Mohawk Valley Community College students (pictured above, from left) Amanda Kerr and Madison Houppert were selected as the 2024 recipients of the MVCC Professional Association Scholarship, an annual award of $1,000 that recognizes deserving students currently enrolled at MVCC.
Amanda Kerr, of Boonville, is a Human Services major preparing for a career as a school social worker. While at MVCC, Kerr has excelled in her studies while being involved on campus and in the community. She has been named to the President’s List, and in May 2023, she was inducted into Spire, a national honor society that recognizes the unique achievements of adult learners and other nontraditional students, and was selected to receive the 2023 Spire Scholarship. Kerr actively gives back to the community by offering free in-home haircuts to those in need, creating a gardening club, and getting involved through local fundraisers and benefits. She also serves as a member of the Remsen Barn Fest Committee and Boonville Environmental Council.
Madison Houppert, of Lowville, is a Graphic Design major who plans to start her own graphic design business. While at MVCC, Houppert has excelled in her studies and received many accolades for her work and service to the college and community. She received the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, has been named to the President’s List, and in February 2023, she was inducted into MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year. Colleges. In the community, she helped to paint the sets for Lowville Academy high school musical and volunteers at North Country Pet Adoption Service, the Lowville Elks Lodge Christmas Sharing event, American Red Cross Blood Drive, and the local church.
To qualify for the PA Scholarship, a student must have completed at least 30 credit hours at MVCC and have a grade point average of at least 3.00. Applicants also must write and submit a 500-word essay on the importance of labor unions in American society or the value of a community college education.
About the MVCC Professional Association
The Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association (MVCC PA) is the sole collective bargaining agent representing the faculty and non-administrative professional staff of Mohawk Valley Community College. United for excellence in education, the PA is affiliated on the state level with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and on the national level with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).