CARLOS STRAIGHT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Carlos H. Straight was born in Jay, N.Y., September 26, 1922. He graduated from Au Sable Forks High School in 1939. Further education included Monson Academy, Monson, Ma., Green Mountain College, Poultney, Vt., Utica College of Syracuse University, with a B.A. from Syracuse. He completed his education for the ministry at Boston University School of Theology and was ordained by the Northern New York Conference of the Methodist Church in 1955. After serving churches in New York and South Dakota he transferred to the United Church of Christ and ministered to churches in Massachusetts and New York. In 1984 he and his wife, Anna, retired to Jay, where they had enjoyed a summer home for many years.

Carlos was active in the drama Dept. of Green Mountain College when he was a student there and in later years he was affiliated with Lyons Falls, N.Y. Players Guild, which presented plays in the Old Stone Church.

In retirement, Mr. Straight became active in community and North Country life. He was a founding member of JEMS and a part of the Bridge and Beyond group which was dedicated to saving the historic Jay Covered Bridge. With a grant given to the Town of Jay he supervised the development of the park area near the Covered Bridge and the Au Sable River. He also served on a Social Services Committee for Essex County and as interim minister in several area churches.

During World War II, Mr. Straight served with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps as a hospital corpsman, attached to the Marines in the Pacific Theater. During the war years he wrote poetry, which was later published as the book, “Bitter and Sweet”.

Carlos H. Straight died March 26, 1999, and is buried in the Jay Central Cemetery.

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Carlos H. Straight Memorial Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is designed to support a student pursuing an education in the trades or the arts, or who plans to make significant contributions to the arts in their community. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility

  • Must be a graduating high school senior at Ausable Valley Central School.

Field of Interest

  • Planning to pursue a degree, certification, or apprenticeship in a trade (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, welding, etc.) OR
  • Planning to pursue a degree in the arts (e.g., visual arts, performing arts, creative writing, music, etc.) OR
  • Demonstrates a commitment to community arts through volunteerism, leadership, or active participation.

Academic Standing

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • The scholarship check will be issued after the student provides proof of maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) or above.

Application Requirements

  • Completed scholarship application form.
  • Personal statement (500 words or less) describing:
  • Your passion for the trades or arts,
  • Your goals for education or community involvement, and
  • How this scholarship will support your aspirations.
  • One letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community leader.
  • Proof of enrollment or intent to enroll in a qualifying program (e.g., acceptance letter, registration confirmation).
  • Preference may be given to students who can demonstrate financial need or a significant track record of community involvement.

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Past Recipients

2001 - Meredith Torrance and Amanda Senecal

2002 - Danielle White

2003 - Mallory Volk

2004 - Kallie Torrance

2005 - Karylnn Aprill

2006 - Amanda Shuknecht

2007 - Caitlin Roy

2008 - Jane Grems

2009 - Jesse Cross

2011 - Ryan Blaise

2012 - Brittany Friedrich

2013 - Emma Helfgott

2014 - Michael Raffery

2015 - Emile Kilburn

2016 - Latayla Duell

2017 - Eric Pothast

2019 - Megan Leclair

2020 - Whitney Terrell