2026 Class of ’71 Scholarship Awarded to GHS Senior Danielle Mahar

On May 27, Danielle Mahar was awarded the fourth annual “Class of 1971 Scholarship for a Deserving  Senior” at the GHS Awards Ceremony. According to high school counselor Karen Murphy, “Danielle is a motivated and dedicated student who consistently takes pride in her academics. She has pursued a strong college preparatory program and is excelling in several college-level classes this year.”

Danielle is also a talented softball player who competes on both the school and travel teams, Ms. Murphy said. Her coaches describe her as dependable, hardworking, and team-oriented.

“What stands out most is how Danielle uses her athletic ability to support others. She helps organize Friday night clinics and has served as an assistant coach for younger teams.” In addition, Danielle is deeply involved in the GHS Unified Sports program, which promotes inclusion by joining students together, both with and without intellectual disabilities, to compete against other teams in athletic events.

In addition Danielle volunteers at PTA events, helps at a local food bank, and contributes through her church, where she’s known for her patience with younger children, who are naturally drawn to her positive energy.

“Her ability to connect with others, no matter their background or ability level, demonstrates maturity and empathy beyond her years,” Ms. Murphy said.

In the fall, Danielle plans to attend Siena University in Loudonville, NY.

Danielle Mahar, far right, with her parents and sister. Back row: Class of 1971 representatives Hilary Moxey and Bill Travis. 

2027 Will be Final Year for Class of 1971 Scholarship
Unless We Add Funds to Keep it Going

In 2022, the GHS Class of 1971 established a scholarship program to fill a special need. Sometimes, no specific award exists for a student who deserves special recognition. So with the funds left over from our 50-year reunion, and donations from generous classmates, we established the “Class of 1971 Scholarship for a Deserving  Senior,” which annually dispurses a $1,000 award. The Guilderland High School counseling department is responsible for choosing the winner, based on the following principles:

• Must be a senior in good standing who has a financial need and did not receive any other monetary awards during their senior year.
• The selected student may attend a trade school, 2- or 4-year college or university or apprenticeship, or join the military.  

Please Continue to Donate! Click the "Donate" button on the home page
Our funds will run out after the 2027 award, but we’d love to keep the scholarship going

Click the “Donate” button on the home page to make your contribution – any amount, large or small. Thanks in advance! The generosity of our class is truly heart-warming

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3rd Class of ’71 Scholarship Awarded to GHS Senior Tyler Javorski

On May 28, 2025, the GHS Class of 1971 Senior Award was presented to Tyler Javorski, a dedicated and driven senior at Guilderland High School. This $1,000 award goes to a graduating student in good standing who has demonstrated financial need and has not received another monetary award during their senior year. Tyler’s commitment to academic excellence, particularly in the sciences, makes him a standout choice for this honor.

Living with his mother, a registered nurse, and his older brother, a student at SUNY Albany, Tyler has found motivation and support within his family to pursue his academic goals. His passion lies in the sciences—especially physical science—and he has particularly enjoyed exploring the principles of electricity in his AP Physics 1 class. In addition to science, Tyler has thrived in computer science courses, where he developed skills in Python programming and completed side projects involving LED lighting systems.

This fall, Tyler will begin his studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he plans to pursue a dual major in Computer Engineering and Nuclear Engineering. Excited for the challenges ahead, he is ready to embrace RPI’s rigorous academic environment and looks forward to becoming involved in campus life through various student clubs. Tyler’s intellectual curiosity, resilience, and future aspirations embody the spirit of the Class of 1971 Award.

Thanks to the class of 1971 for supporting this scholarship and donating funds to keep it going! 

2^nd Class of ’71 Scholarship Awarded to GHS Senior Gabe Zullo –
Inspiring and Bittersweet

On May 29, 2024, the second annual “Class of 1971 Scholarship for a Deserving Senior” was awarded to Gabriel Joseph Zullo—a warm and hardworking 17-year-old who succumbed to Ewing’s sarcoma on the same day as the awards ceremony. Gabe’s mother was on hand to accept the award, despite the tragic loss of her son earlier that day.

“He was truly a one-in-a-million young man,” said Bill Travis, who, along with Hilary Moxey, presented the $1,000 check. According to his family, Gabe battled his cancer for more than four years. “He never let his cancer define him, instead focusing on the joys in life, such as family, friends, and school.”

When the Guilderland counselors recommended Gabe for the 1971 scholarship, our committee had high hopes he’d be able to start college in the fall. He had planned to major in computer science and gaming.

On the school website, Superintendent Marie Wiles said that Gabe “beamed with positivity, brightening up any room he was in with his friendly smile. Many students were fortunate to call Gabe their friend. He made a tremendous impact on the Guilderland school community, inspiring all with his capacity to confront adversity with courage and grace.”

Gabe’s interests included technology, singing, and helping others. He was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, a member of the Vocal Thunder singing group, and an enthusiastic member of the high school Robotics Team. “Gabriel had a strong faith which took him from altar boy to reader at the children’s Mass to adult acolyte at St. Vincent de Paul Church," his family said.

Read the full obituary published in the Altamont Enterprise.

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2023 Scholarship Awarded May 31 to Joseph Ciccarelli
Now a Freshman at Merrimack College

Hilary Moxey and Bill Travis were on hand to congratulate Joseph Ciccarelli when he received $500 from the GCHS Class of 1971 on May 31, 2023. “We are proud to have him as the initial winner and we enjoyed meeting him and his family after the awards ceremony,” Bill said.Starting this fall, Joe is attending Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, as a finance major.

According to Candace Galarneau,GCHS school counselor,  “Joe is a friendly, kind, and social young man with a great sense of humor!  He works part time at a local restaurant, volunteers in the community, and is a member of our Italian Club, National Honor Society, and Investment Club. He also plays baseball.” 

Below you can see the thank-you note Joe sent our class. (How many young people do that?)

Scholarship from Class of 1971 Fills Special Need

As noted by the GCHS counselors, the scholarship our class created fills a special need. Sometimes no specific award exists for a student who deserves special recognition. Our scholarship is flexible and applies to students who do not qualify for other monetary awards. See the counselors' letter below. 

Bill Travis, scholarship winner Joe Ciccarelli, and Hilary Moxey at the 2023 GCHS Senior Awards Night.