Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Scholarship Fund
The Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Memorial Fund was established to honor the life of Columbus Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Gerling, whose compassion, strength and dedication left an enduring impact on those who knew her. Created in the wake of her untimely passing, this fund serves as a meaningful way to continue the work and values Elizabeth held dear—whether through helping others in need or fostering opportunities for future generations. This fund stands not only as a tribute to Elizabeth's memory, but also as a source of hope and positive change in the lives of others.
Overview
Elizabeth started her teaching career in New Mexico on a Navajo Reservation in 1999 where she taught for five years. She then returned back to the Utica area in 2004 where she taught English in the Utica school system, first at Proctor High School then she transferred to JFK Middle School and then back to Proctor where she became Assistant Principal. She truly enjoyed her time at Proctor, as she loved being a role model for her students and went to great lengths to ensure all her students succeeded in all aspects of their lives. She accepted the position of principal of Columbus Elementary School in Utica in 2013.
She is remembered by her family and friends as a loving and caring person who truly loved her job. She enjoyed the camaraderie of all of her teachers and staff and loved the wonderful children that she got to be with every day. Her dedication to education was evident in everything that she did. In her free time, she loved art, especially drawing, painting and chalk art. She also loved gardening, animals and going to country concerts.
This fund will provide annual scholarships in honor of Elizabeth to graduating seniors from Proctor High School that attended Columbus Elementary School to help them pursue their educational goals and build brighter futures.
To make a gift by check, please make checks payable to the Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Scholarship Fund, mailed to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.
