CANTON -- The Canton Area Zonta Club recently awarded several scholarships to St. Lawrence County students.

Delora Switzer of Ogdensburg, a single parent who has returned to college to pursue a degree in nursing, received the endowed SUNY Canton Scholarship.

Kiersten Larrabee of Canton Central School won the Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship, given to a graduating senior entering a four-year college with plans to seek a career in policy making, government or a volunteer organization.

Kate Derouchie of Massena Central School won the Jean M. Coons Scholarship, given to a junior or senior who has compiled many hours of community service.

Jenna Fiacco of Norwood Norfolk Central School won the Gwen Putnam Scholarship, given to a graduating senior with a distinguished academic record.

[img_assist|nid=175519|title=|desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=470|height=390]

Mamochacki Shale visits the Canton Zonta Club

Cashlynn Jaggers of Massena Central School won the Millie Post Scholarship, given to a graduating senior who demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and dedication to service.

Mamochacki Shale of Lesotho, Africa also attended the scholarship evening.

Shale is a strong proponent of education, understanding first hand the benefit of being a scholarship recipient. Many years ago, while fulfilling her responsibilities as a single parent of three, scholarship assistance allowed her to leave her country to pursue a doctoral degree in California.

When completed, she returned to her home, raised her children, taught for many years and conducted research.

In 2015, she relocated to Sacramento to be near her son, Mochacki.

Her daughter lives in Zambia with her husband, who is the son of Linda Fay, one of our Zonta Club members.