Since 1984, Antoinette Brown Blackwell Society has been awarding scholarships to Rush-Henrietta School District residents who are pursuing Post-High School learning. The Scholarship is in memory of Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the first ordained woman minister in the United States and a staunch advocate of women’s rights.
The scholarship fund is supported by members, friends, and various fundraisers.
Mr. Robert H. Donaldson has made significant contributions over the years in memory of his wife, Dorothy Rosalie DeGreef Donaldson. They once lived in the Brown house on Pinnacle Road. Dorothy held a great interest in young people and their education. This memorial fund greatly increases the support of the work that she would have championed.
The Antoinette Brown Blackwell Society has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to more than 50 students
Eligibility
The Scholarship Committee reviews the applications to select students who have shown their commitment to academics and community service.
To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must be one of the following:
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- High school senior accepted at an institution of higher learning on a full– or part-time basis
- College student enrolled in continuing education
- Student pursuing a post-graduate program
- Student enrolled in a technical/apprenticeship program
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of leadership qualities, participation in Community Service opportunities, and full engagement with their academic studies. Finalists participate in an interview with the scholarship committee.
2026 Antoinette Brown Blackwell Scholarship Winners
Benjamin Arbegast and Semareya Mihret
Benjamin Arbegast
Benjamin is an accomplished and well-rounded senior at Rush-Henrietta Senior High School who demonstrates a strong commitment to academics, the arts, athletics, and service. He has maintained high honor roll status throughout his entire high school career, reflecting both his work ethic and dedication to excellence. Benjamin has a particular passion for the arts, where he has excelled in AP Art & Design and earned multiple recognitions, including the Rochester Institute of Technology Art & Design Scholarship Award, the Rush-Henrietta Superintendent’s Choice Award for Excellence in Art, and the Outstanding Academic Achievement in Art Award.
In addition to his artistic talents, Benjamin has been an active participant in athletics. He competed in cross country, serving as team co-captain in 2025, and also participated in indoor and outdoor track. His leadership extends beyond sports; he is a member of the National Honor Society and Rush-Henrietta Natural Helpers, where he supports and guides his peers.
Benjamin is deeply involved in his community and faith. He serves as a youth group leader at St. Marianne Cope Parish and altar serves at St. John of Rochester several times each month. He volunteers his time with El Camino Rochester trail maintenance, St. John of Rochester Vacation Bible School, and local Town of Henrietta events such as Holiday Lights and Magic and the Valentine’s Day celebration. Through these efforts, he consistently demonstrates a willingness to give back and make a positive impact.
Outside of school and volunteering, Benjamin works as a youth gymnastics instructor and takes private piano lessons, continuing to develop both his leadership and creative abilities. Reflecting on his journey, Benjamin shares, “I’m very pleased with where I am along the way on this journey and I have my relationship with God to credit. He gives me the courage to come out of my shell and be who I want to be. As I go on to college, I plan to continue my journey alongside God as I seek to follow His path while carrying on with all the activities and passions I’ve picked up thus far.”
With his strong foundation in academics, creativity, leadership, and service, Benjamin is well-prepared to continue making meaningful contributions in the next chapter of his life.
Semareya Mihret
Semareya is an exceptionally talented student with both a natural ability and an eagerness to excel. In her bio-sketch, Semareya says that “it’s her understanding that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating space for others, noticing what goes unseen, and offering stability when things feel uncertain. She finds herself drawn to roles where care and understanding matter more that recognition.”
Her academic record reflects exceptional rigor and consistency. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Semareya’s course work included AP, Honors, Regents, CTE, and dual-credit college subjects. She participated in a Surgery Internship at the University of Rochester, shadowing surgeons across multiple divisions, observed complex procedures, and practiced clinical skills under supervision. She concluded her internship with a research presentation titled “Reversing cancer drug resistance: strategies for re-sensitizing relapsed tumors in underserved communities.” Semareya truly has a commitment to scientific curiosity, compassion, and health equity. Her professionalism earned her a Certificate of Completion and Mayoral recognition for her dedication to public health and patient well-being.
In addition to her academics, her community engagement is equally impressive. Semareya saw a need in her church to help younger children learn about their culture and etiquette, and she is teaching them Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. She has a total of 250+ hours in volunteer service at many events in our community and as a Preparation Volunteer at the Henrietta Recreation Center and Multicultural Neighbor to Neighbor Day. Semaraya has also organized college & career fairs.
Her school activities include: Student Council, Budget Advisory Board, Diversity Club, Board of Education student representative, DECA-Vice President, and RIT Step program. She completed another Internship WEBIZ Launchpad, where she designed a personal website. Here is a quote fromIn her bio-sketch, Semareya states, “I am driven not just by ambition, but by a deep belief in care, connection, and the quiet power of truly seeing people. That is the foundation of who I am, and the future I am determined to build.”
She will be studying pre-med at the University of Rochester in the fall.