ICSD Students and Staff Receive IPEI Awards

Each year Ithaca City School District (ICSD) students, staff, and school programs receive awards and scholarships from funds managed by the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI). Grants and awards are distributed annually based on each fund’s criteria and to enhance educational opportunities.

Awards from the Ithaca High School (I.H.S.) Senior Class Fund recognize a new teacher who exemplifies enthusiasm and creativity, a school club that makes a positive impact on student life, and a staff member.  The recipients are selected by ballot by the seniors. Eva McLafferty and Ravi Lal, Class of 2015 officers, presented these awards at the Senior Awards Convocation on June 4. This year’s New Teacher Award of $200 went to Michael Reiff, English and Film Studies teacher, along with a gift of $150 to the high school library in his honor. The Student Organization Award of $300 went to Code Red Robotics. Jay Barnes received the Staff Member Award of $200, and a gift of $150 went to the high school library in his honor.

This year’s recipient of the Carol Jean Buckley Scholarship for Students in the Arts is Maddy Vandenberg. Joey Steinhagen presented the $3,000 award to her. Established by Carol Buckley’s family and friends, the scholarship provides assistance for talented students pursuing advanced study in the arts.

The Noreen Moore Memorial Award was also awarded at the I.H.S. awards presentation to senior Conor Coutts. The scholarship is presented to a senior who has the potential and desire to make the world a better place. Barbara Bergman, the I.H.S. Family Liaison, presented the $400 award in memory of Noreen Moore, who was an active member of the school district staff and community and advocated throughout her life for families in need.

Nora Littell, a junior, received the Raymond C. Loehr Environmental Science Scholarship Award at the June 2 Awards Ceremony for Underclassmen. Presented by Steven Yale-Loehr, the $150 award recognizes an underclass student who shows promise in environmental science. The Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award which recognizes innovative science teaching, with a gift of $300, will be presented at the district’s All Staff Meeting in September.

IPEI is a not-for-profit organization that connects the Ithaca City School District and the community through collaboration, engagement, gifts and grants. For more information, see www.ipei.org or contact 256-IPEI (4734) or ipei@ipei.org.