June 27, 2022 — PEF Region 7 announced a pair of inaugural scholarships on June 27 honoring members who died from COVID-19. Connor Arquiett was the recipient of the Paul Normandeau Scholarship. Paul was a Region 7 member who worked at the Department of Transportation. Connor’s mother, Allison Sayer, works at the Office of General Services as a junior superintendent of construction. Connor will use the $750 scholarship to further his education at SUNY Erie Community College, where he is majoring in Building and Trades.
Emileigh Smith was awarded the Ellen Mainville Scholarship. Ellen was a Region 7 member who worked at Bare Hill Correctional Facility, where she was a teacher. Emileigh’s mother, Nanci Smith, works at Sunmount OPWDD as the head clerk of personnel. Emiliegh is studying at SUNY Oswego, majoring in English Education.