2005 Awards
On June 9, 2005 seven deserving Columbia High School seniors were presented with The Christopher Bascom Memorial Scholarship.
Sarah Abdella
She is described as out-going and positive and known to help anyone out. She also knows all too well about tragedy as her father passed away during her freshman year. She has overcome such adversities and has kept her family together. She worked as a soup kitchen volunteer, has been on the Principal’s high honor roll for 4 years and will major in production design for theatre at NY University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Her dream is to start a theatre program for disadvantaged youth. Her senior quote is “follow your bliss”.
Alyssa Benjamin
She is known for encouraging others, true kindness, a great sense of humor and hysterical laughter – many personality traits that Chris possessed. She loves dance, is involved in peer leadership, and is the vice president of National Honor Society. She was responsible for working with and changing the behavior of a disturbed boy while working at Camp Olan – one of several places where she was a volunteer in her community. She will be majoring in journalism at Boston University with her ultimate goal being an editor in chief of a prestigious magazine. She is also a Yankee fan and attending school in Boston and knowing Chris and his Red Sox, she must be converted.
Kelsey Roman
She is described to us as humble, generous, witty and an “All American Girl.” When asked about that all American girl title her response was that if you believe in yourself and live true to your word, you live your life with honesty and integrity. She is involved with Key Club, Girl Scouts and Habitat for Humanity. She helped others by donating her hair to Locks of Love and was honored with the girls softball sportsmanship award. She will be majoring in technology education at SUNY Oswego and will continue to be involved in dance. She is acclaimed for “being happy”.
Elyse Buell
She is known for always being there for friends and family usually making witty remarks that bring out laughter in those around her. She has a genuine love for children and enjoys helping others. She has been on the High Honor Roll and was the club Ambassador for future business leaders of America. She plans on a career in Family & Consumer Science Education and will be attending SUNY Oneonta. She plans to come back to her roots and teach in the EGBC School District. She is acclaimed for laughing and falling upstairs – so Christopher.
Alyssa Barranca
She is described as having her bearings in tact and is known for talking, laughing and sleeping – 3 very distinct qualities of Christopher. She has been involved in peer leadership and interact and teaches Spanish to elementary school kids. She is also involved in her community by helping others at St. Joseph’s House and the Ronald McDonald House. She will be attending SUNY Oneonta and aspires to be a History teacher. Chris wanted to be a 8th grade American History teacher. Her senior quote – “live each day as if it were your last, no regrets”.
Kelli Donovan
She believes that working with children truly makes her a better person and she relates well with kids of all age groups. She deals with children on a regular basis through Sunday school, being a teacher aid at a daycare and through elementary Spanish tutoring. She is devoted to her family and has been involved in sports. In fact, she was one of Chris’ fierce competitors while playing basketball. She is active in National Honor Society and Key Club and has been on the high honor roll. She will be majoring in mathematics education at SUNY New Paltz and aspires to be a teacher at the high school level. Her senior quote – “if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain”.
Beth Lacey
She is known for being a true friend with a smile always on her face. She loves to write and has written articles for the Devil’s Advocate. While uncomfortable writing about herself, she could endlessly write about her family and friends. She states that because of the tragic loss of Chris, she has become a better person. She has been on the high honor roll, is in National Honor Society and played an instrumental roll in both of Christopher’s benefit fundraisers. She has also volunteered through Capital Communication Cares Foundation. She will be majoring in marketing with a minor in journalism at Hofstra University. Her senior will ends simply with – Crispy: Love Always.