HERKIMER — Four Herkimer Central School District seniors recently received Elizabeth Ann and Mabel Bond O’Donnell Memorial Scholarships from Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation President Robert Clarke Bassett.

The award recognizes well-rounded female seniors graduating from Herkimer Junior/Senior High School as “O’Donnell Ladies” for demonstrating good character, high concern for others, a hard work ethic, a record of achievement and community service, the ability and determination to overcome obstacles and the desire to pursue higher education.

The winners, selected by school staff, are Melia Couchman, Julia Dorantes, Lilliana Langdon and Izabella Vredenburg.

“These students exemplify the traits that this scholarship represents,” said Carolyn Saugh, Herkimer school counselor for grades 9-12. “We’re proud of our students for this accomplishment and thankful to Robert Clarke Bassett for meeting with our students and presenting them with the scholarships.”

Bassett travels from Alaska each year to recognize 32 students from Owego, Syracuse and Herkimer through the Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation. Elizabeth and Mabel O’Donnell were Herkimer Central School District graduates who went on to attend college at Cornell University and Katharine Gibbs School. The O’Donnell family originated in Herkimer and many of the sons served as attorneys in the area for many years ­— with one still practicing law in Herkimer.  

Bassett said that his mother and aunt also went to school in Herkimer. He noted that his mom was on the yearbook staff and thought it was “very cool” that one of the scholarship recipients is a student editor for the yearbook.

“My mom, her sister and their mother, Mabel, would have been thrilled to witness these great young women getting an educational boost of $500 in memory of the O’Donnell Ladies — and through the Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation, which my mom helped create and endow with funds,” Bassett said.