Welcome to THE FDNY Steuben Association SCHOLARSHIP PAGE

 My name is Donovan Butler, and I am a senior graduating from Chaminade High School. In the fall, I will be attending Syracuse University where I plan to study business.  While at Syracuse I intend to continue my interests and have fun with hockey, boxing, music, and community service while pursuing a career in finance.

I am extremely grateful to the FDNY Steuben Association and appreciate being awarded the Charlie Messemer Memorial Scholarship. This award is especially meaningful to me because of the lifelong friendships between my family and the Messemer family and I’m proud to represent for Mr. Messemer.  The relationship that my grandparents began with their neighbors, the Messemer family, created friendships and a bond, that spans multiple generations, and is more like family. Knowing the history of our families and being raised in the FDNY community taught me the importance of hard work, loyalty, and always being there for the people around you.

I know that Mr. Messemer was deeply committed to his family, friends, and FDNY family.  I’m aware of the leadership role he played with the Steuben Society and of being recognized in years past as their Man of the Year.  It is an honor to receive an award in his name. His kindness and character continue to leave a lasting impact on the people who knew him.

As my father said when hearing the news of me receiving this award, “Charlie is still looking out for us.”

Thank you again for the generous award.  I very much appreciate the recognition.

Respectfully,

Donovan Butler

 My name is William Boller, and I am a graduating senior at Warwick Valley High School. This fall, I will be attending St. John’s University, where I will major in Television & Film. My goal is to pursue a career in video editing.

Throughout high school, I have been involved in video production, leadership, and community service. As President of the Remote Operations Club, I have contributed more than 350 volunteer hours helping film school sporting events, and concerts. I am also a Life Scout in Scouts, where I have developed leadership, teamwork, and service skills that have shaped who I am today.

One of the highlights of my high school experience has been competing in SkillsUSA Television Production. I earned first place at the regional level and second place at the New York State competition, which gave me the opportunity to represent New York at the national competition were I received second place. These experiences strengthened my passion for media production and confirmed my desire to build a career in the television and film industry.

I am incredibly grateful to the FDNY Steuben Association for this scholarship and for supporting students like me as we pursue higher education. I would also like to thank my family, teachers, and mentors for their support throughout my schooling journey.

MICHAEL ROBERT SCHWINN, sponsored by his Dad,           ADAM H. SCHWINN (Retired Capt. E-21)

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          Hello, my name is Michael Schwinn, and I am greatly honored to be receiving the 2026 Steuben Association Scholarship from the FDNY Steuben Association. I have recently graduated from Bishop Kenny High School, and I will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University located in Daytona, Florida in the fall where I will be majoring in Meteorology. I have committed to the Air Force ROTC and additionally was chosen to receive a prestigious Type Four AFROTC Scholarship. On conclusion of my college education, I will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant serving this great country in the United States Air Force.

My high school career was filled with unknowns at the start, but it has been a wonderful journey of challenges and self-exploration. I spent four years in the Navy Junior ROTC improving my leadership skills, finishing my career as a Training Officer at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. I built discipline honing my physical growth participating in both the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. I developed another skillset working as a background and lighting manager as part of the Theatre productions put on by the school throughout my four years. I joined the E-Sports Club, becoming President by my senior year, leading to placement of 84 out of 500 competing high schools on the East Coast for FY 2025/26. I also managed to achieve over 260 hours of community service in total in my school career. My academics challenged me to increase my efforts year over year, and I ended with getting college credit for 9 separate AP classes. This achievement also led to receiving additional academic scholarships, including the Florida Academic Scholars Award and the Diamond Eagle Academic Scholarship Award from Embry-Riddle.

I would like to thank my Dad for sponsoring me and mentoring me, along with my Mom, on my journey through life. My Dad was a responder to the 9-11 World Trade Center attacks, and a constant leader in my life, so this scholarship has a special place in our hearts. I am incredibly grateful to the Steuben Association for providing me with this distinguished award.

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TO SEE THE 8th GRADERS, CLICK HERE<

(Also go to the Grants Page to see our 

Past Winners, we hope they are continuing

their excellence!)