TO:                News Editors

DATE:            July 17, 2024

CONTACT:    Missy Smith, Director of Marketing and Community Development

                       607.734.6151 x122 or email SmithML@arcofcs.org

 

RE:                 Student Awarded $1,000 Joanne S. Hayes Memorial Scholarship

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Elmira, NY | Watkins Glen, NY – The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is pleased to announce that it has awarded its Joanne S. Hayes Memorial Scholarship to Malina Butler, Watkins Glen High School graduate, at her June 29th commencement ceremony.

 

This $1,000 scholarship honors Joanne Hayes, former board member and president of The Arc Chemung-Schuyler’s board of directors who passed away in 1987. The award is given annually to a graduating senior pursuing an education in human services, special education, or a related field for a career providing supports to people with developmental disabilities.

 

Malina Butler, the daughter of Dewayne and Theresa Butler, is enrolled at Northeastern University, on their pre-med track, with a dual major in Health Sciences and Psychology.

 

In her application essay, Butler writes about her desire to help people live their most fulfilling lives, stating “I believe I can have a positive impact on people with any type of disabilities—mental, physical, developmental, and so many more.” She highlights her desire to motivate and encourage positivity in the people she plans to work with. Butler has been involved with numerous extracurricular activities and community service experiences throughout her years in high school.

 

The Joanne S. Hayes Memorial Scholarship is made possible through community donations to The Arc Chemung-Schuyler.

 

 

ABOUT THE ARC CHEMUNG-SCHUYLER

The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is a family-based organization, providing supports and services to nearly 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, across an 18-county service area. Learn more at www.arcofcs.org. The Arc Chemung-Schuyler is a chapter of the state organization, The Arc New York.