Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund Announces 2022 Recipients

The Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund’s scholarship committee is pleased to announce this year’s recipients for its scholarship awards to graduating seniors from high schools in Oneida and Herkimer counties.

The Academic Scholarships were based on academics and leadership qualities, with preference given to those entering a medical profession. The Athletic/Character Scholarships were based on athletic abilities and strength in character.  Recipients of this year’s awards are graduating from thirteen high schools.

 Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award

• Jailey Trevisani of Notre Dame High School, who will be attending St. John Fisher College
• Beau Sinardo of Waterville High School, who will be attending Hamilton College
• Canon Moreau of Central Valley Academy, who will be attending Mohawk Valley Community College
• Dominick Gratch of Rome Free Academy, who will be attending University of Arizona
• Elise Skermont of Whitesboro High School, who will be attending George Washington University
• Gianna Frank of Central Valley Academy, who will be attending Syracuse University
• Katherine Stockwell of Clinton Senior High School, who will be attending University of Vermont
• Samantha Young of Little Falls High School, who will be attending Utica University 

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award

• Elizabeth Lucason of Camden Senior High School, who will be attending Milligan University
• Ethan Broadbent of Poland High School, who will be attending Utica University
• John Shepardson of Little Falls High School, who will be attending Syracuse University/Falk College
• Joseph Keeney of Rome Free Academy, who will be attending SUNY Brockport
• Kayleigh Simpson of Thomas R. Proctor High School, who will be attending Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Matthew Hicks of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, who will be attending Utica University
• Ryann DePerno of Whitesboro High School, who will be attending Mohawk Valley Community College
• Sara Thayer of Mount Markham Senior High School, who will be attending Utica University

Joey R. Ventura Memorial Tradesman Award

• Lucas Rich of Central Valley Academy, who will be attending SUNY Morrisville

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Holland Patent

• Arianna Williams, who will be attending Utica University
• Samantha Brown, who will be attending SUNY Oswego

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Holland Patent

• Wyatt Humpf, who will be attending Syracuse University
• Adam Jones, who will be attending St. John Fisher College
• Hannah Rossi, who will be attending Utica University
• Jonas Meays, who will be attending SUNY Morrisville
• Meaghen Baldwin, who will be attending St. Lawrence University
• Richard Zielenski, who will be attending Mohawk Valley Community College

These scholarships were established in memory of Connor Lynskey, a Holland Patent Central School District 2017 graduate and pre-med student who was killed by a drunk driver on August 11, 2018. The scholarship fund aims to keep his memory alive and financially help medical and high school students to further their education.

The Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 and has awarded more than $30,000 in awards, including $12,550 so far this year. In addition to graduating seniors headed for a variety of four-year institutions, the scholarship program also supports participants in the Upstate College of Medicine Early Assurance Program, with an emphasis on assisting students in the Rural Medical Doctor program. Connor was enrolled in this program and planned to become a rural doctor once he completed his studies.

The scholarship program is funded by the annual Connor’s Way 5-Mile Memorial Scenic Run/Walk in Hinckley, which follows the route that Connor used to run. The 5th Annual Connor’s Way event will be held virtually the week of September 11-18 and in person on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Visit www.connorsway.com or www.facebook.com/connorswaymemorial to learn more about the run/walk sponsorships and participant registration.

“When we lost Connor, our family decided to start a scholarship to keep his memory alive,” said Connor’s uncle Don Lynskey. “Soon after that, a close friend suggested that since Connor was an avid athlete and runner, we should create a run and walk in his memory. That was the beginning of Connor’s Way Run/Walk and the source for continuing his memorial scholarship program year after year.”

For more information on contributing to the fund or applying for available scholarships, please visit foundationhoc.org/connor. 

 Connor Arthur Lynskey, 1999-2018