Good News

TSF Names Erbacher Scholarship Winners

Posted on: Tuesday, September 13, 2011

John Foti III, of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School and Austen Radcliff of Niskayuna High School were named the 2011 recipients of The Schenectady Foundation’s Anna Hudson Erbacher Scholarships.

The Erbacher Scholarships are awarded each year to two graduates of Schenectady County High Schools who intend to pursue careers in teaching. Awardees demonstrate excellence in scholarship, character, and extracurricular and community activities. The Scholarship provides $10,000 over four years of continuing education.

“Anna Hudson Erbacher was a devoted Schenectady educator who made a difference in the lives of all the children who shared her classroom,” said Robert Carreau, TSF Executive Director. "This scholarship was established by Anna's husband, John, to honor her passion and commitment as a life-long educator."

John Foti III, currently a freshman at the University of New Haven, is an accomplished student and athlete who participated in many high school clubs and civic opportunities. He credits his work as a tutor to struggling freshman in his high school’s Leadership Training Program with sparking his interest in an education career. “I would love nothing more than to influence others, be a role model and to teach students in various subjects, particularly science, so that they can succeed in the future,” he stated.

Austen Radcliff, a freshman at Syracuse University, has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. Through the National Honors Society Club she was a Latin tutor, and through a career exploration program at Niskayuna High School, she earned an internship working with a seventh grade history teacher. “Because of all the wonderful opportunities I have been given in my life, I cannot wait to begin the process of becoming a teacher.”

“Mrs. Erbacher would be thrilled to know that her legacy is enabling outstanding young people who share her passion for teaching, like John and Austen, to follow in her footsteps,” said Mr. Carreau. “The Schenectady Foundation is proud to play a part in helping young people reach their academic and career goals.”

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