Board of Regents Recognizes Student Scholarship Awardees

The Board of Regents today recognized outstanding New York State students receiving Chancellor Joseph McGovern and Regent Emeritus Emlyn Griffith Scholarships at its June meeting. The scholarships are awarded annually to the children of New York State Education Department employees to provide financial assistance as they continue their post-secondary education.

“Each of these deserving students exhibits a strong involvement in community service and commitment to academic success,” said Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. “Their determination and leadership are traits that will serve them well. The Board and I congratulate each of them and wish them the best in their educational pursuits.”

“Congratulations to each of these students and thank you to their parents for their contributions to the Department each and every day,” said Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “Their hard work and overall stellar academic success make these awardees deserving of these scholarships. Their commitment to their communities and fellow students will open the door for a successful future.”

Chancellor Joseph McGovern Scholarship

The Chancellor McGovern Scholarship provides scholarships to assist deserving sons or daughters of State Education Department employees in obtaining a postsecondary education.

Athena Wu is a graduating senior at Guilderland High School with a 4.0 GPA and will attend Northeastern University to study Neuroscience. She is the daughter of Bryan Wu and Wen-Chi Lin, both NYSED employees. Bryan is a State Psychometrician in the Office of State Assessment and has been with the department since 2005; Wen-Chi is an Associate in Education Research in the Office of Accountability and has been with the department since 2017. At Guilderland High School, Athena was a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Science Olympiad, and the Chemistry Club. She also organized the Anti-Racism Committee. Athena maintained a job tutoring elementary and middle school students in ELA and Math, and won Albany Med’s Brain Bee (A Neuroscience competition).

Regent Emeritus Emlyn Griffith Scholarship

The Regent Griffith Scholarship is endowed by a contribution from Regent Emeritus Emlyn Griffith. It is awarded to a 2022 high school graduate who is a daughter or son of an employee of the State Education Department or the Board of Regents. This scholarship recognizes young adults for their involvement in community service.

Lily McCumber is the daughter of Susan McCumber, who has worked at SED for almost 24 years in various capacities within the IT Department. Lily is a graduating senior at Mohonasen High School and will attend Clarkson University to pursue a science degree and ultimately a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Lily is a lifelong Girl Scout and volunteers for the Ronald McDonald House, local nursing homes, and the Schenectady City Mission. She is also the Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Vice President of the Science Honor Society, and President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.