P’ville PBA to Increase Scholarships to High School Seniors
The Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is looking to improve community relations by increasing scholarships it offers to high school seniors in the village.
In past years, the department offered two scholarships valued at $1,000 each, but this year they will be doubling their efforts, offering four $1,000 awards, said Detective Morgan Cole-Hatchard. In addition, the way recipients are selected will be changed.
Previously, the PBA would ask the high school to recommend worthy students. But this year the organization has designed an application where students looking for service-oriented careers, such as police or social work, are sought. Cole-Hatchard explained that unlike many scholarships, the PBA is not necessarily looking for students with the best grades.
“We’re more looking for that community-oriented person, that maybe they land in the 80 to 85 [grade] range,” she said. “They’re passing and they enjoy school but they’re not at the top of the class for whatever reason.”
Cole-Hatchard said that students who wish to apply don’t need to complete a long essay, but describe the field they wish to enter, explain how they plan to achieve that goal and what a service-oriented job means to them.
In addition, the PBA is requesting that students who submit an application describe an encounter they have had with a Pleasantville police officer, whether it be positive or negative. Cole-Hatchard explained that the PBA welcomes constructive criticism as a way to improve community policing efforts.
The scholarship is one of several initiatives undertaken by the Pleasantville PBA to strengthen ties with the community. Although she could not currently reveal details, Cole-Hatchard said various family-themed events are being planned for the coming months. Last October, the PBA participated in the annual Ragamuffin Parade, handing out Halloween-themed goodie bags to participants.
“The community response of how much they appreciated that type of thing, we’re just looking to get more involved with the community and things they may need that we can help with,” Cole-Hatchard said.
Applications for the PBA scholarship, which will be awarded at graduation, have been distributed to Pleasantville High School seniors and can be accessed through the district’s Naviance webpage. The deadline for submission is May 29.
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