The Black Dirt Scholarship Fund awards scholarships annually, an initiative that has grown over the years in amount and scope. Applicants are evaluated on their character and level of dedication to the service of others through community volunteer service and/or community work experience.
The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors these scholarships, which are funded with a portion of the proceeds from the Chamber’s Black Dirt Feast and Pumpkinfest events.
Madison DeSantis
Madison DeSantis has set her sights on a career as a registered nurse and will study at a SUNY campus. She values the stability of the medical field, but her true passion lies in the potential to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Her volunteer work at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Garnet Health Medical Center, and Winslow Therapeutic Center has accumulated over 100 service hours.
As a junior counselor at RYLA, Madison’s leadership skills shone through as she effectively organized student groups for team projects and fostered engaging conversations and activities. Garnet Health Medical Center commended her for her strong work ethic and eagerness to contribute to the community.
Madison’s achievements include the Rochester Institute of Technology Humanities and Social Science Award, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Superintendent’s Award, Portrait of a Graduate, and AP Scholar with Honors. Madison described a successful person as one who continues to grow, positively influences others, and maintains balance while facing life’s challenges. The Black Dirt Feast is Tuesday August 12th from 6 to 9 pm.
Angel Gualan
Angel Gualan has been a key figure in several local programs offered to support farm workers and their families, including tutoring after school and assisting in their summer programs for children. He will pursue a career in criminal justice and has already completed a course in the Warwick Police Department Junior Officer program. As the only son of a farm worker, Angel also works in the fields during planting season to help support his family.
His impressive volunteer hours were with the Alamo Food Pantry, Pumpkin Fest, Christmas Store, and WAFO outreach initiative. Angel’s work experience at the Farm of Glenwood helped him use what he learned at Orange-Ulster BOCES Culinary Arts Academy. Honors received included the Honor Roll and the Sojourner Truth Award. He also won the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Youth Achievement Award.
Angel described a successful person as one who can overcome challenges and take their experience to create a better future for themselves and their family.
Abigail Kadus
Abigail Kadus started the charitable organization Laxheart Ltd., which is dedicated to instilling confidence, perseverance, and leadership in young girls through lacrosse. She organizes free clinics for Warwick Girls Youth Lacrosse, empowering them to build skills and confidence. Abby plans to pursue a career in healthcare, studying biology on the pre-med track at Rowan University (Morrison Honors College).
During her five years as an employee at Wright Family Farm, Abby also offered many hours of community service, including volunteering at youth basketball and lacrosse camps, all while maintaining a 105.25 cumulative weighted average.
Her honors include summa cum laude, high honor roll, and National Merit commendation, reflecting her academic dedication. Abby exemplifies strong leadership as captain of the varsity lacrosse team and student government treasurer. She believes that a successful person lives with purpose and resilience while helping others, qualities she embodies in her life choices.
