It is with great pleasure that the Scholarship Committee has chosen 3 candidates to receive the 2024BRTA Scholarships of $1500. One of these scholarships is in honor of Josephine Slacer, chosen because the candidate is not only academically successful but demonstrated his commitment to community service and school service.

The applicants are as follows:

-8 applications were received

-all 8 were eligible

School Breakdown:

2 from #156 Fredrick Law Olmsted

2 from Hutchinson Central Technical HS

2 from City Honors School

2 from Buffalo Academy for the Visual And Performing Art

The awardees are:

Zigabor Banuna is a senior from Hutch Tech. His teachers feel he is a very serious student who is responsible and constantly puts forth his best effort. He interacts well with his classmates.  He hopes to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering after being part of the GHD/Beam program.  He also hopes to also to achieve a degree in Business Management.  Zigabor’s dream is to design and create his own automobile.

Luca Falcone is a senior at Frederick Law Olmsted School #156. He will be receiving the award in honor of Josephine Slacer for his community involvement.   His core value is knowledge is power. Luca hopes to pursue a business in cybersecurity where he aims to educate the underrepresented by offering digital safety camps.

Keaira Burt is a senior at Frederick Law Olmsted #156.  She is reserved, respectful, observant, detail orientated and hard working – as described by her teachers. She plans to major in Education, becoming a teacher and working with children.  She hopes to help less motivated students who do not have access to the same support as other classmates.

Buffalo Retired Teachers Association

P. O. Box 1009, Williamsville, New York 14231-1009

February 2026

Dear Buffalo Public Schools High School Senior,

     The Buffalo Retired Teachers Association is looking to award three (3) non-recurring $1000 scholarships to 2026 Buffalo Public Schools graduating seniors. Our objective is to endorse and assist your efforts in pursuing your post high school education.  One of these scholarships is in honor of Josephine Slacer, a Buffalo Public School Teacher who was dedicated to the Buffalo community.

     Eligible applicants are limited to graduating Buffalo Public High School seniors who will be entering an accredited post high school educational program. SAT scores, grades and an essay will be among the criteria used to determine the awardees.  At least one of the scholarships will go to a high academic achiever.   At least one scholarship may be awarded to a student who demonstrates qualities that include perseverance, community awareness, leadership and the desire to continue his/her education.  The scholarship in honor of Josephine Slacer will be awarded to a highly motivated merit roll student who has demonstrated community service and awareness.

     If you are selected, you will be awarded a one-time $1000 scholarship. The award will be sent to you upon the confirmation of your enrollment in an accredited post high school program. This award can be used towards expenses related to your educational program such as the purchase of books, or payment of tuition or program fees.

     The qualifications, deadlines and procedures are outlined in the materials included in this application packet.  All completed applications must be mailed and postmarked no later than April 15, 2026.  

Mail your completed application packet to:

               Buffalo Retired Teachers Association

               Attention: Scholarship Committee

               P.O. Box 1009

               Williamsville, New York 14221-1009

Applications postmarked after April 15, 2026 will not be eligible or considered for the scholarship process.  

     Good Luck and we look forward to reviewing your application. Click Here to download application packet

               Sincerely,

               BRTA President

               BRTA Board of Directors

               BRTA Scholarship Committee