When Jennifer DeLong passed away in June of 2018 at just 36 years old, her family — parents Ken and Sue DeLong and siblings Teresa and Kevin — almost immediately made the decision to establish a scholarship in her memory.
The scholarship was set up to benefit a student at Franklinville Central School/Ten Broeck Academy, Jennifer’s alma mater, under the management of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, joining several other scholarships at the school district.
Jennifer graduated from Franklinville Central School in 2000. An avid problem-solver with an aptitude for math, she went on to a degree in computer science from SUNY Fredonia.
After graduation she found success as a computer programmer working for government contractors.
Despite a demanding career she never gave up her life-long love of music.
It began during her time at Franklinville Central School, where she was in both band and chorus and participated in many Solo Festivals and All-County and Area All-State Concerts. She continued to play piano volunteering her talents for local theater productions as well as a middle school chorus.
The scholarship bearing her name will support students with similar passions at her alma mater.
The $1,000 scholarship will be for a graduating senior from Ten Broeck Academy/Franklinville Central School District who is pursuing a career or demonstrates excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and music subject areas.
All applicants who apply will be considered, however, preference will be given to a female graduate. Reference letters and a list of extracurricular activities should address the student’s academic excellence or participation in STEM subject areas and band and/or choral music. As part of the standard goal statement to be submitted with the application, the student should include information on his/her academic and career goals.
“After the scholarship was established here at CRCF, we saw an immediate outpouring of love and support in Jen’s memory,” said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit. “So many memorial gifts were coming in that it was clear that Jen was special to the community.”
“It is our honor to play a role in supporting such a legacy.”
Donations can be made to the Jen DeLong Memorial Scholarship Fund at 301 North Union St., Suite 203, Olean, NY, or online at cattfoundation.org.
For 25 years, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has been the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
