The MARTA 2025 Scholarship Winners

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 Committee members and Scholarship winners

            Mike White, Alice Nash, Cindy Weintraub, Anne Pavek, Mary Kunzmann
     Daniel Hufcut, Elizabeth Scheuermann, Alexis DeBeauvernet, Mia Villani, Mason Olham       

                                                            
Daniel Hufcut 
High School - Pine Bush High School 
College - SUNY New Paltz 
Goal - Obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education 
Interesting fact - I speak two languages (English and Spanish) 
First, I would like to thank all the members at MARTA for helping me make my dreams a reality.  As senior year got more and more real and growing up became reality, I started looking into what I wanted to do.  I never was sure, never knew, however the only thing I knew I wanted to do was help and inspire people. That’s when I realized teaching was the career for me as it is a job that never ends on changing the world and inspiring others. And that is what I plan to do. Thank you all. 
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Elizabeth Scheuermann
High School - S.S. Seward Institute.
College - Siena College to major in Elementary Education (B-6). 
Goal - Minor in Spanish to work with children of all backgrounds and abilities. 
Interesting fact - I love spending time with my goats, chickens, and bunnies!
To begin with, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the teachers who contributed to the MARTA scholarship fund and selected me as a winner for this award. Receiving this scholarship will now allow me to dial in on my education and truly focus on the courses that will make me a great educator, instead of worrying about finances and spending my time working. I am incredibly grateful to MARTA for choosing me as the recipient of this award and I feel absolutely blessed knowing that there is a group of retired teachers, who believe in my ability to become a successful educator.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamt of becoming a teacher and dedicating my life to the youth of our community. I actually asked Santa for an attendance book when I was younger and I used to force my poor little sister to play school with me, of course she was the student.  She could tell you how much she absolutely hated having to do more worksheets for me when she got home from school.
Now, I’m lucky enough to actually chase my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher at Siena College. My Elementary Education degree will allow me to teach children anywhere from birth to sixth grade.  I will also be a part of Siena’s Honors Program, which has top-tier professors and challenging courses, allowing me to become the most qualified teacher. I also plan to minor in Spanish, so that I will be able to teach students from all backgrounds and defeat any language barrier that might exist in my classroom. Thank all of you for making attending college easier and even more exciting, and slightly less stressful for my family.  Thank you for allowing me to speak this morning and granting me the unbelievable honor of receiving this scholarship.

Alexis DeBeauvernet
High School - Minisink Valley High School.
College - The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam
Goal – A High School choir teacher to inspire students to be involved in music. 
Interesting fact - I was drum major of my school’s marching band this year!
I have planned to be a teacher since I was a child. Although, I never knew which area I wanted to pursue, Math and Science always captured my attention, and I love English and Reading and Writing. I have loved all my history teachers, but I hate dwelling on the past. So, what was I passionate about? It was Music. The career path I am embracing is Music Education.
The music wing of the school building was my favorite area, where I could escape during the day from a disappointing test grade or an argument with a friend. Once I entered the choir room all my troubles melted away and I just got to focus on singing for 45 minutes.  Singing in the choir brings no judgements, no stress, just a sense of calmness.  I found Music in the choir room and the enjoyment it brings to people, whether they are performing it or just listening to it.
As a teacher I want to be a person that my students can come to for all their ups and downs, music related or not. My choir teacher was my biggest source of guidance whether it was helping me prepare for college auditions or listening to me after a bad day. I experienced the importance of having a teacher that cares about you. As a Music teacher, my classes can be structured so that I will have a better opportunity to get to know my students, leave a positive impact on them, and create a comfortable environment. 
This award would help me get closer to these goals and aspirations.  College tuition is a struggle for my family since my two brothers are also college bound.  This scholarship will help me go to college and ensure that I will be able to follow my passion of Music.

Mia Villani
High School – Valley Central
College – SUNY Cortland
Goal – Adapted Physical Education Teacher
Interesting fact – I performed at half time for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
I am beyond grateful to be awarded as a recipient for the 2025 Mid-Hudson Area Retired Teachers Association scholarship.  A career as an Adapted Physical Education teacher will allow me to help others display their emotions through activity, structure, and mobility.  With physical education programs and settings becoming more diverse, inclusivity in the program is growing rapidly.  I aspire to give children with disabilities the same involvement in sports activities as their peers as an educator.  I am excited to continue my academics while studying to be an educator at SUNY Cortland.  Lastly, I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has generously donated money to the MARTA scholarship fund and to those who have given me the opportunity to help others as an Adapted Physical Education teacher.

Mason Oldham
High School - Port Jervis Hight School
College - Rochester Institute of Technology
Goal – Physics teacher
Interesting fact – I have several interesting hobbies including chess & astronomy.
  

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