Scholarships
Sally A. Zwiebach Scholarship
(Literature and Language Arts)
Sally Zwiebach taught students not just to read the words of great literature, but also to experience the importance of understanding the historical, emotional, and literary context of the works she brought to life in the classroom and onstage. This scholarship recognizes a student who exemplifies Mrs. Zwiebach’s lessons to dig deep into literature, think outside the box, and apply the power of language in the outside world.
Dale Alan Zurbrick Memorial Scholarship
Music and Theatre Arts
Dale Zurbrick (“Z”) directed and produced internationally recognized theater and choral productions with GCHS students. This scholarship is for a student who has demonstrated extraordinary personal growth, courage and commitment through theater or choral productions while showing respect and consideration for all members of the production.
Thom Ruckert Memorial Scholarship
Digital Arts / GCTV
Thomas L. Ruckert (“Thom”) created the groundbreaking, student-operated GCTV, the Glen Cove School District Television Studio at GCHS, and revolutionized how the classroom worked. This scholarship is for a student who has demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication working with GCTV and has positively contributed to the GCHS community via work with GCTV.
Albert V. ("AJ") Memorial Scholarship
Visual Arts
Albert Johnson (“AJ”) inspired students to express themselves through visual arts. He taught fundamental elements of drawing and painting, as well as more involved techniques, and most importantly he gave students the space, encouragement, and respect to tapping into their artistic creativity. A GCHS graduate himself, AJ taught for more than 30 years, inspiring many artists, teachers, and athletes. He shared his passion for teaching and great humor with generations of GCHS students, encouraging them to find and express their best selves.
2026 Scholarship recipients L to R:
Maria Laino DeLuca, Aiden Van Ommeren, Mason Foster, Natalie Macnow, Isabella Damiano, Chris Barry, Luke Gotterbarn, Michael Renga, Valerie Lasser, and Mark Kohn. Photo Credit: Lisa Viscovich
2025 Scholarship recipients L to R:
Chris Barry, Ben Brenner, Phoebe Pinder, Kailey Yanes Rosa, Maria Laino DeLuca, and Valerie Lasser. Photo Credit: Glen Cove City Schools Instagram
2024 Scholarship recipients L to R:
Judith H. Germano, Maria Laino DeLuca, Phoebe George, Natalia Monsale, Jaida Ciampi, Harrison Velentzas, Chris Barry and Valerie Lasser. Photo Credit: Lisa Viscovich
FAME GC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization reliant on private and corporate donations to create and distribute awards and scholarships. FAME GC scholarships are open to all applicants who meet the above qualifications. We welcome people of any race, color, religion, gender, national origin, political affiliation, physical and mental ability, age, and veteran status.
2026 Recipients ...
Luke Gotterbarn
Thom Ruckert Memorial Scholarship: GCTV/Digital Arts
"It’s done so much for me. It has given me so many opportunities. It’s going to bring me to great places. Thank you, FAME, the scholarship will help me pursue a career in broadcasting."
Isabella Damiano
Thom Ruckert Memorial Scholarship: GCTV/Digital Arts
"I am extremely grateful that I won the FAME scholarship. It is amazing to be recognized for something that I’m going to college for. I want to thank Ms. Lasser, Mr. Barry, and all of my teachers who have helped me along the way."
Mason Foster
Albert V. ("AJ") Johnson Scholarship: Visual Arts
"It was an honor to receive an award for photography from FAME GC. The money will help a lot with my college career."
Natalie Macnow
Sally A. Zwiebach Scholarship: Literature and Language Arts
"Recognition by FAME is important to me. Being able to write and express my feelings and thoughts is something that is tangible. It is just astounding to see how I have grown as a writer especially in high school."
Aiden Van Ommeren
Dale Alan Zurbrick Memorial Scholarship: Music and Theatre Arts
"I feel so honored to be recognized and have a scholarship awarded to me in someone’s name who has made a legacy at Glen Cove High School in recent years."