Local Students Honored With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – A trio of students, one each from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Hammond Central School and Norwood-Norfolk Central School were honored with this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

This year’s winners were selected from the largest pool of applicants in recent memory. United Helpers CEO Todd Amo said each of the recipients and their families should be proud.

“The three of you, as well as our other applicants are the future of health care,” he said. “My understanding is it was incredibly difficult to pick this year’s winners, but the three of you rose to the top.”

Mr. Amo also noted that while coming from different districts, each of the students are enrolled in the New Visions Medical Professions program through St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES.

“This is a tremendous program and BOCES does a great job of preparing young students for careers in health care or the next step in a student’s education,” he said.

For Laughlin O’Donnell, of Ogdensburg, that next step will be LeMoyne College in Syracuse where he is planning to major in nursing. Mr. O’Donnell is the son of Paul and Nicky O’Donnell and aspires to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Also looking to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is Emma Dillon, of Norwood. The next steps in her career path will bring her to the University of Buffalo, where she is enrolled in their nursing program. Ms. Dillon is the daughter of Lisa Russell and James Dillon.

Ava Howie, of Hammond will be attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in biology. While she said she knows she wants to enter the nursing field, she’s not sure yet exactly where that will take her, although she is considering working towards becoming a nurse practitioner. Ava is the daughter of Allen and Karen Howie.

Each year United Helpers awards three $1,000 scholarships, which are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 40 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

Mrs. Randles was a long-time United Helpers volunteer and former President of the Management Company Board of Directors. She placed a great value on education and particularly helping prepare youth to enter the health care field.

Emma Dillon, of Norwood was among this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship Recipients. Ms. Dillon will be attending the University of  Buffalo, where she is enrolled in the school’s nursing program. From left, United Helpers Board members Sue Denesha and Clara Carswell, Ms. O’Donnell, Board President Darlene Liscum and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. Ms. Dillon is the daughter of Lisa Russell and James Dillon.

Laughlin O’Donnell, of Ogdensburg was among this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship Recipients. Mr. O’Donnell will be attending LeMoyne, where he is enrolled in the school’s nursing program. From left, United Helpers Board members Sue Denesha and Clara Carswell, Mr. O’Donnell, Board President Darlene Liscum and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. Mr. O’Donnell is the son of Paul and Nicky O’Donnell.

Ava Howie, of Hammond was among this year Helen S. Randles Scholarship Recipients. Ms. Howie will be attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in Biology. From left, United Helpers Board members Sue Denesha and Clara Carswell, Ms. Howie, Board President Darlene Liscum and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. Ms. Howie is the daughter of Allen and Karen Howie.

Three Honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – This year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship winners represent students entering the fields of nursing, occupational therapy and speech pathology, including one student whose career in healthcare is already underway. 

Jordan Downing-Duke with
Scholarship recipient Kathryn Cunningham

Erica Bates of Madrid has already been working as a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton for just over a year. She will be graduating from Madrid-Waddington Central School and attending the nursing program at Elmira College. She is the daughter of John and Andrea Bates.

Clara Cole of Ogdensburg will graduate from Ogdensburg Free Academy as this year’s valedictorian. She is attending Nazareth College, where she will major in Communication Sciences and Disorders while working towards a degree in speech pathology. Clara is the daughter of John and Sally Cole.

Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton will graduate from Heuvelton Central School. She is then planning to major in Professional Health and Wellness while at SUNY Plattsburgh with an eye on an eventual master’s degree in occupational therapy. She is the daughter of Cory and Jan Cunningham.

The $1,000 scholarships are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 45 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

United Helpers CEO Todd Amo told the winners they are the future of health care in the North Country. He also challenged them each to be leaders in the classroom and in the health care field.

“We’re counting on you,” he said. “I’m 53 and it won’t be long before I’m needing your services.”

The chair of this year’s scholarship committee Molly Pressey introduced each of the students and spoke briefly about their accomplishments after addressing the group as a whole.

“As we reviewed these scholarship applications, there were three names that kept rising to the top in everyone’s rankings and they Clara Cole, Erica Bates and Kathryn Cunningham,” she said. “Both you and your parents should be proud. The future is in good hands.”

