by Harriet Frawley, Memorial/Scholarship Advisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
As students return to their studies this fall, please join me in congratulating our 2025 David J. Nelson Memorial Scholarship recipients. Your generous donations to the Memorial Fund allowed us to award seven scholarships and two honorable mentions at this year’s Spring Officer’s Meeting.
$1,250 SCHOLARSHIPS
Ian Campbell, Belleayre/SNY
A recent graduate of Xavier High School in NYC, Ian was a leader of Xavier’s Jr. ROTC Regiment, served as Vice-Captain of a competitive fitness team – the Xavier Raiders, and was VP of the Rock Climbing Club. He also volunteered at Mercy Center in the Bronx, providing one-to-one English and math tutoring to elementary school students. Academically, he’s explored his varied interests by participating in summer programs like Worldstrides Biotechnology at UCSD, the Veritas AI Scholars program and Cooper Union’s Sustainable Building Materials Program. Ian plans to study Engineering at Dartmouth where he looks forward to joining the Dartmouth Ski Patrol.
Greta Marino, Swain/Genesee Valley
Greta is a sophomore BSN Nursing Student at Binghamton University. A third-generation patroller, she patrols at Swain along with 
her mother and grandfather. Named Genessee Valley’s Outstanding Young Adult Patroller in 2023, Greta’s completed the training necessary to become an OEC Instructor. At Binghamton University, she’s a member of the Student Nursing Association, the Outdoors Club and the Ski Club. Greta has a deep personal connection to pediatric oncology nursing, having lost a close friend to childhood cancer. Greta feels that drawing on experiences as a children’s softball coach throughout high school and as a patroller will help her develop skills to provide attentive and compassionate care. Her long-term goal is to become a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner.
Emma Watermann, Oak Mountain/ENY
Emma graduated from Broadalbin Perth Jr./Sr. High School where she participated in the A/V Club, Drama Club, Track & Field, New 
Visions Health Careers club and as captain of the ski team. It was through ski racing that she first learned of the opportunity to become a patroller. With a passion for STEM, she is the recipient of the RIT Women in Stem and Howard E. Reese Alumni of the Year scholarships. Recently, as she’s learned more about biology and life sciences, Emma became intrigued in medicine, leading her to take OEC and become a patroller. She says, “Even though this was my first year on patrol, I don’t think I have ever been so happy about a choice I made for myself.” Emma is attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute as a Biology Major on their Pre-Med Track, seeking to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Katherine Tedesco, Holimont/WNY
Kate is a sophomore at Bonaventure University, double majoring in Health Sciences and Philosophy, with a minor in Finance. She 
was inspired by her mother to follow in her footsteps and become a patroller. Kate has completed Sr. OEC, is an OEC Instructor and a secondary on Holimont’s Bike Patrol. In 2024, she received WNY’s George Pfister Memorial Award for OEC Instruction. Initially planning to pursue a career in finance, she says that changed after her first ski patrol incident. While in high school, she attended classes at Buffalo General Hospital, observing surgeries in the OR and spending time in patient care areas. She says, “Seeing healthcare professionals in action and witnessing the impact they had on patients solidified my decision to pursue a medical career. My studies are providing me with a well-rounded perspective on healthcare, the human experience, and the practical aspects of financial decision-making in the field.” She seeks to become a Doctor or Physician Assistant.
Selina Guendel, Belleayre/SNY
Selina is enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marist University. She began patrolling as a YAP in 2008, completed Sr. OEC and OET in 2016, and plans to become an OET Instructor and T/E. Selina’s volunteer activities include a Cognitive Loss 
Exercise Group, Diabetic Foot & Footwear Screenings, a Falls Prevention & Group Exercise class, Parkinson’s Stretch Clinic, and athlete fitness screenings for Special Olympics. In her own words, “My growing understanding of the human body and its movement aligns perfectly with my aspiration to become an OET instructor and T/E. I never imagined that my interests in ski patrol and physical therapy would intertwine so seamlessly—beyond addressing injuries! I envision hosting pre-season workouts and hip mobility classes specifically for patrollers and creating a series of educational videos on hip flexibility for sled skills, which I’d love to one day distribute through the NSP.
$500 HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nathaniel Kowaleski, Elk Mountain/EPA
Nate is a sophomore at York College of Pennsylvania studying Civil Engineering. He is joined at Elk by his father, uncle and younger brother. Nate has completed Senior OET. In high school, he was the captain of the Freehold Boro Varsity Swim Team and an NHS member. Nate held various jobs during school breaks, including lifeguarding. Last winter, he worked at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid on the hill maintenance team. Tasks included snowmaking, event preparations, building venue features such as aerials jumps and preparing the landing hill, and working FIS World Cup events.
