Thomas M. Nichols Scholarship
Purpose of Scholarship
To award college scholarships to graduating high school ice hockey athletes in Monroe County, NY who exemplify the characteristics valued by Tom Nichols.
Application Period
Contact high school coach beginning in October to learn more about this scholarship opportunity
Number and Size of Awards
One award of $3,000; may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $1,000 to $1,500.
Allowed Use of Award
Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
For a graduating senior hockey player who:
- Plays in the Monroe County High School Hockey League and consistently puts forth maximum effort on behalf of his/her team regardless of natural ability;
- Has good academic standing in high school; and
- Is attending college after graduation from high school.
Application Process
The nomination process is coordinated by the Pittsford Mendon High School Director of Athletics. High school hockey coaches are invited to each nominate one potential recipient in response to a questionnaire sent out by the Director of Athletics.
Committee/Selection Process
The selection process is coordinated through the Pittsford Mendon High School Director of Athletics. Nominations are ranked and forwarded to the committee for review by the Pittsford Director of Athletics. A committee comprised of the former Amerks owner, four former hockey players and coaches, and a former partner in the law firm of Harris, Beach, Wilcox, Rubin and Levey reviews nominations, interview finalists, selects the recipient(s), and informs the Community Foundation.
Award Announcement and Payment
The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the scholarship committee for presentation to the recipient at an Amerks game in the Spring. Payment is mailed to the school for the recipient’s account in one lump sum in the Fall and split between the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received.
To release the scholarship payment, upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying enrollment to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Acceptance and Renewal Form between July 1 and August 15.
Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.
Renewability
This scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable.
Other
The award is paid directly to the recipient's college in order to comply with certain NCAA requirements to ensure the recipient's continued status as an amateur athlete.
Donor Information
This award was established by the Rochester Americans Hockey Club, the estate of Mrs. (Mary) Thomas Nichols, and many friends in memory of Tom Nichols, an attorney and partner with Harris, Beach, Wilcox, Rubin and Levey. Tom loved the game of ice hockey and was a fan and supporter of high school and professional hockey in the Rochester area. He attended high school games regularly and appreciated players who consistently gave extra effort. Those who established the award in his honor refer to it as the "110% Award," a measure that continues to be the cornerstone of the award.
To make your own gift to this fund, click here.
Questions?
Email Scholarships@racf.org or call 585.341.4350 for assistance.
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