Editor’s note: This letter was provided by the Pelham Union Free School District on behalf of the Dr. Charles T. Wilson Scholarship Committee. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

Dear Pelham Community,

Donations are being accepted for a scholarship to be awarded annually to two PMHS graduating seniors in honor of Dr. Charles T. Wilson, longtime Superintendent of the Pelham Public Schools who passed away in April 2022. The effort to fund an endowment, the proceeds of which will be used for the annual scholarship, is being spearheaded by a group of Friends of Dr. Charles T. Wilson along with the Pelham Education Foundation.

“I had thought that this type of memorial would honor the service that Dr. Wilson provided the Pelham community as a teacher, guidance counselor, director of guidance, and superintendent of schools over his long career as an educator,” said Dr. Dennis Lauro, former Pelham Public Schools Superintendent who is spearheading the scholarship effort. “Under his leadership so many students and parents, teachers, administrators and board members worked alongside him to make the Pelham Public Schools what it is today. We wanted to provide a scholarship in his name to be given yearly to deserving graduates who are to pursue further education beyond high school.”

The group is seeking to raise $125,000 for the endowment, which should generate sufficient annual interest for the two scholarships. This fund will then be managed by the PEF and donations can be made through the PEF website and should be noted to go to the Charles Wilson Scholarship Fund. Scholarship recipients will be chosen by the PMHS Counseling Department in consultation with high school faculty.

Dr. Wilson began his career in Pelham as a Social Studies Teacher in 1968. He subsequently served in a variety of capacities, including Guidance Counselor, Director of Guidance Services, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Director of Instruction & Personnel, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction & Personnel, and ultimately Superintendent, a post he held from 1996 until his retirement in 2008. In 2013, he returned to serve briefly as Interim Superintendent. His care and commitment for the Pelham Schools was well known, as was the legacy he left. Beyond his role as an educator, he was incredibly active in the Pelham community and was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of the Pelhams. He truly loved his time in Pelham and always boasted about how wonderful the students and staff were.

In addition to Dr. Lauro, The Charles Wilson Scholarship Committee includes, Mr. Adam Roman, PEF member/liaison, Mr. Joe Longobardi, retired PMS principal, Ms. Kathleen McGrath, retired Pelham administrator, Mr. John Sebalos, present Pelham Director of Technology, Ms. Ronnie O’Connor, retired teacher, and Mr. Lucas Calderon, Junior PMHS.

They have been meeting for several months since Dr. Wilson’s passing in April in order to establish this fund. The committee is seeking contributions from the greater Pelham community and specifically for all those who had come in contact with Dr. Wilson as a student, parent, educator, board member or community member. He will be forever remembered through your donations.

You can send your contribution directly through the existing Pelham Education Foundation website at www.pelhameducationfoundation.net. All CWS donors should click the Donate button on the top right and enter “Charlie Wilson Scholarship” in the “Name for Tribute” field when completing the online donation form. This will allow the PEF to account for funds donated specifically for the Charlie Wilson Scholarship endowment. If donors would like to mail a check, then please write “Charlie Wilson Scholarship” on the memo line of the check. Send to:

Pelham Education Foundation

PO Box 8302

Pelham, NY 10803