The Friends of Rock Hall Linda Barreira Memorial Scholarship: Celebrating Community Passion:

This $1,000 scholarship celebrates the legacy of the beloved Director of Rock Hall Museum, Linda Barreira, who dedicated 37 years to its growth and success. Inspired by Linda's commitment to the community, this scholarship aims to recognize local students who share her passion for community engagement and making a positive impact on the world.

During her tenure, Linda's remarkable efforts transformed Rock Hall into a beacon of history and culture, inspiring young minds to become active participants in their communities. The Friends of Rock Hall, a 501(c)(3) organization, proudly carries on her mission of preserving the museum as a cultural center and encouraging educational programs.

The Legacy of Linda Barreira and the Friends of Rock Hall Museum:

During Linda Barreira's tenure, she initiated the garden club, curated permanent exhibits that still grace the museum today, and was the driving force behind the Annual Country Fair. Her dedication and hard work transformed Rock Hall into the remarkable museum it is today, and this scholarship seeks to honor Linda's legacy and continue her mission of inspiring young minds to be active participants in their communities.

The Friends of Rock Hall is the designated steward of the museum, appointed by the Town of Hempstead, whose mission is to preserve the museum as a vibrant cultural center and promote educational programs. We actively organize fundraising activities to support educational exhibits, lectures, museum enhancements, and research. At the core of our values, we believe in fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the community, creating an environment where individuals can connect, learn, and find inspiration.

Scholarship Qualifications and Application Process:

To be eligible for the Linda Barreira Memorial Scholarship:

·         Applicants must be a high school junior or senior attending a private or public school or home schooled.

·         Applicants must be a resident of the Town of Hempstead.

·         Essay must be 500 words or less.

·         Applicants must not have previously won this award.

·         Applicants cannot be related to a board member of the Friends of Rock Hall or an employee of Rock Hall Museum.

The application period opens on January 1st and all completed applications must be submitted by 12:00 pm (Noon) Eastern Standard Time on April 1st. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. A panel of three board members of the Friends of Rock Hall will carefully review each applicant's original essay highlighting their community involvement or passion project.

Embracing Community Passion - Essay Topic:

In the spirit of Linda Barreira's dedication to the community, The Friends of Rock Hall invite applicants to share a passion project or an impactful way in which they have contributed to their community. We encourage students to reflect on how they made a difference and how their actions align with the values that Linda cherished. All essays must be original and no more than 500 words. The essay must be emailed to friendsofrockhall@gmail.com with the subject line “Linda Barreira Memorial Scholarship.” Please include your name, grade and what school you currently attend in the email.

Announcing the Recipient:

The scholarship committee will carefully evaluate each submission and one student will be selected as the recipient of the $1,000 award. The winner will be notified at the beginning of May and will be honored at the Friends of Rock Hall Annual Meeting in June, held at Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence, NY. Additionally, the award may also be presented during the recipient's end-of-year ceremony at their respective school.