The Professional Women of Sullivan County (PWSC) held its scholarship ceremony to present ten scholarships to women in Sullivan County. Empowering women’s voices, PWSC received over 40 applications for these coveted scholarships. 

PWSC President Janet Carey shared that one of the questions the applicants were asked to answer was, “How do you believe the lives of women in Sullivan County could be improved?” From more child care opportunities, better access to health care, more career development opportunities, leadership development, educational opportunities, and workplace equity, the 2026 PWSC scholarship recipients demonstrated their understanding of Sullivan County. 

Keynote Speaker, Matt Sush, President and CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce reminded the recipients that all too often, students graduate and leave the area. He encouraged them to return to Sullivan County directly noting that, “Leadership begins when we recognize a challenge and choose to become part of the solution.” He noted that these issues were not just women issues; rather community issues. 

Sush stated, “They [women] may not have exactly known what the future would look like, but they believed enough in the next generation to invest in it. That is exactly what Professional Women of Sullivan County is doing today.” He reminded the recipients that the recognition they are receiving represents more than financial support. “It represents the confidence and belief that this community has in your future,” concluded Sush. 

Scholarships are provided through partnerships as well as directly from PWSC. This year’s recipients are: Cooper Arias Award for Business, Carliyah Somers - Rockland Central School; 

Sullivan County Retired Teachers Award, Avery Moscatiello - Eldred Jr/Sr. High School; The Jaclene “Jackie” Poley Kindness and Community Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Jeff Bank, Emily Poley - Tri Valley Central School; Bluestone Health for Medical Studies Scholarship, Marissa Gochenour - Eldred Jr/Sr. High School and Yelyzaveta Kilochko - Monticello High School; Region 3 NYS Women Inc, Madeline Pantel - Fallsburg High School; The Jean Rosenheck Memorial Scholarship for Women Returning to Education presented by Sari Rosenheck, Alyssa Wowk - University of Southern New Hampshire; PWSC Award Sophia Richardson - Tri Valley Central School, Halie Cheng - Rockland Central School, and Anneliese Reyes of Monticello High School.