2026 GDFS Awards

The 2026 Dollars for Scholars Awards Ceremony took place on Monday, June 1st, at Ruben A. Cirillo High School and handed out $51,130 in scholarship money.

Lily Aylett attending Oswego State University for Early Childhood Education received these scholarships: Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, Coach Anthony Morabito Memorial Scholarship, Debra L. Weiss Make a Difference Memorial Scholarship.

Biana Bastian attending St. John Fisher University for Nursing received these scholarships: Walworth Chamber of Commerce WTCC Award, Walworth Grange Award, Lamora Farms, Invest Your Time Scholarship, John and Lorraine Roccabruna "Be Kind" Award.

Caitlin Boyle attending SUNY Geneseo for Accounting received these scholarships: Renjen Orthodontics Scholarship, J.D. Chapman Agency, Inc. Award, Gananda Sports Boosters Award.

Natalie Boyle attending St. Bonaventure University for Psychology received this scholarship:   Mike Pane Student Athlete Scholarship.

Leah Buffan attending Elmira College for Forensic Science received these scholarships: GDFS Foundations of the Future Award, Mac's Pizza Shack "Community Pi Day" Award, Gananda Sports Boosters Award.

Emilee Catalano attending SUNY New Paltz for Psychology received these scholarships: GDFS Blue Panther Award, Debra L. Weiss Make a Difference Memorial Scholarship, Arts Future Artist Award, Gananda Racing Aquatic Team #GRATitude Award, Rich Struzzi Memorial Scholarship, GDFS Foundations of the Future Award.

Peyton Conner attending Rollins College for Economics received this scholarship: Champlin & Associates "Invest in Your Future" Scholarship.

Allissa Dohse attending Alfred University for Sports Health Science received these scholarships: Gananda Dollars for Scholars 911 Award, Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, First Responder Community Funded Award, Long Acre Farms Award, GDFS Foundations of the Future Award, GDFS Volunteerism Award.

Claire Dohse attending Ohio State University for Pharmacy received these scholarships: K&D Disposal Salutatorian Scholarship, Rebecca Taylor VanAlstyne Scholarship, Joshua Peter Bourgeois Memorial Scholarship, GDFS Foundations of the Future Award, GDFS Volunteerism Award.

Leilani Espaillat attending Penn State Harrisburg for Biology received these scholarships: GDFS Volunteerism Award, Drumlin Square Lodge #1180 Award, Milillo Family Resilience and Care Scholarship.

Chloe Francis attending SUNY Brockport for Nursing received these scholarships: Debra L. Weiss Make a Difference Memorial Scholarship, Gananda Sports Boosters Award, Cornerstone Realty Associates "I Heart My Hometown" Scholarship, Ryan J. Loftis Memorial Scholarship.

Alexis Gallina attending Finger Lakes Community College for Psychology received these scholarships: Richard Mann Award, Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, Mark's Pizzeria - Walworth Location - "Pizza with Purpose" Award.

Jackson Giancursio attending Monroe Community College + SUNY Brockport for Actuarial & Data Science received these scholarships: Nettie Bullis Prize in Business, Constellation Energy Ginna Clean  Energy Center Scholars Program Award.

Jay Giles attending Northeastern University for Biology & Data Science received these scholarships: Abraham Bullis Prize in Mathematics, The Lyons National Bank Valedictorian Scholarship, Alex Fee Memorial Scholarship - CrossFit Fairport, GDFS Volunteerism Award.

Alyssa Malinak attending Niagara University for Nursing received these scholarships: Mrs. Beverly Nursing Scholarship, Alex Fee Memorial Scholarship - CrossFit Fairport, Susan Alexander Memorial Scholarship, GDFS Volunteerism Award.

Mollie Mattice attending Finger Lakes Community College for Medical Field received these scholarships: Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, Coach Anthony Morabito Memorial Scholarship, Get-It-Straight Orthodontics Scholarship Award, Drumlin Square Lodge #1180 Award.

Lenore (Leah) McAdam attending Sienna College for Biology received these scholarships: Walworth Fire Department Award, Emily Paige Bickert Human Spirit Award, Macedon Center Twirlette Award, Ruben A. Cirillo Award, GDFS Foundations of the Future Award.

Ella Michaels attending Duquesne University for Nursing received these scholarships: Debra L. Weiss Make a Difference Memorial Scholarship, Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, K&D Academic Excellence Scholarship, Champlin & Associates "Invest in Your Community" Scholarship, GDFS Foundations of the Future Award, GDFS Volunteerism Award.

Adelina Ramos attending St. John Fisher University for Nursing received this scholarship: South Macedon Fire and Rescue.

Owen Richards attending Allegheny College for Political Science received these scholarships: GDFS Program Cover Art Award, Dr. John Guerrieri Scholarship, Roland Orthodontics Award, Airy Acres Sportsmanship Award, Gananda CSD Distinguished Panther Award.

Henry Shutts attending Alfred State University for Forensic Science Technology received these scholarships: Gananda Sports Boosters Award, Steinmiller Associates, Inc. Award, Gananda Employees Care About Kids.

Kali Stackler attending Ithaca College for Film Production received these scholarships: Western Wayne Art Group Thomas McCune Award, Gananda Community Youth Theatre Award.

Owen Switzer attending SUNY Cortland for Sports Management received these scholarships: Gananda Sports Boosters Award, Gananda Parents' Association Scholarship, Canandaigua National Bank Award, Gananda Employees Care About Kids, A.E.Y. Enterprises Award, Steinmiller Associates, Inc. Award.

Malakai Thomas attending Keuka College for Occupational Therapy received these scholarships: Gananda Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, Gananda Sports Boosters Award, GDFS Foundations of the Future Award, Alex Fee Memorial Scholarship - CrossFit Fairport, Joshua Peter Bourgeois Memorial Scholarship.

 

 

Gananda Dollars for Scholars is a United Way donor designated organization. Our ID# is 3323. If you work in Wayne, Monroe, Ontario, and other local counties, your workplace may be part of the campaign. We appreciate your support. Ask your company if they match contributions!

Thank you for supporting Gananda students in realizing their dreams!

 

Financial Aid Information: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) NY State Higher Education Services Corporation Rochester Community Foundation Scholarships Ruben A. Cirillo HS Guidance Department Scholarship Coach from Scholarship America Scholarship America Collegiate Partner Directory Fastweb Scholarships Scholly scholarship search Good Call Scholarship search

 

Print a Volunteer Log now! Gananda Dollars for Scholars is a community-based, nonprofit organization that raises scholarship funds for qualified Gananda graduates. These scholarships help to further the education of students who have a strong work ethic and contribute to the community. GDFS is supported by local individuals, organizations and businesses, and is a part of Scholarship America. We offer students and parents a resource to locate local and national scholarship opportunities. Gananda Dollars for Scholars is a  501(c)(3) non-profit, which means your donation is tax deductible.