PHS Class of 1971 Scholarship Award

When the Peekskill High School class of 1971 began planning to reunite in celebration of the 40th year since their graduation, two of the organizers, Bruce Herring and Bernard Selmon, had an idea.  To honor the occasion, they asked the class if they would be willing to fund a scholarship for a graduating PHS student based on academic achievement and financial need.

With less than three weeks before the reunion and graduation day approaching, the class responded over less than ten days, donating just over $1000.00 to fund the scholarship. Needing a local connection who could move the process forward, 1971 alum Leslie Washington reached out to her husband, who is a board member of the Peekskill Education Foundation.  With help from PHS Principal Sherrill Lazarus, Jeff Stern of the PEF and PHS Guidance Counselor Frank Colombini, Ms. Malika Hunt was selected to receive the scholarship.  Ms. Hunt, who has overcome significant obstacles in her short life to graduate in the top ten of her class, will attend Bowling Green State University this fall to pursue a degree in accounting. 
 
Ms. Hunt, received the award during the ceremony held at the Paramount Center for the Arts and at the invitation of the class, attended the reunion where she personally thanked the class for their generosity and support.  
 
Opportunities to fund an ongoing alumni scholarship are now being explored.  Interested alumni can contact the Peekskill Education Foundation through its website at:  www.peekskilleducationfoundation.org.