WHS students awarded prestigious scholarships for college

Two Watervliet High School juniors have earned prestigious science scholarships:

  • Ella M. Bendon has earned the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award for her exemplary academic performance in science courses throughout her high school career.
  • Zed Aiken Dinoy has been awarded the Rensselaer Medal, a scholarship opportunity through Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) that recognizes promising high school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

A third junior, Gianna Rincon has earned the 2021 Student Sage Award from Russell Sage College, a merit scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate the characteristics of academic excellence and community engagement.

picture of student holding scholarship award certificatepicture of student wearing a mask and holding merit scholarship certificate

2021 Student Sage Award

Gianna is eligible to receive at least $15,000 per year, a minimum of $60,000 over for four years of undergraduate study, should she enroll at Sage College. High school juniors selected to receive the Student Sage Award embody the Sage Motto, “To Be, To Know, To Do” through their academic achievement and social leadership in their school and community.

Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award

Ella qualifies for the Bausch + Lomb Science Scholarship—which provides outstanding high school juniors the opportunity to receive $10,000 per year (totaling $40,000 over four years)—should she decide to enroll at the University of Rochester.

Only high school juniors may be selected for the Bausch + Lomb scholarship based on the following criteria:

  • High achievement and rigor in science classes
  • High math scores on the PSAT and/or SAT.

The Rensselaer Medal

Zed is eligible for the $30,000 per year scholarship for his outstanding achievement in mathematics and science. Zed will receive the award should he decide to apply to RPI and be accepted. The Rensselaer Medal, first presented in 1916, serves two purposes: 

  • recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and;
  • motivate students to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology. 

Congratulations to Ella, Zed and Gianna on your accomplishments!