Scholarship Recipients 2021
The Connor Arthur Lynskey Scholarship Committee presented awards to graduating seniors from high schools in Oneida and Herkimer Counties, awards at Holland Patent Central School, as well as two awards to participants in the Upstate College of Medicine Early Assurance Program.
The scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer Counties were based on academics and leadership qualities and were awarded in June 2021 to:
Academic/Athletic Award – Maggie LeBreche, a graduate of Little Falls High School, who will be majoring in Biology at Siena College in the fall.
Academic/Athletic Award Runner-Up – Isaiah Zuchowski, a graduate of Poland Central School, who will be majoring in Exercise Science at Grove City College.
Character Award – Presented to Chandni Desai, a graduate of Rome Free Academy, who will be studying Sociology at Middlebury College.
Character Award – Presented to Karlee Gullis, a graduate of Little Falls High School, who will be studying Nursing at Siena College.
Character Award – Presented to Renee` Smith, a graduate of Town of Webb UFSD, who will be studying Pharmaceuticals/Pre-Med at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Character Award – Caden Ludwig, a graduate of West Canada Valley Central School District, who will be studying Physical Therapy at Utica College.
Five awards were announced for graduating seniors at Holland Patent Central School at an awards ceremony on June 10, 2021:
Academic Scholarship – Awarded to a student who not only excelled academically but also desired to pursue an education in the medical field, as Connor was in the midst of pursuing. This award was presented to Thomas Breil, who will be attending Penn State, majoring in Pre-Med Studies.
Runner-Up – Academic Award – This award was presented to Arianna Lange, who will be attending State University of New York at Albany, majoring in Biology/Pre-Med.
Athletic/Character Award – Presented to a student who, like Connor, displays a love for athletics and, in particular, conveys strength in character. This award was presented to Luke Kochan, who will be attending SUNY Cortland, majoring in Exercise Science.
Character Award – Presented to Rory Richard, who will be pursuing a degree in Business/Humanities at Hartwick College.
Character Award – Presented to Logan Surace, who will be pursuing a degree in General Studies at Mohawk Valley Community College.
SUNY Upstate Medical University MD Program Awards:
The first of a two-part memorial award was presented in November of 2019 to John M. Panzone of Barneveld, a participant in the College of Medicine Early Assurance Program with SUNY Upstate Medical University, with plans to become a rural medical doctor. Mr. Panzone will receive the second part of his award when he matriculates to SUNY Upstate Medical University MD Program in August of this year.
As an accepted student to the College of Medicine Early Assurance Program at Upstate, Elizabeth M. Kaido of Oneida will be presented with the first part of her memorial award and a book with a personal message from the Lynskey family. Once she matriculates to SUNY Upstate Medical University MD Program, she will receive a second monetary award.
The Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Connor after he was tragically taken from his family by a drunk driver on August 11, 2018. Connor was pursuing his pre-med education at Siena College and planned to become a rural doctor. Through the generous support of family, friends and the community, the 2018 Connor’s Way 5-Mile Memorial Scenic Run/Walk was established in Hinckley, NY, on the route that Connor used to run, to raise funds for these scholarships. The 4th Annual Connor’s Way event will be held virtually the week of September 12-19 and in person on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Registration opened on July 1st at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Hinckley/ConnorsWay5Mile. Further information on sponsorships and registration for the virtual and in-person run/walk are available atwww.connorsway.com and on www.facebook.com/connorswaymemorial.
Connor’s Way, Inc. is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation.