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.

Saraby Satheeshkumar

Saraby Satheeshkumar is an excellent student on a path to use her intelligence and grit to serve the community. A member of multiple honor societies, she has taken 8 AP courses in addition to 3 courses at RIT during her high school career. Alongside this rigorous academic schedule, she’s made time for multiple clubs, including Women’s Empowerment Club, Robotics Club, Gardening Club, and Natural Helpers. She participated in outdoor track and has volunteered with many local organizations, including the Red Cross. Most impressively, this past January, Saraby became a certified EMT. One of her goals is to become certified as a paramedic so she can work in emergency medical services while pursuing her college degree.

One of Saraby’s references wrote that Saraby “excels in various fields and academics, but what is most impressive is how she demonstrates her kindness and sense of responsibility.” The scholarship committee was impressed by Saraby’s humble but confident and focused demeanor when they interviewed her. She spoke about wanting to work on an ambulance so she could see firsthand the challenges and issues people in the community faced and to be able to help them in moments of need. She also spoke about balancing her busy life with friendships and hand crafts like crocheting, knitting, and needle felting.

Saraby is planning to attend the University of Rochester to study biochemistry. The scholarship committee is confident Saraby will excel in any challenge she takes on.

 

Haylie Smith

Haylie Smith is an energetic and driven scholar athlete who aspires to excellence in all she does while also being a source of kindness, encouragement, and support to those around her. Haylie is an honor roll student and a member of multiple honor societies, but it is in her career as a runner that she stands out. Among her many athletic awards, honors, and achievements are the Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track Royal Comet Awards; All Greater Rochester Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track First Teams; All State XC Teams; Katie Harper Memorial Award; and D&C’s All Greater Rochester Cross Country Runner of the Year.

One of Haylie’s references wrote, “Through all of her successes Haylie continues to be humble, down to earth, a great teammate and very coachable.” The scholarship committee noted these qualities when we interviewed her. Haylie talked about her desire to display sportsmanship, resist negativity, and stay true to her faith in God in her daily life. Haylie balances her academic and athletic drive with activities like participating in her church, volunteering in the community, and singing with the RH Singers. As one of her other references wrote, “part of Haylie’s success stems from her ability to maintain a good work/life balance, which displays both her maturity, as well as how well-rounded she is as an individual.”

Haylie is planning to attend SUNY Geneseo and hopes to find a people-oriented career. The scholarship committee has no doubt that Haylie will find her way to a bright future.