The Jacob Leisler Institute for the Study of Early New York History is pleased to announce it has selected Olivia Dumont, a graduating senior from Ichabod Crane High School, Kinderhook, as the 2022 recipient of the Ruth Piwonka Scholarship. Olivia demonstrated both passion and dedication to the study of history through her submitted essay which was supported by a strong letter of recommendation and an outstanding high school transcript. Given the strength of her application, the board decided that Olivia was the candidate of choice for receiving the award. The scholarship, in memory of Columbia County historian Ruth Piwonka, will help to further Olivia’s education at Middlebury College.

This scholarship is given annually in memory of Columbia County historian Ruth Piwonka, Trustee Emeritus of Jacob Leisler Institute, who passed away in August 2021. Former executive director of the Columbia County Historical Society, 1976–1983, and author of numerous works on Columbia County, Ruth was Kinderhook Village Historian at the time of her death. Her affiliations in Columbia County were broad, covering school districts throughout the county. The scholarship is open to students in the school districts that Ruth affected.

Donations to the Ruth Piownka Scholarship fund may be made to the Jacob Leisler Institute, PO Box 86, Hudson NY 12534. For further information contact the Jacob Leisler Institute: info@jacobleisleristitute.org.

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