Audrey Chagnon, Bousquet/WMASS
Audrey is a 2025 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. There, she was involved with the school paper and yearbook, was a 
WMASS finalist in varsity track and field and joined the ski team specifically to improve her ski skills for patrolling. Audrey was also president of a club named “No Place for Hate,” which identifies problems in the school and community and explores way to resolve them, offering a safe place for students to reach out to. She also volunteered with the Berkshire Humane Society. She says “I started shadowing ski patrollers during my first season skiing ever. I fell in love and since then it’s been my winter priority.” Audrey is majoring in Finance at Keene State College.
by Harriet Frawley, Memorial/Scholarship Advisor | Feb 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
It’s that time of year when students are anticipating acceptance letters, narrowing down college majors, and making their final decisions about where to commit to for next fall. Current students and adult learners may be exploring graduate programs, or further coursework to facilitate a career change.
Any Eastern Division patroller who is seeking to pursue further education is eligible to apply for the 2025 David J. Nelson Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Now is the time of year to apply. Applications will be accepted through March 31.
Please see https://www.nspeast.org/memorial-scholarship.html to download the application and for more information. There, you can also learn about the origins of the Memorial Fund and how to honor the memory of a fellow patroller with a donation.
Here’s a recap of our 2024 Memorial Scholarship recipients. Be sure to congratulate them and ask about their studies when you see them on the hill this season.
Scholarships [$1,250]
Avery Laitala
Wachusett Mountain/EMARI
Biomedical Engineering/University of Connecticut
Cooper Biersbach
Holimont/WNY
Mechanical Engineering/SUNY at Buffalo
Lauryn Constantineau
Gore Mountain/ENY
Biology/Clarkson University
Joseph Brodsky
West Point/WMASS
Philosophy/NYU.
Honorable Mentions [$500]
Joanna Eckhardt
Swain/Genessee Valley
Nursing/Elmira College
Kathleen Knefley
Ski Sawmill/WAPP
BS in Nursing/The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
Caroline McKeon
Blue Mountain/EPA
Wildlife Conservation Biology/University of NH
Jadon Crawford
Elk Mountain/EPA
Penn College of Technology/Heavy Equipment Operator.
by Harriet Frawley, Memorial/Scholarship Advisor | Dec 16, 2023 | Division News
It was my pleasure to announce the nine patrollers who were awarded scholarships or received honorable mentions from the Memorial Scholarship Fund at the 2023 Spring Officer’s Meeting Banquet. Be sure to congratulate them when you see them on the slopes this winter.
Scholarships $1,000
Luke WesterLuke Wester
Cornell University, Hotel Administration
Luke currently patrols near school at Greek Peak in CNY, but has patrolled at Mt. Southington in CT where he was named Mt. Southington and CT YAP of the year. He also patrolled with his father at Wintergreen, WV near their home in VA. He said, “I am a second-generation ski patroller, and I often patrol with my father who has patrolled at seven different ski resorts throughout his life. My father is in the military, so I have moved 10 times, experiencing different ski resorts across the United States, mostly on the east coast. After college, I hope to go into the ski resort industry, running hotels or overseeing certain ski resort operations. I have an internship lined up this summer at a hotel in Aspen where I will be learning more about running the ski resort. No matter what I end up doing though, I will continue to volunteer as a ski patroller, as it is by far one of my favorite pastimes and has helped me with adjusting to new places and meeting new people.”
Maggie NebzydoskiMargaret Nebzydoski
University of Vermont, Nutrition & Food Sciences
Maggie patrols at Elk Mountain in EPA and is the daughter of Matt Nebzydoski, ED OET Supervisor. She has patrolled for four years, and in that time completed Senior OET and Instructor Development. Her college activities include the UVM Ski & Snowboard Club, Student Nutrition Association, and UVM Feel Good which raises money for the Hunger Project. Maggie is also participating in a research project that studies the well-being of college students. Regarding patrolling, she said, “Ski Patrol has played a much larger role in my life than I could have ever imagined. I have learned essential life skills that helped me become a better student. I am so grateful for the person ski patrol has made me, and the work ethic I developed as a result has helped me excel in all that I do.”
