Cornell University professor Anthony Burrow Michael Kotlikoff pose during the luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Cornell University)
Two North Shore natives were recently honored as Merrill Presidential Scholars, awarded to outstanding Cornell University graduating seniors in the top 1 percent of their class.
Roslyn native Allison Bichoupan and Great Neck native Daniel Rosenfeld were among the 32 Cornell students honored May 23 at the 30th annual Merrill Presidential Scholars Convocation luncheon.
During the event, students honored two of their teachers, one from high school and one from Cornell, who most inspired them along their path to graduation.
Bichoupan, a graduate from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, honored Roslyn High School world languages teacher Alejandro Elena and Department of Animal Science professor Jerrie Gavalchin.
Rosenfeld, a graduate from the College of Human Ecology, honored Great Neck South High School physical education teacher Tara Rosenthal and Department of Human Development professor Anthony Burrow during the luncheon.
“You can take pride in having influenced some of Cornell’s top graduating seniors – and in knowing that they continue to appreciate all you did for them,” Provost Michael Kotlikoff said during the event. “On behalf of the university, I want to thank all the secondary and university teachers here today, for your dedication to bringing out the very best in our students. Congratulations on being extraordinary teachers.”
To further honor the high school teachers chosen by the Merrill Presidential Scholars, a one-time, $4,000 Special Teachers Are Recognized scholarship is awarded in the teachers’ names to incoming Cornell freshmen or current students with financial need from the honored teacher’s high school or geographic area.
