The Western Property Owners Association (WPOA) established its high school scholarship program 12 years ago, granting its first scholarship in 2002. Over the years, the program has assisted deserving Western Section students, who’ve combined academic efforts with volunteer community service in high school, and will go on to continue their education. The WPOA awards two $500 scholarships annually, and congratulates its 2013 winners, Jessie Lyons and Matthew Trabold.
Jessie Lyons is the recipient of the WPOA scholarship in memory of Past Presidents John F. Traxler and Paul J. Muscarella. She will attend Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, pursuing a degree in music industry and technology with the goal of developing a career as a voice over artist in television and movies.
A Plattsdale Road resident, Lyons’s extra-curricular activities have centered around her love for music and musical performance. Throughout elementary, middle and high school, she was chosen for All County Chorus, and in middle and high school, sang multiple solo performances at the NYSSMA (NYS School Music Association) annual event. The graduationg senior took private vocal lessons for the past three years, and performed in the high school chamber choir and vocal jazz group, entertaining village residents, friends and others at the annual tree lighting, Evening at the Pops, and holiday caroling at The Garden City Historical Society Museum. She has been very active in many capacities in high school musical performances, playing roles in The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast and The Pajama Game. She also performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Adelphi University Long Island Choral Festival.
Lyons also volunteered her services assisting elderly residents with their daily tasks at the Jeanne Jugan Senior Residence and interacted with special needs children through Garden City High School’s Best Buddies program. For two summers, she worked at the Garden City pool, and has cared for children as a babysitter.
Active in sports, Lyons participated in kickline, cheerleading, volleyball and softball during middle and high school. She joined other Garden City High School students in the Walk for Autism and ALS Fundraiser, helping to raise funds for research.
Matthew Trabold received the WPOA’s association scholarship. He plans to attend a four-year university and earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. After attending graduate school, Matthew looks to works as a civil engineer.
A Roosevelt Street resident, Trabold started a sailing program for youngsters through the Lake Naomi Club Junior Sailing Association in Pennsylvania. He volunteered as an instructor, giving classes for children during two summers. He personally instructed one student who was mentally disabled.
Trabold has remained active helping people with special needs. Through the Jack Frost Adaptive Ski Program, he and several other instructors aid skiers with disabilities through a day of skiing. The skiers’ disabilities range from Down syndrome to blindness. Matthew also served as coach and mentor for children with special needs through the Garden City Centennials TOPS Soccer program.
With the Garden City High School Heart to Heart Club, this WPOA scholarship winner volunteered at the Madonna Heights Women’s Shelter, helping at various holiday events and fundraisers. He also volunteered to set up and take down equipment for St. Anne’s Church Spirit Day.
