The Canastota Dollars for Scholars chapter met for the first time on Thursday, May 24, 1984. The original sponsor for the chapter was the Canastota Chamber of Commerce.
The purpose of our local organization was to expand the educational opportunities for students in the Canastota Central School District. The function was (and still is):
- to provide the Dollars for Scholars program
- to raise fund for students aid distribution
- to distribute awards on a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory basis
The original Board of Directors were:
James Caldwell, President of the Chamber of Commerce
Vincent Albanese , Superintendent of Canastota Central Schools
Craig King, Principal of Canastota High School
Mary Ellen Kime, Guidance Counselor of Canastota High School
Joyce Falcone
Donna Kingsley
Peter Smith
Marge Clark
Dave Beach
Plus six high school students: Wendy Smith, Julie Boston, Robert Janosky, Christine Parker, James Fradenbugh and Katrina Luther
The President position of the chapter has been held by various members of the community. The previous presidents have been Peter Smith, Dave Beach, Joyce Falcone, Diane Patane and Leona Dowd.
Dollars for Scholars originally met in the Board of Education meeting room at Peteboro Street Elemntary School (PSES) on the third Thursday of each Month. In the beginning meetings were also attended by two representatives from each of the sophomore, junior and senior classes of CHS. It became more and more difficult for the students to miss their classes to attend meetings, so by the early 1990's student representatives no longer attended meetings. It was also difficult for members of the local business community to attend meetings as it meant having to leave work. For convenience to all interested in being a member of the chapter, the meetings changed to meeting at the Canastota Public Library in the evening.
Our fundraisers over the years have been:
Catered dinner buffet
Cookbook sales - "Food for Thought" (1989)
Garage Sales
Plant Sales for Mother's Day
School Supply Sales
McDonald's coupons
School Dances
Candy Sales
Coca Cola soda machine in the Faculty Rooms
Phone-a-thons (1989-2012)
Cotton Candy Sales at RSES Carnival
Memorials
Variety Show/Senior Skit
