BCCF's Bethlehem Central High School Scholarships

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the Bethlehem Central Community Foundation are pleased to offer scholarships to seniors graduating from Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, NY.


Learn about all available BCCF and CFGCR scholarships available on the CFGCR website.


  • There is a general application for Bethlehem Central High School Scholarships as well as specific forms for individual applications.

    • Jonathan A. Albert Memorial Scholarship ($500)

    • Bethlehem Senior Projects Scholarship ( 2 at $500 each)

    • Frances A. Cocozza Memorial Award ($2,000)

    • James "Coach" Connolly Track Scholarship ($1000)

    • Russell Ellers Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

    • Dorothy McDonald Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

    • Michael "Big Dog" Medvesky Memorial Scholarship

    • Ken Neff Eagle Award ($2,000)

    • Norek Family Spanish & Study Abroad Award ($1,000)

    • Will Raub September 11 Memorial Scholarship ($500)

    • Chris Porter Scholarship ($1000)

    • Donald J. Robillard Education Scholarship ($1000)

    • Robert R. Salamone Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

Below is a list and description of all of the scholarships that BCCF and CFGCR support. If the scholarship does not have an application link above, then the scholarship is decided by the school district or may not be offered in the current school year.


Jonathan A. Albert Memorial Scholarship ($500) - This award pays tribute to Jonathan, a 2001 graduate of Bethlehem Central, who touched many lives while a Bethlehem student. This award is presented to a student whose character, like Johnathan's, exemplifies a strong commitment to a particular goal or aspiration, who has overcome obstacles in his or her life as evidenced by hard work and tenacity and who is recognized by teachers, coaches, and other mentors as having achieved beyond what was expected of him or her.

Bethlehem Senior Projects Scholarships (2 @ $500) - These scholarships honoring Karen Pellettier and Charles "Tod" Tobin III are awarded to graduating seniors who plan to study and ultimately work in an area of human services, social work, or medical services –to assist the elderly in our population.

Frances A. Cocozza Memorial Award ($1,000) - This award was established to pay tribute to Fran Cocozza, secretary to the high school Principal for ten years and choreographer of musical theater productions at the middle school and high school for many years. Fran danced and taught dance throughout her life, challenging everyone to follow in her footsteps. Her beautiful smile, positive attitude, and sincere concern for everyone always left a lasting impression on all who met her. This award has been established by her family for a deserving BCHS senior who exemplified Fran's passion for dance.

James "Coach" Connolly Track Scholarship ($1000) - this annual scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete on the varsity track team at Bethlehem High School who embodies the qualities of an athlete that Coach Connolly fostered in so many throughout his 55 years as a coach.

Russell Ellers Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) - This award was established to pay tribute to Russell, a Bethlehem Central student who would have graduated in June 2004. Russell touched many lives in a very positive way through his love of basketball, baseball and learning. This award is presented to a student whose outstanding character, like Russel's, exemplifies leadership ability, athletic ability, a sense of humor and a willingness to help others.

Dorothy McDonald Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) - This scholarship was established in honor of Dorothy McDonald and her lifetime of service to children and families in the Bethlehem School District. She devoted 33 years to education, first as a teacher and later as a principal. This scholarship recognizes a senior who has demonstrated positive character traits and a commitment to caring for and serving others in their family, school or community. This award is for a student who plans to choose a career in education or another form of human service that has the potential of having a positive effect on others.

Michael "Big Dog" Medvesky Memorial Scholarship - this scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from BCHS who meets the following criteria: participated in band for the duration of their high school career, demonstrated commitment to improving their musicianship during their time at BCHS, plan on making a career out of music/majoring in music in college, and known for their congeniality and gentle spirit.

The Ken Neff Eagle Award ($2000) - This scholarship was established to pay tribute to Ken Neff, Boy's Varsity Swim Coach at BCHS from 1986 to 2000. Mr. Neff believes that excellence is defined by doing the best that you can do. This award recognizes a senior who demonstrates above-average dedication, motivation, and character.

Norek Family Spanish & Study Abroad Award ($1,000) - This award was established by Bethlehem Central High School Class of '93 graduated Josh Norek and his family to honor the late Marta Nunez Meacham, BCHS Spanish teacher, for inspiring countless students to study Spanish and embrace bilingualism in America. It is presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence in scholarship, participation in Spanish programs and activities and has been involved in community volunteering. The recipient must intend to utilize the language in their career or plan to study in Latin America.


Chris Porter Scholarship ($1000) - This scholarship was established in memory of Chris Porter. It is presented to a student who has demonstrated drive, persistence, courage and resilience as evidenced by the resume, essay and one letter of recommendation.


Project Lead the Way Scholarship ($250) - This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior who has shown significant achievement in Bethlehem's pre-engineering program and who plans to pursue a career in technology. This award was established through contributions from local engineering and construction firms and community members.


Will Raub September 11 Memorial Scholarship ($500) - This scholarship is awarded to a senior who is a strong academic student, involved in community service and extra-curricular activities and who plans to continue his/her studies in a business, economics, or finance-related field.

Donald J. Robillard Education Scholarship ($1000) Awarded to a senior at Bethlehem Central High School who plans to study education/teaching and possesses leadership qualities.

Stephen E. Rucinski II Memorial Scholarship ($1000) - This award was established in memory of Steve Rucinski, a 1999 graduate of BCHS, who went on to be a marketing and finance major at the University of Albany. This award is given to a student who shows great potential and promise and, like Steve, has not always accepted traditional ways of learning. Instead, this student has found a unique path to success and graduation.

Robert R. Salamone Memorial Scholarship ($1000) - Bethlehem High School graduating senior who will be attending a 4-year college and pursuing a degree in any of the following fields: outdoor education and recreation, environmental or ecology studies, health and wellness, sports medicine and training, physical education.


Sarah Renee Whiting Math Honor Society Award ($500) - This scholarship is presented to a senior who has selflessly volunteered their time to the Math Honor Society Tutoring program.