Antoinette Brown Blackwell Scholarship reminds Rush-Henrietta students to submit their applications before the February 23, 2026 deadline

Henrietta, New York – Students across the Rush-Henrietta School District are being reminded that the window to apply for the Antoinette Brown Blackwell Scholarship is starting to narrow. Each year, the scholarship committee selects two recipients, and in 2026 the awards will once again total $2,000 each. The opportunity is open to a wide range of learners, reflecting the scholarship’s long-standing mission of supporting the community’s educational goals.

The committee encourages high school seniors preparing for their next step, current college students, trade school students, and even adults returning to college to submit their materials. To qualify, applicants must live within the district and must plan to attend an institution of higher learning either full time or part time. For many local families, the scholarship has become a reliable source of financial help, especially for those who want to continue their education but face rising costs.

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The award carries a meaningful legacy. Established in 1984, the scholarship honors Antoinette Brown Blackwell, a groundbreaking figure in American history. She was the first ordained woman minister in the United States, and her early life was rooted in the Rush-Henrietta area. Born in a log home in Henrietta, she later grew up in a stone farmhouse on Pinnacle Road. Her story continues to inspire young people in the community, who see in her life a reminder of how determination and courage can shape a future.

Applicants will find detailed instructions, along with a short biography of Blackwell, in the materials supplied by the committee. All applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, a firm deadline set to ensure every submission is reviewed fairly and on time. Because the scholarship draws interest from a broad group of students, organizers advise submitting early to avoid last-minute issues.

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Anyone with questions or uncertainties about the process can reach out to Anita Hawkins at (585) 359-2897. The committee hopes this year’s applicants will reflect the community’s diversity and the spirit of learning that Blackwell herself embodied.