FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship Program 2012 – 2013 Winners

FASNY Scholarship Awards Committee Chairman Daniel McNeil and Scholarship Advisory Committee Chairman Brian F. McQueen have announced the ten winners of the 2012-2013 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship.

Johanna G. Bouchard will graduate from Ballston Spa High School in Saratoga County. Johanna will be attending Hudson Valley Community College.  Johanna is a member of the Union Fire Company of Ballston Spa Fire Department. She also joined the Community Ambulance Corp.

Alexander Bruzzi will graduate from Pearl River High School in Rockland County. Luke will attend Rockland Community College. Alexander is a member of Pearl River Hook and Ladder Department. He volunteers with Buddy Ball Sports where he plays and teaches basketball to young children with disabilities.

Ryan J. Czaja will graduate from Royalton-Hartland High School in Niagara County. Ryan will attend Niagara County Community College. Ryan is a member of the Junior Fire Program of the Middleport Fire Department. For his Eagle Scout project, he cosmetically refurbished Middleport’s fire hydrants.

Joshua J. Farmer will graduate from Thousand Islands High School in Jefferson County. Josh will attend Castleton Vermont State College. Joshua is a member of Clayton Volunteer Fire Department. Josh also volunteers with Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service and volunteers for Fire Prevention in the local elementary schools.

Kyle M. Halm will graduate from Notre Dame High School in Chemung County. Kyle will attend Clarkson University. Kyle is a member of Webbs Mills Volunteer Fire Department. He is also a Chemung County 4-H Junior Firefighters Co-Leader.

Breanna J. Kretzer will graduate from Half Hollow Hills High School East in Suffolk County. Breanna will attend West Virginia University. Breanna is an Explorer with the Melville Fire Department. After attending Phoenix Fire Camp for Women, she returned to the Explorer Post enthusiastically sharing the knowledge and skills that she learned.

Shane M. Mabie will graduate from Cherry Valley Springfield Central School in Otsego County. Shane will attend Paul Smith’s College. Shane was with Cherry Valley Fire Department Explorers Program and at the age of eighteen he became a member of the Fire Department.

Christine M. MacKay will graduate from Wantagh High School in Nassau County. Christine will attend Long Island University. Christine is a member of the Wantagh Fire Department Explorers. She assists with Fire Prevention Open House and conducts fire prevention training for local organizations. For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she taught younger kids fire and life safety.

Justin B. Montagno will graduate from Churchville Chili Senior High School in Monroe County. Justin will attend Monroe Community College. Justin was a member of Gates Fire Explorer Post and when he turned 14 joined the Churchville Fire Explorers. When he turns 18 he will join the Churchville Fire Department. Justin achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009.

Eric L. Wells will graduate from Guilderland High School in Schenectady County. Eric will attend Hudson Valley Community College. Eric is a member of Fort Hunter Fire Department. Eric volunteers in the summer program for Special Ed students of the Guilderland School District teaching the kids about fire safety. Eric achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2011.

These are just highlights of the many accomplishments of the winners. Each winner receives a certificate and a check for $1,000.