NHS Student Among Recipients—

Governor Rell Announces 2008 GCYD Scholarships

Governor M. Jodi Rell recently announced the names of 27 graduating high school seniors across Connection who have earned a Governor’s Coalition for Youth with Disabilities (GCYD) scholarship. Nearly $85,000 in scholarships was awarded to the seniors during a ceremony at the State Capitol on Friday, May 16.

Among those honored last month was Ryan Silveria from Sandy Hook, who attends Newtown High School.

“These students have overcome significant obstacles to achieve academic success,” said Gov Rell. “They are our state’s future workforce, and we want to do all we can to help them pursue their careers and gain additional skills and training. These scholarships highlight their accomplishments and will help them continue to excel after graduating from high school.

“I commend each of them on their determination and their focus, and on behalf of the State of Connecticut, I wish them all the best in the future.”

GCYD was created in 1994 to help high school students with disabilities further their academic goals and to recognize their achievements. Northeast Utilities (Connecticut Light & Power and Yankee Gas Services) and the Connecticut Department of Labor were founding sponsors of the organization and continue to support GCYD programs and events.

Scholarship sponsors this year are Newman’s Own, Connecticut Light & Power Company, Yankee Gas Services Company, The Hartford, the State Board of Education and Services for the Blind, the State Department of Social Services, the State Department of Education, the Connecticut State University System, and the Connecticut Community College System.

 Including this year’s scholarships, GCYD has awarded more than $600,000 throughout Connecticut. To ensure equal distribution throughout the state, scholarships are awarded based on the five congressional districts.

The GCYD board is comprised of volunteer-members who represent business, labor, education, and advocates for persons with disabilities.

Funds for scholarships are raised from business, educational institutions, and private donations.