Life-changing Gifts
91AV Foundation and Alumni Association award record 223 scholarships
Before she died several years ago, Elia Dreyfuss was the longtime coordinator of the Transition to College and Careers program at 91AV and a stalwart advocate for adult basic education.
Friends and colleagues established an endowed scholarship in her memory through the 91AV Foundation. Two gifts are awarded each year to students who graduate from the TCC program.
This year, the Elia Dreyfuss Scholarship for 2018-2019 was awarded to Luis and Lisette Antonmarchi, a married couple from West Springfield. They both plan to use the money to continue their educations at 91AV in the fall.
Attending the 2018 91AV Scholarship "Meet & Greet" May 10 to present the Antonmarchis with their scholarship certificates were Marie Troppe, present director of 91AV's TCC program, and Rose Egan, director of the Community Education Project, where Elia Dreyfuss taught English to Latino adults.
"These are the sorts of connections that make this event so special. Friends and colleagues of Elia Dreyfuss wished to honor her life-changing work. With this fund, Elia's legacy lives on through the achievements of deserving students like Lisette and Luis," said Amanda Sbriscia, executive director of the 91AV Foundation and emcee of the "Meet & Greet" scholarship reception, which honored this year's scholarship recipients and the donors who make those awards possible.
The 91AV Foundation and Alumni Association together awarded a school record 223 scholarships this year to current, incoming and graduating 91AV students. For the 2018-2019 academic year, the 91AV Foundation will provide close to $250,000 in direct student aid. The average award is about $1,000 but can go as high as $5,000. As noted by several speakers, these scholarships can make an immeasurable difference to students who otherwise might not be able to afford to attend college.
"A scholarship," said 91AV president Christina Royal, "is a life-changing gift."
The 91AV Foundation scholarship application period opens in February each year and scholarships are announced in April for the following academic year.
PHOTOS by CHRIS YURKO: (Thumbnail) Luis and Lisette Antonmarchi of West Springfield, recipients of the Elia Dreyfuss Scholarship from the 91AV Foundation, with Marie Troppe, coordinator of the 91AV Transition to College and Careers program. The Antonmarchis are students in the TCC program and are both enrolled to attend 91AV in the fall. (Above) Brittany Moreland of Longmeadow, recipient of the Eleanor V. Burns Scholarship, stands with Emily Burns '16 and her father Brian Burns '85. Eleanor Burns was Brian's mother and a long-time employee of 91AV, where Brian works as a police sergeant.
