We are the 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Chapter of the Orange County Counselors Association
Philosophy Statement
At Mid-Hudson Valley Student Excellence Awards, Inc., we believe that every student possesses unique strengths, talents, potential, and aspirations worthy of recognition and investment. We believe that educational success is strengthened when students are supported by caring adults and communities that believe in them. As School Counselors and educators, we understand firsthand the academic, social-emotional, college and career, and financial challenges that can impact a student's ability to achieve their goals. We are committed to using our professional knowledge, relationships, and collective voice to help remove barriers and expand opportunities for students. Ultimately, we believe that when a community invests in its students, it invests in its own future. Through collective action, generosity, and a commitment to student excellence, Mid-Hudson Valley Student Excellence Awards, Inc. seeks to make a lasting difference in the lives of students throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley.
We believe that recognition inspires achievement, opportunity creates possibilities, and community investment changes lives. Therefore, our organization is committed to:
1. Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating students for academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, service, creativity, character, and personal growth.
2. Expanding Opportunity: Providing scholarships, awards, educational resources, and other forms of support that help students pursue and achieve their goals.
3. Removing Barriers: Identifying and addressing financial and resource-related obstacles that may prevent students from accessing postsecondary education and other meaningful opportunities.
4. Building Partnerships: Collaborating with businesses, foundations, community-based organizations, educational institutions, families, alumni, and philanthropic partners to strengthen opportunities for students.
5. Investing in Potential: Recognizing that a student's circumstances do not define their future and that meaningful investment can help transform potential into achievement.
6. Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Striving to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances have access to opportunities that support their success.
7. Leading Through Service: Using the expertise and dedication of K–12 school counselors and educators to advocate for students and strengthen the communities we serve.
Vision Statement
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by K–12 school counselors, we leverage our collective expertise, community relationships, and commitment to student success to conduct fundraising activities, pursue grants, solicit charitable donations, and establish meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and philanthropic leaders. Through these efforts, students in the Mid- Hudson Valley will have access to resources and support to reach their full potential, achieve excellence, and pursue their educational and career aspirations.
We envision a thriving network of educators, families, businesses, community organizations, and philanthropic partners working together to invest in the success of our young people. By recognizing student achievement and removing financial barriers to educational opportunity, Mid-Hudson Valley Student Excellence Awards, Inc. seeks to inspire students to dream boldly, persevere through challenges, and become engaged and contributing members of their communities.
Statement of Need:
Every year, talented students across the Mid-Hudson Valley graduate from high school with the ability and determination to pursue college, career training, certification programs, and other postsecondary opportunities. However, financial barriers can prevent students from fully pursuing these goals. Costs associated with tuition, fees, housing, books, technology, transportation, supplies, and other educational necessities can create significant challenges for students and families.
While many scholarships exist, the demand for financial assistance continues to exceed available resources. Students may also lack access to the networks, technology, mentoring, and other supports that can help them successfully transition from high school to their next educational or career pathway.
Our primary purpose is to secure financial resources to provide scholarships, student awards, educational resources, and other meaningful supports to local students. We accomplish this through fundraising initiatives, grant writing, individual and corporate donations, sponsorships, and partnerships with community-based organizations, businesses, foundations, educational institutions, and other community stakeholders.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in any amount that you wish to contribute, which will be used exclusively for students’ scholarships and awards.
Click on the tab below. Enter the amount you wish to donate and select form of payment.
You can also submit a donation by check . The check should be made out to MHV Student Excellence Awards, Inc and mailed to PO Box 83 Montgomery, NY 12549
MHV Student Excellence Awards Inc. is a 501(C)3 charitable organization registered in the State of New York, EIN#41-13000240. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
2025-26 Scholarship Recipients & Testimonials:
The scholarship committee has completed its review of scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year and are happy to announce the below recipients:
OCCA Lauren Cummings Big Heart Award:
Michael Thompson, Pine Bush High School
OCCA Academic Scholarships (2):
Emily Olsen, Cornwall High School
Lila Sinacori, Washingtonville High School
OCCA Perseverance Award:
Daniel Govoruha, Goshen High School
OCCA CTEC Scholarship:
Victoria Grzegolec, Monroe-Woodbury High School
Thank you to all the counselors who submitted nominations for this year! Also, thank you to the scholarship committee members for all of your help and support with this process.
2025-26 Scholarship Committee
Maureen Corcoran – Scholarship Chairperson – Pine Bush Elementary School
Colleen Amideneau – Warwick HS
Deana Lenz — Goshen HS
Eileen Purcell — Valley Central HS
Jason Michalek — New Windsor School
Jennifer Scannell —Hamilton Bicentennial ES
Kate Oldham — Port Jervis HS
Kimberly Kelly — Washingtonville HS
Laura Brissing – OUBOCES CTEC
Melissa Lynch — Washingtonville HS
Scott Van Pelt — Pine Bush HS
Yvonne Sternemann – Chester Academy
TESTIMONIALS:
“…..it was announced to me yesterday I have the great honor of receiving the Orange County Counselor's Association Academic Scholarship. I wanted to extend my thanks to everyone apart of the Orange County Counselor Association. I am honored and your generous scholarship will help me immensely.
Thank you again.” - E.O.
“Thank you so much for selecting me for the OCCA Academic Scholarship. I cannot explain how much I appreciate it!” - L.S.
“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Orange County Counselors Association CTEC scholarship. This awards is a tremendous gift and I would like to thank you for your generosity. Next year, I will be attending SUN Albany and majoring in Chemistry. My career goal is to be a cosmetic chemist and work to create new and innovative beauty products. This scholarship allows me to pursue this goal, not only by aiding financially, but by motivating me to continue working hard and putting my best foot forward in college and all of my future endeavors. Thank you again for awarding me this scholarship. I am immensely appreciative of your kindness, investment, and unwavering support in my educational and career goals.” - A.S.
“I am honored to be the recipient of the OC Counselors Association Scholarship. As a student with a disability, I have had to learn strategies to help me be successful in school. My disability has taught me to work hard, persevere, and the importance of the role of people in the field of education. I will use these strategies as I continue my journey at SUNY Cortland. Thank you again for your generosity and support.”- M.M.