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Heuvelton Central School and Madrid-Waddington Central School. Three $1,000 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Front row, from left, scholarship recipients Clara Cole of Ogdensburg and Erica Bates of Madrid; second row, Scholarship Committee members Diana Dancause, Darlene Liscum, Molly Pressey and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo; absent from photo Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton, who was unable to attend the presentation.

Area Students Recognized With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

CANTON – One student each from Hermon-DeKalb Central School, Ogdensburg Free Academy, and Gouverneur Central School were honored by the Society of the United Helpers with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The $750 scholarships are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 45 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

One of this year’s recipients, Jaedyn Awan, is currently employed by United Helpers as a Direct Support Professional. Ms. Awan, who will graduate from Ogdensburg Free Academy, is the daughter of Colleen Ashley and Craig Awan. Ms. Awan will be attending SUNY Canton, where she is majoring in Health & Fitness Promotion with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She is hoping to one day be a school-based occupational therapist.

Zachary Platt will be graduating from Hermon-DeKalb Central School. He is planning to attend SUNY Brockport and will enroll in its Nursing program. Mr. Platt is the son of Tim and Sarah Platt. He is hoping to one day become an ER nurse.

Elizabeth Riutta will be graduating from Gouverneur Central School. She is also planning to attend SUNY Brockport and enroll in its Nursing program. Ms. Riutta is the daughter of Roger and Sarah Riutta. She is one day hoping to become a nurse practitioner.

United Helpers CEO Todd Amo told the winners they are the future of health care in the North Country. He also challenged them each to be leaders in the classroom and in the health care field.

“We’re counting on you,” he said. “I’m 52 and it won’t be long before I’m needing your services.”

Society of United Helpers Vice President Patti Wood chaired this year’s scholarship committee. She also challenged recipients to look for what patients and residents are giving and sharing, whether it’s a smile, a song, or a tidbit of useful knowledge.

“Health care is so much about giving, but I challenge you to think about what you are receiving,” she said. “Your patients will always give you something; sometimes you just have to look for it.”

She then relayed a story shared with her by an employee from United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care. Making the story even more impactful, at the center of it, is Ms. Wood’s own son, Tyke.

“We’re all familiar with burnout,” Mrs. Wood started. “We’ve all been impacted by COVID and we all know the tremendous hit the health care field has taken.”

Fast forward to a conversation Mrs. Wood had with an employee, who was feeling burnt out. The employee went to her supervisor to give her notice, but instead the supervisor told her about Tyke.

“We’ve got this young man coming in and we think you can help him,” the supervisor told the employee, who then agreed to stay on and see if the new resident could reinvigorate her passion for nursing.

“She told me, ‘He saved my life. I would go home at night after caring for him and always have a story. That kept me from going home and being depressed,’” Mrs. Wood said. “Those stories were Tyke’s gift to her.”

The Helen S. Randles Scholarship is awarded each year to three students from St. Lawrence County, who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field. Ms. Randles, a long-time United Helpers volunteer, greatly valued education. It was her hope that recipients would one day return to become United Helpers employees.

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Hermon-DeKalb Central School, and Gouverneur Central School. Three $750 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. From left, Scholarship Committee member Dr. Ed Gordon, Scholarship winner Zachary Platt, from Hermon-DeKalb, Scholarship Committee member Darlene Liscum, Scholarship Committee member Molly Pressey, Scholarship Committee Chair Patti Wood, and Scholarship recipients Elizabeth Riutta, and Jaedyn Awan.

Helen S. Randles Scholarship Closing in on 50 Years of Awarding Area Students

By Benny Fairchild

Each year for nearly 50 years the Society of the United Helpers has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from St. Lawrence County who are planning to further their education and enter the health care field.

The Helen S. Randles Scholarship was first awarded in 1977 following its creation by Mrs. Randles, a 45-year volunteer for the United Helpers Organization.

Over the years Mrs. Randles served as Society Board President on multiple occasions. She also chaired the building committee when the United Helpers Nursing Home, later known as United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care, was first built. 

