Scholarship luncheon raises money for Bay Ridge, Dyker teens

March 14, 2018 Victoria Merlino
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Local teens really do get as much as they give.

Over 100 community residents gathered for the annual Kassenbrock Brothers Memorial Scholarship Fund luncheon, raising money to support scholarships for do-gooding teens.

Created in 1972, the fund was established in honor of Walter and Vincent Kassenbrock, two community leaders who founded the Bay Ridge Community Council in 1951. The main criterion of the scholarship for college-bound high school seniors is that a teen be an activist and leader in the community, and committed to doing community service.

Last year, the fund awarded $40,000 to 16 local teens.

Some in attendance at the luncheon — where 68th Precinct Community Council President David Ryan and not-for-profit group Bay Ridge Cares were honored — included State Senator Marty Golden, Councilmember Justin Brannan, former Councilmember Vincent Gentile and representatives for Congressmember Dan Donovan.

“I think it was a great success,” said Josephine Beckmann, assistant administrator of the fund.  She spoke about how those in attendance gave positive feedback, and that attendees supported promoting volunteerism and leadership within the youth of the community.

“What I think [the scholarship] does is it recognizes hard work and community volunteerism of the youth in the community,” said Beckmann. “It introduces civic activism and community participation.

“And for the student, it helps defray some of the rising costs of college education,” she continued.

Beckmann encouraged students who are interested in the scholarship to reach out to their high school guidance counselors to apply. This year’s submissions will be reviewed by April 26 and awarded on May 17.

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