The “Fredonia High School Class of 1979 Memorial Fund” has been established at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) in conjunction with the class’s 30th High School Reunion. Class representative Brian Aldrich says: “Unfortunately, our class has already lost twelve classmates. We are creating this scholarship fund as a tribute to those who can not be with us as we come together for our reunion. Each of them will be missed.”

The first scholarship, in the amount of $400, will be awarded to a member of the class of 2009. Applicants must have a “B” average and must be accepted at a college or trade school. In addition, applicants must prepare a short essay on the topic “What Fredonia Has Meant to Me and How I Will Contribute to Fredonia’s Future”. According to Mr. Aldrich: “We chose this topic because as we reflect, after 30 years, we realize that we were lucky to grow up in and graduate from Fredonia. We want for today’s students to take time to think about the benefits of growing up in Fredonia.”

The Class of 1979 will be celebrating their reunion the last weekend in July. Early indicators are that well over 90% of the class will participate in one or more of the activities. “Our goal for the fund is to have every class member make a contribution of some sort. A number of classmates have already made donations” says Mr. Aldrich.

The fund is open-ended and may be added to in any amount, by anyone, at any time. Donations to the fund may be sent to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation located at 212 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk. For additional information, contact Nancy Mosier, NCCF’s Scholarship Coordinator at 366-4892 or nmosier@nccfoundation.org

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation was incorporated in 1986 as a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed over $6.5 million within the community through its various grant programs. It is an organization inherently committed to furthering its mission of enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. Additional information may be found at their web site, www.nccfoundation.org.