The Society of Irish American Lawyers (SOCIAL) has awarded its annual $2,000 scholarship to New Rochelle, NY High School student Ann Gombiner. Ann is the Salutatorian for her graduating class and is ranked #2 out of 739 students at New Rochelle High School.
She has earned a National Merit Commendation and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. In addition to her academic successes, Ann has made time to give back to her community in many ways. She tutors younger students, teaches violin students with special needs, and organized an intergenerational social group which facilitated letter writing between high school students and local older adults. She also convened monthly social gatherings where the two groups could meet.
The Society is a bar association founded in 2019 by attorneys and judges in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and Orange Counties interested in promoting Irish traditions and culture among members of the legal community in the 9th Judicial District of New York. It awarded its first scholarship in 2021.
“Ann was selected from among a large group of exceptionally well-qualified applicants," said the Society's President, Hon. Colleen Duffy, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, 2d Department. "As a committee, we appreciate each student’s reflection on how their Irish heritage has influenced their life and goals, and recognize the importance of connecting the next generation with current Irish American judges and lawyers.”
SOCIAL’s scholarship is open to high school juniors or seniors of Irish descent who live in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess or Orange Counties. More information about SOCIAL and their annual scholarship can be found at their website.