Mrs. Randles (third from left)

She greatly valued education and established the scholarship as a way to assist local students in pursuing health care careers. Past winners include students who would go on to become United Helpers employees, as well as some students who were employed by the organization at the time they were awarded.

Scholarships are awarded during a ceremony held each June where the winners and their parents are joined by scholarship committee members and dignitaries from the United Helpers organization.

After no ceremony in 2020, an in-person celebration
was again held in 2021.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual ceremony was held in
2020 and scholarship checks were mailed to the recipients.

Mrs. Randles was a true believer in the United Helpers Always Caring philosophy, even though the motto wouldn’t be officially connected with United Helpers until long after her passing.

Since the scholarship was first presented, more than 120 students have gone to college with the aid of Mrs. Randles and the legacy of caring she left behind, creating a small army of workers dedicated to spreading the mission of Always Caring, regardless of where their careers taken them.

United Helpers Presents Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors who are looking to enter the health care field were recently honored by United Helpers with the presentation of our annual Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The $750 scholarships presented by the Society of the United Helpers, are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 45 years ago.

This year’s winners included students from Madrid, Canton, and Ogdensburg.

Rylee McCallus of Ogdensburg, will be attending SUNY Canton, where she is enrolled in the school’s nursing program. She is one day hoping to become a nurse practitioner working in labor and delivery. She is the daughter of Danielle McCallus.

Kayla Booth of Lisbon, will be attending SUNY Canton and entering the school’s nursing program. Ms. Booth said she is one day hoping to become a specialty nurse, however she has yet to choose a specific field. She is the daughter of Shane Booth and Kelli Brislan.

Both Ms. McCallus and Ms. Booth are current United Helpers employees, who work as Direct Support Professionals.

Angelie Bush of Madrid, will be attending Nazareth University and enrolling in the school’s Occupational Therapy program. She is planning to become an Occupational Therapist. She is the daughter of Brian and Tina Bush.

Society of United Helpers Vice President Patti Wood chaired this year’s scholarship committee and praised the recipients at the presentation, even reading from one of their essays.

“I think this is the first time we’ve done this,” she said before reading an excerpt of Ms. Bush’s essay. “Typically, we will talk a little bit about Ms. Randles, but this year one of our recipients wrote about her in their essay.”

“It is impressive how Ms. Randles served the United Helpers organization for over 45 years as a Board Member, as President of the Society of the United Helpers, and in many other capacities during her tenure with the organization,” Ms. Bush wrote. “If I can achieve just a portion of what she did, I will consider myself successful.”

Ms. Wood said the path to success is one that all three students are already headed down, a point echoed by United Helpers Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cannizzo.

"The people we are honoring here today are the future of United Helpers,” she said.

The Helen S. Randles Scholarship is awarded each year to three students from St. Lawrence County, who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field. Ms. Randles’s hope in creating the scholarship endowment was that the recipients would one day return to become United Helpers employees. 

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Canton Central School, and Madrid-Waddington Central School. Three $750 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Seated, from left, Rylee McCallus from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Angelie Bush from Madrid-Waddington Central School, and Kayla Booth from Canton Central School; second row, from left, Scholarship Committee members Darlene Liscum, Dr. Edward Gordon, Committee Chair Patti Wood, Molly Pressey, and Yvonne Lewandowski.

45th Annual Helen S. Randles Scholarships Presented

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Lisbon Central School, and Madrid-Waddington Central School. Three $750 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Seated, from left, Emma Plumley of Waddington, Riley Baxter of Lisbon, and Mackenzie Spicer of Ogdensburg; second row, from left, Scholarship Committee members Dr. Edward Gordon, Molly Pressey, Yvonne Lewandowski, and Committee Chair Patti Wood.

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a large field of applicants were honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The $750 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship 45 years ago.

This year’s winners included students from Waddington, Lisbon, and Ogdensburg.

Mackenzie Spicer of Ogdensburg, will be attending SUNY Potsdam, where she is planning to major in psychology. Ms. Spicer hopes to one day become a Mental Health Counselor. She is the daughter of Chris Spicer and Lindsay Irvine.

Riley Baxter of Lisbon, will be attending SUNY Canton and entering the school’s nursing program. She is hoping to become a Registered Nurse. Ms. Baxter is the daughter of Amy Baxter.

