Air Products Honors Initial Greater Massena Scholarship Recipients

MASSENA – Air Products is proud to announce the first recipients of the inaugural Air Products Greater Massena Scholarship. Six students from St. Lawrence and Franklin counties were recognized for their academic achievements and future aspirations at a celebratory dinner in Massena, hosted by Air Products and the Northern New York Community Foundation.

The scholarship fund, established through a $25,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation and administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, provides support to students pursuing all avenues of education, with a particular focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), skilled trades, and environmental conservation.

The scholarships are part of Air Products' community support initiatives as it continues development of its $500 million green-hydrogen production facility in Massena.

"Air Products is committed to supporting the communities where we operate," said Trip Oliver, director of government and community relations at Air Products. "We believe investing in the education of our local youth is essential to the long-term success of the Massena community."

Mary Perrine, coordinator of partnerships for the Northern New York Community Foundation, echoed Oliver's sentiments. "We are incredibly proud to partner with Air Products to offer these scholarships to deserving students. These awards will undoubtedly make a positive impact on their lives and futures," said Perrine.

The 2024 Air Products Greater Massena Scholarship recipients are:

Cathleen Bell: Bell is a graduate of Massena High School and enrolled in the electrical construction and maintenance program at SUNY Canton. She is an aspiring electrician and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

Michael Donie: Donie is enrolled in a Diesel Technology program at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming where he will train to become a diesel technician. He was a three-sport athlete at St. Lawrence Central High School. In 2023, he was selected and received Second Team All-Northern for Lacrosse. And in 2024, he received the Section X Sportsmanship Award.

Shelby Frary: Frary is pursuing a career in nursing at North Country Community College. She currently works at Canton-Potsdam Hospital as a Unit Clerk, a position which inspired her desire to become a nurse.

Luke Lazore: Lazore will be attending the University of Ottawa to pursue a degree in environmental studies. He is an aspiring environmentalist. While in high school, he played varsity lacrosse and earned an All-Northern Award during his senior year at Salmon River High School.

Jasmine Oakes: Oakes is planning to study Physical Therapy at Utica College. Jasmine competed on the cross country and track and field teams for Salmon River High School. She was also a member of 4-H and a concert band.

Michael Smoke: Smoke will be attending the University of Buffalo and pursuing a career in public health. His work as a Mohawk Youth Health Ambassador during his junior and senior years at Salmon River High School inspired his interest in healthcare.

Individuals pictured (left to right): Trip Oliver, Luke Lazore, Cathleen Bell, Michael Donie