Eliot JablonskiEliot Jablonski
College of the Holy Cross, English/History
Eli patrols at the National Winter Activity Center in NJ, along with his father, Jeff, and brother, Nate, where he was a Bandaid patroller for several years before becoming a patroller. Subsequently, he became an OEC Instructor. As an Eagle Scout, his project was to organize and lead the cleaning and restoration of veterans’ gravestones in the Soldier’s Circle at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny, NJ. In high school, he played varsity baseball and was a member of the National Science Honor Society and the National French Honor Society. In addition to French, Eli has also studied Latin. Last year he traveled to Rome, learning more about that ancient language, but also, as he puts it, “the sophistication, genius, and creativity of the civilization that created it.” He said, “The old and new coalesced for me at the Vatican, where a recognition of tradition permits a deeper understanding of our responsibilities in the present.” Eli was recently named the 2023 National Outstanding Young Adult Patroller.
Liam FergusonLiam Ferguson
Purdue University, Aviation Management
Liam commutes 2.5 hours each way from Northern VA to volunteer at Canaan Valley, in WAPP, where he’s a third-generation patroller. His extracurricular activities in high school included the Dungeons & Dragons club, soccer, and the table tennis club. He is also an Eagle Scout. Liam said, “Ski patrol has made me a better person, gaining a better understanding of business, human interaction, and stress. I have also been exposed to different viewpoints and have gained a lot of experience working on a team as well as being a leader. My life goal is to become an EMS helicopter pilot. To accomplish this, I need to go to college; then I plan to join the Coast Guard. Becoming a pilot is a long and arduous process, and my experience as a ski patroller has helped, and will continue to help, keep me fit and to guide me towards becoming a better team player.”
Aidan CocoAidan Coco
University of New Hampshire, Biomedical Science/Medical Laboratory Science Option
Aidan patrols at Bousquet Ski Patrol in WMASS. He was a member of the New England Youth Cycling cross-country mountain bike racing team, the Shire Shredders; plus a high school ski racer and president of the Longfellow chapter of the National Honor Society. In addition to volunteering as a patroller, he has also volunteered as an anatomy & physiology tutor, in the Thanksgiving Angels food drive, and for the Josh Billings Triathlon. Having participated in an attempt to save a life while patrolling, Aidan shared the following. “While this accident was difficult for a very long list of obvious reasons, I would like to reflect on how well the patrol came together to help with the incident leaving me to feel a sense of family unlike ever before. As everyone made sure that those who were part of the accident were getting along alright, I never felt more content with my choice to join the patrol. Ski patrol is more than just a job to everyone at Bousquet and it shows. I do not know where I would be without it.”
Honorable Mentions $250
Josie KelleyJosie Kelly
Keuka College, Occupational Therapy
Josie is a member of the Sawmill Ski Patrol in WAPP. Following graduation, she is interested in working in either acute care or mental health. At college, she is a Keuka College Student Trustee, a Peer Mentor, runs on the Woman’s Cross Country Team, and is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association. On weekends, Josie often travels back home to Pennsylvania from New York State to patrol at Sawmill with her father, Curtis.
Wyatt CarnigliaWyatt Carniglia
Norwich University, ROTC
Wyatt patrols at Whiteface Mountain in ENY. He, his father, and his sister all joined the patrol together. In high school, Wyatt played both varsity baseball and soccer, was on the trap shooting team, and was the school mascot for basketball games. He also served as the Cadet Squadron Commander for the Green Mountain Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Wyatt received the Army National ROTC Scholarship to study at Norwich University where he would like to be a part of the Mountain Cold Weather Company Corps. His long-term goal is to become a MedEvac helicopter pilot.
Maia MerrimanMaia Merriman
Lafayette College, Chemical Engineering/Art dual major
Maia patrols at Blue Mountain in EPA. She has completed Instructor Development and plans to take an EMT bridge course. In high school, she was in the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, on the Debate Team, ran Track & Field, and was a member of the Ski Club. In college, Maia is a member of the Student Government, Engineers Without Borders, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Ski and Board Club. A Girl Scout Gold Award recipient her project was to organize and digitally catalog her school’s music library. When she completes her studies, Maia would like to work in material development for medical devices or improving technologies in the medical field
Ryan Bellemore
University of Vermont, Biology, Pre-Med track
Ryan patrols at Nashoba Valley in EMARI where he received Outstanding Junior Patroller and Outstanding Instructor awards. In high school, he played football and was a member of the Health Occupation Students of America. Ryan has volunteered with the Groton and Westford Fire Departments for several years and recently earned both National and Massachusetts State EMT Certifications. He was the Hans Hyson Award winner at the 2023 Young Adult Patroller Summit.
The 2024 scholarship application period opens on January 1, 2024, and runs through March 31, 2024. If you’d like to learn more, visit the Memorial Fund webpage, or contact fund advisor Harriet Frawley.