Emma Plumley of Waddington, will be attending St. Lawrence University and majoring in psychology with a minor in exercise science. She is planning to become an Occupational Therapist. Ms. Plumley is the daughter of Nicole Thompson and Robin Plumley.

Society of United Helpers Board Member Patti Wood chaired this year’s scholarship committee and praised the recipients at the presentation. 

“When we award these scholarships, it really is hard to decide who wins,” she said. “We don’t just look at your grade point averages. We look at your whole body of work, as well as everything you do in the community.”

Ms. Wood also offered the recipients a piece of advice, sharing with them some “things you will never learn in a book.”

“Caring, compassion, and kindness are the three most important traits any person can have,” she said. “If you exhibit each of these traits, you will go very far in life.”

She also advised them to look people in the eye when talking to them.

“That will tell you more than anything,” she said.

The Helen S. Randles Scholarship is awarded each year to three students from St. Lawrence County, who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field. Ms. Randles’s hope in creating the scholarship endowment was that the recipients would one day return to become United Helpers employees.

CEO Todd Amo and Vice President of Human Resources Michelle Matthews joined this year's winners for a photo.

Society Awards Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors who furthering their education and planning to work in health care were recently honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years.

Melissa Barr

Speaking about Ms. Randles, Scholarship Committee Chairman, Dr. Ed Gordon, who also serves as Society Board President said, “Education was very important to her, particularly for young people looking for careers in health care.”

This year’s winners included two students from Ogdensburg Free Academy and a student from Madrid-Waddington.

Melissa Barr, of Ogdensburg, will be attending Russell Sage College with a dual major in biology and physical therapy. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Annette Barr. 

Courtney Baker

Courtney Baker, of Ogdensburg, will enroll in the dual degree nursing program at SUNY Canton. She is the daughter of Arthur Baker Jr. and Brandy Baker. 

Alexis Sullivan

Alexis Sullivan, of Madrid, will be attending SUNY Potsdam where she will major in exercise science. She is then planning to enroll at Clarkson to receive her degree in physical therapy. She is the daughter of  Jennifer Sullivan and Michael Sullivan.

Dr. Gordon said the decision on whom to select is never an easy one.

“The quality of applicants this year was excellent,” he said. “All 15 were definitely worthy, but you three rose to the top.”

Dr. Gordon also said that he hoped the Zoom meeting where the scholarships were “presented” would not be the last time United Helpers hears from the students.

“Part of Helen’s hope in establishing this scholarship was that you would come back and work with us,” he said. “We certainly hope you keep us in mind and let us know how you are doing throughout your careers.”

Applicants sought for Helen S. Randles Scholarship

OGDENSBURG - The Society of the United Helpers is seeking scholarship applications for graduating seniors in St. Lawrence County that are pursuing higher education in the health care fields of nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology and physician assistant.  

This year there will be three scholarships awarded in the amount of $750 each.  These scholarships were made available through a generous endowment donation from Helen S. Randles, who was a firm believer in the importance of education and, in particular, the education preparation of individuals for service in health care.

Applications are available at your local guidance office or on-line at www.unitedhelpers.org/scholarship.

All applications and required supporting documents are due back to the Society Office by Tuesday, April 7.

Helen S. Randles Scholarships Honor Health Care Workers of Tomorrow

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a field of nearly 30 applicants were honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. 

This year’s winners included two students from Ogdensburg and a student from Massena.

Elizabeth Peo, of Ogdensburg will be attending LeMoyne to enter the school’s nursing program. She is the daughter of Michael and Sheila Peo. She is planning to become a nurse practitioner.

Riliegh Planty, of Ogdensburg will be attending SUNY Oneonta this fall. She will major in biology and is planning to become a physician assistant. She is the daughter of Jennifer Pratt.

Jackson Halladay, of Massena will be attending the University of St. Joseph’s where he will be a health sciences major with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant. He is the son of Shane and Cristen Halladay.

Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Gordon said the decision on whom to select is never an easy one.

“This award isn’t just about academic achievement. It is also about community service. Each applicant must also write a letter explaining why they would like to go into the health care field,” he said before telling the students a little about Ms. Randles, for whom the scholarship they just received was named.

