano who is employed by the Town of Webster. James is a $500.00 winner.

Unit 7400 second year winners:

Matthew Stevens attends McQuaid Jesuit High School and will attend Niagara College. He plans on majoring in Criminal Justice. His mother is Tina Verno-Stevens who is employed by Monroe County. Matthew is a $1000.00 winner.

Samantha Dunn attends Churchville Chili High School and will attend the University of Tennessee. She plans on majoring in Biology and Pre-med. Her mother is Joanne Dunn who is employed by the Monroe County Health Department. Samantha is a $500.00 winner.

To see a larger photograph of the award recipients, click here.

A May 17th awards reception is planned at Finn Park in Webster, N.Y.  For more information about this event or the George M. Growney Scholarship programs, please contact committee members Sue Trottier or Kim Hawkins, or call the Local 828 office at 585.328.5250.