Liverpool Dollars for Scholars Reaches $2 Million Milestone

Fifty years ago, a small group of community members gathered together in an effort to provide financial assistance to Liverpool High School students as they headed to college.

What began as the LHS Scholarship Committee in 1970 soon became Liverpool Dollars for Scholars in 1984, when the community organization merged with a school group so they could recognize more students.

As Liverpool Dollars for Scholars celebrates its 50th anniversary, it also celebrates another milestone - 5,310 LHS students have received more than $2 million in scholarships from Liverpool Dollars for Scholars.

This year, under the auspices of Scholarship America, Liverpool Dollars for Scholars awarded 178 scholarships worth a total of $115,350 to LHS graduating seniors.

Below please finda video of this year’s scholarship recipients and alternates:

Every scholarship has a story. Some are old; others are new. Some honor a loved one or a special event; others represent the hard work of student and adult volunteers to raise money. Some are given by generous individuals, businesses, and organizations who believe in our cause; others come from donations pooled together to create a scholarship. Some are endowed; others are funded annually. Every donation makes a difference.

Scholarship winners and alternates have stories, too. They represent a variety of races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and special needs. Some have stellar academic records; others have stumbled along the way. Some have lived in Liverpool since birth; others arrived more recently. Some speak English at home; others don’t. Many achieved success in spite of incredible obstacles. They are scholars, athletes, mathematicians, artists, scientists, musicians, readers, writers, dancers, techies, activists, volunteers, and employees. Some reside with parents and guardians; others live independently. Armed with an LHS diploma and community support, they will attend two-year and four-year colleges and universities, technical schools, adult training programs, and apprenticeships.

“Through good times and bad, the Liverpool community makes it possible for a group of dedicated volunteers, working collaboratively with the school district, to continue to grow our program,” said Liverpool Dollars for Scholars President John Cerrone. “By supporting our fund-raisers and donating money for scholarships, school and community individuals, businesses, and organizations affirm their belief in higher education for LHS students.”