HINCKLEY — The Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund’s scholarship committee has announced this year’s recipients for its scholarship awards to graduating seniors from high schools in Oneida and Herkimer counties. 

The academic scholarships were based on academics and leadership qualities, with preference given to those entering a medical profession. The athletic/character scholarships were based on athletic abilities and strength in character.

Recipients of this year’s awards are graduating from 13 high schools.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award

• Jailey Trevisani, of Notre Dame High School, who will attend St. John Fisher College;
• Beau Sinardo, of Waterville High School, who will attend Hamilton College;
• Canon Moreau, of Central Valley Academy, who will attend Mohawk Valley Community College;
• Dominick Gratch, of Rome Free Academy, who will attend the University of Arizona;
• Elise Skermont, of Whitesboro High School, who will attend George Washington University;
• Gianna Frank, of Central Valley Academy, who will attend Syracuse University;
• Katherine Stockwell, of Clinton Senior High School, who will attend the University of Vermont; and
• Samantha Young, of Little Falls High School, who will attend Utica University.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/ Character Award

• Elizabeth Lucason, of Camden Senior High School, who will attend Milligan University;
• Ethan Broadbent, of Poland High School, who will attend Utica University;
• John Shepardson, of Little Falls High School, who will attend Syracuse University/Falk College;
• Joseph Keeney, of Rome Free Academy, who will attend SUNY Brockport;
• Kayleigh Simpson, of Thomas R. Proctor High School, who will attend Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences;
• Matthew Hicks, of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, who will attend Utica University;
• Ryann DePerno, of Whitesboro High School, who will attend Mohawk Valley Community College; and
• Sara Thayer, of Mount Markham Senior High School, who will attend Utica University.

Joey R. Ventura Memorial Tradesman Award

• Lucas Rich, of Central Valley Academy, who will attend SUNY Morrisville.
• Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Holland Patent
• Arianna Williams, who will attend Utica University; and
• Samantha Brown, who will attend SUNY Oswego.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Holland Patent

• Wyatt Humpf, who will attend Syracuse University;
• Adam Jones, who will attend St. John Fisher College;
• Hannah Rossi, who will attend Utica University;
• Jonas Meays, who will attending SUNY Morrisville;
• Meaghen Baldwin, who will attend St. Lawrence University; and
• Richard Zielenski, who will attend Mohawk Valley Community College.

These scholarships were established in memory of Connor Lynskey, a Holland Patent Central School District 2017 graduate and pre-med student who was killed by a drunk driver on Aug. 11, 2018. The scholarship fund aims to keep his memory alive and financially help medical and high school students to further their education.

The Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 and has awarded more than $30,000 in awards, including $12,550 so far this year. In addition to graduating seniors headed for a variety of four-year institutions, the scholarship program also supports participants in the Upstate College of Medicine Early Assurance Program, with an emphasis on assisting students in the Rural Medical Doctor program. Lynskey was enrolled in this program and planned to become a rural doctor once he completed his studies.

The scholarship program is funded by the annual Connor’s Way 5-Mile Memorial Scenic Run/Walk in Hinckley, which follows the route that Connor used to run. The fifth annual Connor’s Way event will be held virtually the week of Sept. 11-18 and in person on Sunday, Sept. 18. Visit www.connorsway.com or www.facebook.com/connorswaymemorial to learn more about the run/walk sponsorships and participant registration. 

“When we lost Connor, our family decided to start a scholarship to keep his memory alive,” said Connor’s uncle Don Lynskey. “Soon after that, a close friend suggested that since Connor was an avid athlete and runner, we should create a run and walk in his memory. That was the beginning of Connor’s Way Run/Walk and the source for continuing his memorial scholarship program year after year.”

For more information on contributing to the fund or applying for available scholarships, please visit foundationhoc.org/connor.