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

Nominations from high school hockey coaches are accepted beginning in October.

Number and Size of Awards

Typically one award ranging between $5,000 – $3,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Additionally, nominee and runners-up awards typically range between $250-$1,500. Awards at or above $1000 will be sent with a request to be divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Awards below that amount will be sent with a request to be applied to the Fall semester only.

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 Section V Hockey Chair. High school hockey coaches are invited to each nominate one potential recipient in response to a questionnaire sent out by the Section V Hockey Chair .

Thomas M. Nichols Scholarship Recommendation Form

Committee/Selection Process

The selection process is coordinated through the Section V Hockey Chair. Nominations are ranked and forwarded to the committee for review by the Section V Hockey Chair. 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. Awards at or above $1000 will be sent with a request to be divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Awards below that amount will be sent with a request to be applied to the Fall semester only.

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 Portal between July 1 and August 15.

Recipients of the Thomas M. Nichols Scholarship award must claim the awarded funds within three academic years from the date of the official award announcement. Scholarships not claimed by the stated time period 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.