Congratulations to the four recipients of the 2025 New York Rural Water Association Founder’s Scholarships. The New York Rural Water Association is proud to provide up to five students each year with $500.00 each to help defray the costs of tuition, books, or room and board at college. This year we received four outstanding applications, which were completed in their entirety and submitted by the deadline. We were excited to see a large number of applications submitted.
Capital Region: Max Perry
Residing in Lake George, NY, Max plans to attend Clarkson University this fall to study Engineering. Max would first like to become a Professional Engineer and focus his career on resilient and sustainable community enhancing projects. Max has been very active and diversified in high school, participating in Cross Country Track and Field, Jazz Band, All-County Band, Honor Society, and participated in robotics competitions. We wish Max great success in his future endeavors.
Northeast Central Region: Molly Edgar
Residing in Plessis, NY, Molly plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill this fall to study Animal Science. Molly grew up next door to her grandparent’s small dairy/beef farm, providing her with an understanding of how important agriculture is to our society. Ultimately, Molly would like to work with farmers and agriculturists to make farming and agriculture as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. In high school, Molly was FFA President, class Vice-President, Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team and a member of the National Honor Society. Good luck Molly in pursuing your dreams.
White Plains Region: Grace Hopf
Residing in Saugerties, NY, Grace has been accepted to numerous colleges and universities but is still undecided where she will attend to pursue her future plans in Music Education. Some would say teaching is in Grace’s genes as her grandmother, mother, and three aunts are all teachers. However, Grace is quick to credit Mrs. Mac, her Music Teacher, for being a role model and mentor. Grace was Vice-President of the Drama Club and National Honor Society, also President of the Music Honor Society, High School Choir and the Saugerties Songbirds Acapella Group. Best wishes on your future endeavors.
Buffalo Region: Taylor Thompson
Residing in Westfield, NY, Taylor plans to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Taylor has always known she loved working with children and has developed patience and compassion as a result of having two younger siblings who have special needs. Taylor hopes to have a positive impact on children’s lives, providing a comfortable environment in which they can learn. In high school Taylor was busy with Competitive Dance, National Honor Society, Drama Club, West Winds Select Choir, String Band, Senior Chorus and served as Senior Class Secretary. We wish Taylor great success in her future endeavors.
NYRWA wishes to thank every applicant, and we encourage you to apply again in the future. We extend our best wishes to all students in achieving their future goals! For those considering applying for next year, please ensure all the necessary materials including your application are completed before submitting. To our members, please encourage students who reside in the boundaries of a rural water or wastewater system to apply by the end of January 2026 for the next round of scholarships.