Scholarship Fund Established in Honor of Elizabeth Gerling to Benefit Proctor High School Graduates
The Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Scholarship Fund was recently established at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties 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, the fund serves as a meaningful way to continue the work and values Elizabeth held dear—whether through helping others in need or fostering educational opportunities for future generations.
Elizabeth started her teaching career in New Mexico on a Navajo Reservation in 1999 where she taught for five years. She then returned to the Utica area in 2004 where she taught English in the Utica City School District and would eventually become assistant principal of Proctor High School. She truly enjoyed her time at Proctor, as she loved being a role model for the students and went to great lengths to ensure all her students succeeded in all aspects of their lives. She accepted the position of principal at Utica’s Columbus Elementary School in 2013.
She is remembered by her family and friends as a loving and caring person who truly cherished her job. She enjoyed the camaraderie of all the teachers and staff and adored the students that she got to be with every day.
“Growing up, I watched my mom pour her heart into her work at Proctor High School and Columbus Elementary. She believed in every student and gave them everything she had—her time, care and belief in their potential,” said Noah Gerling, Elizabeth’s son. “I’ve always been proud to be her son, but knowing this scholarship will help the same students she devoted her life to makes me even prouder.”
The 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. Eligible scholarship applicants are required to be enrolled at an accredited college, university or a continuing education vocational program, technical school or certificate program.
The Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Dinner will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro, with all proceeds directly supporting the scholarship fund.
To make a charitable donation in Elizabeth’s memory, visit www.foundationhoc.org/gerling or send checks payable to the Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Scholarship Fund to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502.