The family of the late Thomas A. Georgalas invites Warwick Valley High School Seniors to apply for scholarships established in his memory. Thomas A. Georgalas graduated from Warwick H.S. in 2005 and went on to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
At the time of his passing he had advanced to a position of sous chef at Simon and the Whale, a Manhattan restaurant associated with the Freehand Hotel in midtown Manhattan. While in high school Tom was employed by the Bobolink Farm in Vernon. There he learned wood-fired bread baking and cheese making. It was at Bobolink that he developed a passion for cooking and a keen interest in the farm-to-table movement.
His family has decided, after much consideration, that they would offer The Thomas Georgalas Farm to Table Scholarship available to seniors who plan to pursue a culinary career with a focus on the “farm-to-table concept.” The value of the scholarship is $1,000. It is available to Warwick H.S. seniors continuing onto culinary school or entering the restaurant or food trades from the program at BOCES.
When Tom passed away, his family received numerous letters and communications reflecting on Tom’s consistent kindness to everyone. These messages came from classmates at the Warwick schools that he attended and from co-workers in restaurant kitchens. A consistent remembrance of Tom was that he treated everyone, especially classmates and workmates, with respect and kindness even in the stressful environment of a restaurant kitchen.
With this mind, the family has created The Thomas A. Georgalas Kindness Award. A $1,000.00 award is available to seniors who have demonstrated an overall attitude of kindness, empathy and respect towards their fellow students and their community.
The community is invited to contribute to the Scholarship fund in Tom’s memory. Checks should be made out to the Warwick Valley Central School District identifying the donation as being for the Thomas A. Georgalas Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please send the donation to Thomas A. Georgalas Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 154, Warwick, NY 10990. Application forms and more detailed information about the scholarships are available at the guidance office.
