The Association offers up a scholarship to student members who are college juniors and/or seniors majoring in any one or more of the many disciplines of Family and Consumer Sciences.  $750.00 will be allocated to the scholarship winner. This grant has been created in memory of a fabulous FACS educator.

Ruth L. Ritter graduated from Buffalo State College, and began her teaching career in the Margaretville Central School District. An enthusiastic teacher and class advisor, she established one of the first chapters of Future Homemakers of America in New York State (now called Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America).  After teaching in Margaretville for many years, Ruth worked with the Cattaraugus County Cooperative Extension in Salamanca. However, her love of teaching and working with students brought her back into the classroom. Ruth became teacher and chairperson of the Home Economics Department for the Penfield Central School District where again she initiated a FHA program.  When the discussion of having a statewide association for FACS Teachers began, Ruth Ritter was an avid supporter and worked diligently to see that the organization developed. She served as the first elected president and continued her commitment beyond retirement. Ruth loved life. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She was a dedicated friend, a loyal supporter of her profession, and a great example for all to follow. To commemorate her memory, the first Memorial Scholarship was awarded in her name at the 1984 State Convention. 

The Association offers a scholarship to student, active, or associate members who are graduate students majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences or a certified Family and Consumer Sciences teacher working towards permanent certification (does not have to be a Master’s degree in FACS). $750.00 will be allocated to the scholarship winner. This grant has been created in memory of a fabulous FACS educator.

“Outstanding teacher, dedicated professional, leader, mentor, quilter, fashion advisor, shopper extraordinaire, organizer, risk taker, caregiver, person who put ‘beautiful downtown Nelson’ on the map, and lady who was never at a loss for words” unmistakably described Ruth Anne Schultz. The tragic car accident that took her life on November 5, 2002, also deprived Family and Consumer Sciences Education of a loyal, devoted advocate. Ruth Anne was the consummate professional. Actively involved in numerous professional organizations, she held leadership roles in the NYS Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Educators, Association of Career and Technical Educators both in New York State and at the national level, NYS Family, Career, Community Leaders of America as well as aggressively lobbying in Albany and Washington for educational issues. 

A former student, who now teaches Family and Consumer Sciences and was named Teacher-of-the-Year in Tampa, Florida, spoke at her memorial service. “She had a way of sweeping you up in things and making you believe in yourself. Miss Schultz is the best teacher I’ve ever known.”