The Ernst family has always deeply valued education.
When Gerry and Diane Ernst received a surprise gift from their sons in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, it was only fitting that gift came in the form of a scholarship fund bearing the family’s name.
Though the Ernsts told their sons, Kevin, Steven and Brian, not to buy them gifts for their anniversary, Gerry and Diane were moved by the tribute.
“We had discussed the possibility of some sort of education endowment,” added Gerry and Diane. “Having our sons begin this process during our lifetime is something we never imagined. We are deeply appreciative.”
Both Gerry and Diane taught at Ten Broeck Academy/Franklinville Central School for over 30 years. They began teaching at the school district immediately after graduating from SUNY Geneseo, where the two first met.
Diane taught 10th grade math and Gerry taught sixth grade.
“We have valued education as parents and teachers and have great admiration for students who achieve through demonstrated effort,” said Gerry and Diane.
The Ernst Family Scholarship will provide an annual $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior from Ten Broeck Academy/Franklinville Central School District who plans to attend a post-secondary 1-, 2- or 4-year college or career/technical school. The student should be in good academic standing. Financial need will be considered, but is not required.
Preference will be given to a student pursuing study or a career in a math or science field, but all majors will be considered. Preference also will be given to a student demonstrating success through effort and who has been involved in two or more extracurricular activities and/or community service activities.
A committee of reviewers chosen by the Ernsts will review the applications and recommend a recipient.
The scholarship fund will make its first award in 2019. Students can apply for the scholarship today at cattfoundation.org/apply-for-scholarships.
For the Ernsts, the scholarship is not just an honor of their family, but an opportunity to honor the quality education that their sons found in the school district.
“Our sons found success in the small school atmosphere,” said Diane Ernst, “and with this scholarship fund we want to encourage others to do the same.”
The Ernst Family Scholarship Fund is one of a number of new scholarships that benefit students at Franklinville Central School/Ten Broeck Academy, said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit.
“It is apparent that this special gift to Gerry and Diane by their sons means something special to them,” add Buchheit. “As longtime educators they have both seen how beneficial an education from a small, rural school like Franklinville can be. Thanks to their family fund, students who reap those benefits will be supported in their post-secondary endeavors for years to come.”
Donations can be made to the Ernst Family 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).