“Education was very important to her,” he said, adding Ms. Randles served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years. “I don’t think anyone has ever served longer.”

The scholarships are awarded each year to students from St. Lawrence County who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field.

Trio Honored With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a field of more than 25 applicants were honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. 

For the first time, each of the scholarship winners came from the same school — Massena Central School.

Emily Vierno will be attending Nazareth College in Rochester. She is the daughter of Kim and Joseph Vierno. Ms. Vierno is planning to become a physical therapist.

Matthew Derouchie will be attending St. Lawrence University in Canton. He is the son of Patty and Marc Derouchie. Mr. Derouchie is planning to become a physician assistant.

Olivia Todd will be also attending Nazareth College. She is the daughter of Cathy and Bob Todd. Ms. Todd is planning to become a music therapist.

Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Gordon said the decision this year was a difficult one.

“We had 25 very qualified applicants,” he said. “You guys should be proud of yourselves. Your folks certainly are and we are too.”

Also speaking at the presentation was scholarship committee member Cheryl Ladouceur.

“Your road is just starting,” she said. “Make sure you take the time to look at what is in front of you and always be your own best cheerleader.”

Dr. Gordon also spoke briefly about Mrs. Randles.

“Education was very important to her,” he said, adding she served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years.

The scholarships are awarded each year to students from St. Lawrence County who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field.

Three Honored With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

Seated, from left, Margaret “Maggie” Peo, Adriania Fanelli, Colden Richards; second row, Scholarship Committee members, Myrna O’Neil, Darlene Liscum, Board of Directors member Bill Amoriell, Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Gordon, Scholarship Committee member Cheryl Ladouceur, Board of Directors member Marti MacArthur and Board President Nancy Rehse.

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a field of more than 30 applicants were honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles.

This year’s winners included students from Ogdensburg, Morristown and Norwood.

Margaret “Maggie” Peo, of Ogdensburg will be attending the University of Rochester this fall. She is the daughter of Michael and Sheila Peo. She is planning to become a physician assistant.

Adriania Fanelli, of Morristown will be attending North Country Community College in the fall. She is the daughter of Tracy Hefferon and is planning to become either a geriatric or pediatric nurse.

Colden Richards, of Norwood will be attending Clarkson in the fall. He is the son of Mark and Kelli Richards. He is planning to become a physician assistant.

Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Gordon said the decision on who to select this year was harder than ever.

“This year we had 36 very, highly qualified applicants,” he said before telling the students a little about Ms. Randles, for whom the scholarship they just received was named.

“Education was very important to her,” he said, adding Ms. Randles served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years.

The scholarships are awarded each year to students from St. Lawrence County who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field.

Three Honored With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships represented three school districts from across St. Lawrence County. The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Seated, from left, Kate Derouchie, Paige Weston and Elizabeth Froats; standing, Scholarship Committee President Ed Gordon with Scholarship Committee members, Myrna O’Neil, Sue Denesha and Cheryl Ladouceur.

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a field of more than 20 applicants were honored Tuesday with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who was a 40-year member of the society board.

This year’s winners included students from Heuvelton, Madrid-Waddington and Massena.

Paige Weston, of Heuvelton will be attending Clarkson University in the fall. She is planning to become a physical therapist. Ms. Weston is the daughter of Angela and Keith Weston.

Elizabeth Froats, of Madrid will be attending SUNY Canton and is planning to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Ms. Froats is the daughter of Jason Froats and Katie Logan.

Kate Derouchie, of Massena will be attending Clarkson. She is planning to become an physical therapist. Ms. Derouchie is the daughter of Marc and Patty Derouchie.

Scholarship Committee President Ed Gordon said the presentation of these scholarships is something he looks forward to each year.

“It was a very difficult selection process, but you three rose to the top of the 24,” Mr. Gordon said referring to the number of applications received this year.

“When we read these applications it gives us great hope for the future,” Mr. Gordon said. “Once we meet you guys we know we made the right decision and we hope to read about great things you’re doing some day.”

The scholarships are awarded each year to students from St. Lawrence County who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field.