Senator Farley Announces Scholarship Applications Available

As a member of the American-Irish Legislators Society, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) announces that the Society's annual scholarship competition is again being offered to high school juniors and seniors in New York State.

"Not only is this an opportunity to get a college scholarship, it also helps our youth learn about Ireland and the influence of the Irish on our society," Senator Farley said. "Locally, this region has a strong tie to the Irish heritage. The early pioneers that settled along the Mohawk Valley included Celtic people. Many Irish followed Irishman Sir William Johnson to Fulton County and several Irish-Catholic families settled in Perth, Broadalbin, Galway, and Johnstown.

The scholarships, to be used at an accredited New York State college, include a first place award of $1,500 and a second place award of $750. The competition is a 1,000-word essay with the topic of "The Rise of the Celtic Tiger - Ireland's Entry into the Technological Era." Students should include a letter of nomination from a teacher or guidance counselor with their essay.

Submissions must be postmarked by April 17th. Application forms are available the website www.emsc.nysed.gov/nysssa/AmIrLeg/flyer.htm or from Senator Farley's offices at 412 Legislative Office Building, Albany (455-2181); 2430 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam (843-2188); and 33-41 E. Main St., City Hall, Johnstown (762-3733). Entries should be mailed to: American-Irish Legislators Society, Legislative Office Building - Room 648, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12248.