Scholarship Information

The Big I Tri-County, an independent insurance agents association, is getting ready to start the award process for our two prestigious memorial awards. As professionals who are involved in our local communities, we are offering two awards to qualifying seniors attending high schools in these communities. If you know any graduating seniors who will be heading to college next fall make sure they apply for these awards.

Applications are no longer being accepted | Deadline to apply was March 5th

VIEW 2025 WINNERS BELOW

Joel S. Pollack Memorial Scholarship

On Memorial Day weekend in 1998, a drunk driving accident tragically killed one of our esteemed members. Joel was 35 years of age and was a highly regarded member of our industry and believed strongly in continuing education. An educational scholarship was established in his honor to assist a graduating high school senior in furthering his or her education. 


Award Criteria:

  • The nominee must be a student in good standing at a high school in Nassau, Queens, Kings or Richmond County.

  • Nominee must be a student in good standing at a participating school.

  • The nominee must have an exemplary academic record. Please include a transcript.

  • The nominee must write an essay as noted on the application.

Big I Tri-County will award a $1,000 scholarship to the winning student in the graduating class of 2025. This award will be given as a check mailed to the education institution/college selected by the winner, to be placed in the student’s account for educational needs.

Stephen T. Dooley Community Service Scholarship

Steve was a major influence in the formation of the Tri-County Independent Insurance Agents Association. He was president of our organization, a highly respected insurance professional and very active in his community, mostly as a volunteer in charity and youth activities. Steve died from cancer in February 2005 and we thought there was no finer way to honor him than to establish, in his memory, an ongoing scholarship in the areas he cherished and worked so hard in.

Award Criteria:

  • The nominee must be a student in good standing at a high school in Nassau, Queens, Kings or Richmond County.

  • The nominee must have an exemplary record of volunteer service for the betterment of his or her community.

  • This award is not based on grades.

  • The nominee must be a positive role model.

  • The nominee will be judged on his/her community service involvement throughout high school.

$1,000 will be awarded to a 2025 high school graduate who has shown exemplary community service, to be used towards college expenses. This award will be in the form of a check mailed to the education institution/college selected by the winner, to be placed in the student’s account for educational needs.

 
 
 

Congratulations to our

2025 Winners

Abigail Murray
Stephen T. Dooley Community Service Scholarship

Aidan Joneleit
Joel S. Pollack Memorial Scholarship

Past Scholarship Winners

  • Big I Tri-County is proud to sponsor two scholarships for high school seniors.

    The Joel Pollack Memorial Scholarship is in memory of a rising star in our industry who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1998. Heather Lennon from North Shore High School is this year’s recipient of the Joel Pollack Scholarship. She will attend SUNY New Paltz.

    The Stephen Dooley Community Service Scholarship is in the memory of a beloved member who lost his life to cancer in 2005. Megan Stake from Kellenburg Memorial High School is this year’s recipient of the Stephen Dooley Community Service scholarship. She will attend The Catholic University of America.

    Heather and Megan each received $1,000 toward their college tuition. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success in your college careers!

  • Big I Tri-County is proud to sponsor two scholarships for high school Seniors.

    The Joel Pollack Memorial Scholarship is in memory of a rising star in our industry who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1998. Heather Lennon from North Shore High School is recipient of the Joel Pollack scholarship. She will attend SUNY New Paltz.

    The Stephen Dooley Community Service Scholarship is in the memory of a beloved member who lost his life to cancer in 2005. Megan Stake from Kellenburg Memorial High School is the recipient of the Stephen Dooley Community Service scholarship. She will attend The Catholic University of America.

    The 2023 recipients each received $1,000 toward their college tuition.

    Congratulations and best wishes for continued success in your college careers!

  • The Joel S. Pollack Memorial Scholarship went to Emma Gallo for her well written essay answering: “How is Covid 19 impacting you now, and possibly your future, with respect to furthering your education?” She will be heading to Ohio State in the fall.

    David Zhang, winner of the Stephen T Dooley Community Service Scholarship award submitted a solid list of volunteer activities during his 4 years at Herricks High School. David is headed to Yale in the fall.

    Each winner will receive $1,000 towards their college education and our heartiest congratulations!

  • The Joel S. Pollack Memorial Scholarship went to Manpreet Kaur of Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows for her well written and thought-provoking essay on ‘legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State’.

    Nicole Aponte, winner of the Stephen T Dooley Community Service Scholarship award submitted a solid list of volunteer activities during her 4 years at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, for which she should be very proud.

    Each winner will receive $1,000 towards their college education and our heartiest congratulations!

  • The Joel S. Pollack Memorial Scholarship went to Kristin D’Angelo of Manhasset High School for her well written and thought-provoking essay on ‘legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State’. Her article, combined with her A+ grades, make her an outstanding recipient of this award.

    Nicole Kubinski, winner of the Stephen T Dooley Community Service Scholarship award submitted a solid list of volunteer activities during her 4 years at Tohenville High School in Staten Island for which she should be very proud.

    Each winner will receive $1,000 towards continuing education and our heartiest congratulations!

  • Item descriptionThe Joel S. Pollack Memorial Scholarship went to Kristin D’Angelo of Manhasset High School for her well written and thought-provoking essay on ‘legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State’. Her article, combined with her A+ grades, make her an outstanding recipient of this award.

    Nicole Kubinski, winner of the Stephen T Dooley Community Service Scholarship award submitted a solid list of volunteer activities during her 4 years at Tohenville High School in Staten Island for which she should be very proud.

    Each winner will receive $1,000 towards continuing education and our heartiest congratulations!