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 semester.

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.

Thomas M. Nichols Scholarship Recommendation Form

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. The scholarship can be applied to either the Fall semester (between July 1 and August 15) or the Spring semester (between December 1 and February 15). Payment is mailed to the school for the recipient's account once required documentation is received.

To release the scholarship payment, send a class schedule or un/official transcript verifying enrollment to the Community Foundation. Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited.

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.