Applications are being accepted for scholarships established in the memory of Thomas A. Georgalas

The family of the late Thomas A. Georgalas invites Warwick Valley High School seniors to apply for awards established in his memory.

Thomas A. Georgalas graduated from Warwick Valley High School in 2005 and went on to pursue a career in the culinary arts. At the time of his passing, he had advanced to a position of sous chef and for a time chef.

While in high school Tom was employed by the Bobolink Farm in Vernon, N.J. There he learned wood fired bread baking and cheese making.

Farm to Table Scholarship

It was at Bobolink that he developed a passion for cooking and a keen interest in the farm to table movement. As a cook, his goal was to eventually open a restaurant that implemented the “farm to table” concept of local sourcing of food and directing commerce to benefit farms in the nearby communities.

The Thomas Georgalas Farm to Table Scholarship is offered to Warwick Valley High School seniors who plan to pursue a culinary career with a fous on the “farm to table concept.” The value of the award is $1,000. It is available to seniors continuing onto culinary school or directly entering the restaurant or food trades from the program at BOCES.

The Kindness Award

When Tom passed away, his family received numerous letters and communications reflecting on Tom’s consistent kindness everyone. These messages came from classmates at the Warwick schools that he attended and from co-workers in restaurant kitchens.

A consistent remembrance of Tom was that he treated everyone, especially classmates and workmates with respect and kindness even in the stressful environment of a restaurant kitchen.

With this mind the family has created the Thomas A. Georgalas Kindness Award. A $1,000 award is available to seniors who have demonstrated an overall attitude of kindness, empathy and respect toward their fellow students and their community.

The community is invited to contribute to the scholarship fund in Tom’s memory to assist young graduates of our high school in pursuit of their dreams and to promote kindness and respect in the world.

Essentials

Donation checks should be made out to the Warwick Valley School District identifying the donation as a contribution to the Thomas A. Georgalas Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Please send the donation to Thomas A. Georgalas Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 154, Warwick New York 10990.

Application forms and more detailed information about the awards are available at the Guidance office of the Warwick Valley High School.