The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship named in memory of McDonough community member Elinor Robb Troicke. A dedicated CCHS volunteer, Troicke served the region in many capacities prior to her passing. The deadline for next year’s scholarship application is May 1, 2024. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Elinor Robb Troicke Memorial Scholarship.

CCHS presents this scholarship during the “Path Through History” celebration each June to a graduating high school senior from Chenango County. Named in honor of McDonough community member Elinor Robb Troicke, the scholarship has been awarded every year since 2013.

At the time of her passing, Don and Anita Sheldon said Elinor Robb Troicke “was a pillar in the McDonough community. For the past seven years, Troicke has been a column of support for area high school seniors.”

Troicke served for many years as a volunteer museum educator at CCHS. She taught art at Oxford Academy and Central School for more than 20 years before retiring in 1989. She was a very active member of the McDonough United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and was involved in every function at the church.

She also served as Cub Scout and Girl Scout leaders, was a member of the Chenango Piece Makers Quilt Club, co-founded the McDonough Improvement Committee, brought the McDonough Library and Calvary Community Center to fruition, and served as the Town of McDonough historian.

Students applying for the scholarship must be enrolling in a two- or four-year college the semester following high school graduation, have completed volunteer service with one or more Chenango County non-profit organizations, and intend to major or minor in museum studies, history, studio art, library sciences, education, or a related field.

All application materials must be submitted by 4 p.m. on May 1, 2024 to the Chenango County Historical Society in Norwich. For complete details about the scholarship and the application process, please visit www.chenangohistorical.org/education/#etms.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – unique traditions, noteworthy residents, and unusual stories of the region.

CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

-Information provided by CCHS