Helderberg Family and Community Organization

“Be the Change” Community Service Award

About Us

The Helderberg Family and Community Organization (HFCO) is an all volunteer, non-profit organization established to support the growth and development of the children and families of the towns of Berne, Knox, Westerlo and surrounding communities. Since 2019, HFCO has connected youth and families with educational, athletic and cultural opportunities.  These activities include soccer camps, a fall soccer program, art camps, discovery workshops, and community service opportunities for young people and their families to participate in. 

In addition, the Helderberg Family and Community Organization has hosted a number of community based activities, including the very popular Festival of Trees, Breakfast with Santa, the Helderberg Sap Run and Memorial Day BBQ. 

The volunteers of HFCO are dedicated to making the community in which we live a better place for all children and their families. By committing our time, talents and resources to others, we strive to “be the change”  we wish to see in the world (Ghandi). 

The Award

The Community Service Award is an award to recognize a graduating BKW senior who exhibits a commitment to improve their school and/or their home community through volunteering.The award is a one-time award, for one or more students, and is expected to be applied to the applicants post-graduation education. The amount and number of scholarships will depend on the applicant pool and available funds. It is agreed that the award will be applied to tuition and/or necessary course materials.

Criteria

  • The applicant is a graduating BKW senior in good academic standing.

  • The applicant is pursuing post graduate education and has been accepted to an accredited two or four year college/university or an accredited trade program. The applicant may be a commuter or on-campus student.

Qualifications 

  • A self-motivated, community service-oriented individual

  • Shows a commitment to volunteering in both their school and local communities

Application Requirements

  • Completed one page application cover sheet

  • A typed list of volunteer activities, including the following information:

    • Applicants role

    • Name of immediate supervisor

    • Dates of involvement/hours of involvement

    • Brief description of duties

  • Two letters of recommendation/reference

    • One letter from a BKW teacher, guidance counselor, or BOCES vocational teacher that addresses the student’s academic effort, performance, and school citizenship

    • One letter from an adult supervisor of a volunteer activity that addresses the applicants effort, leadership qualities, commitment to the volunteer experience

    • Each recommendation letter should include contact information (phone number; email address) of the reference.  The letter should be submitted in a sealed envelope with the signature of the referring person written across the seal.

  • Essay: Each applicant is required to submit a typed essay describing how volunteering has impacted their lives and the lives of others around them. The applicant should include specific examples from their past and current volunteer experiences, including individuals that may have influenced their decision to volunteer or have led by example.  Applicants, if applicable, may want to include their thoughts regarding continuing volunteering in the future. Length of essay- 500 to 750 words.

  • Attend an interview during the month of May.

  • The award will be presented at the BKW HS Senior Award Ceremony in early June.

Deadlines and Procedures

  • Completed applications form and all additional required materials must be submitted to the BKW Guidance Department by the end of the school day, May 4.

  •  Candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview with the selection committee.

  • The monetary award will be presented to the candidate upon the receipt of proof of enrollment is received by the scholarship committee.

Questions regarding the scholarship may be directed to Maryellen Gillis
(518-925-3227) or mgillis1023@gmail.com.