The FLRC is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Scholarship Awards. After reviewing application essays from about 30 strongly qualified candidates, the volunteer Scholarship Committee chose three deserving student athletes to receive scholarships. Each received $1,000 to use toward expenses for higher education.
The FLRC Scholarship Committee is comprised of Chris Irving, Karen Ingall, and chairperson Lorrie Tily. Lorrie, along with Joe Reynolds, presented awards to Carmen Bezner Kerr and Jake Avery on June 8 at Ithaca High School’s awards ceremony. On June 15, Lorrie and Chris presented the third scholarship to Tatianna Trojnor-Hill at Moravia Central School District’s ceremony.
Carmen Bezner Kerr
Carmen is an Ithaca High School senior who, in her essay, wrote of the benefits she has received from running. She described the local community and the support received from her team, how running helps her manage stress, and how her longer runs provide a quiet time for self-reflection. Her coach, Rich Bernstein, provided a testament for Carmen’s enthusiasm and love for the sport.
IHS track athlete Jake Avery. Photo provided.
Jake Avery
Jake began running in FLRC events at early age, winning age group awards at the Ithaca 5 & 10. He took his experience to Ithaca High School to run for Coach Bernstein and the Little Red, becoming only the second two-year captain in Bernstein’s 30+ years of coaching. In his essay, Jake articulated his role as team captain and how he took responsibility for helping the team grow as a whole. Jake is a highly motivated young man who will be attending Cornell University’s Dyson School of Business and will run cross-country and track for the Big Red.
Tatianna Trojnor-Hill
Tatianna is a Moravia Central School District senior and a member of the school’s track and field team. She began running track as a sophomore in an effort to stay in shape for soccer, and has since broken six MCSD school records. In applying for the award, Tatianna wrote of overcoming some difficult times with the help of her team, which she regarded as family, and of learning how and when to hold herself accountable. She plans to major in Biomedical Sciences at Nazareth College.
Lorrie and Joe presenting scholarship awards at Ithaca High School.
The Finger Lakes Runners Club Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors who reside in Tompkins County or the surrounding area and who run track or cross country for their schools. Each applicants is required to submit a letter describing his or her academic, extracurricular, and running achievements, as well as two letters of recommendation—one from a coach and one from a teacher. More information can be found here.