Having an understanding of racial, religious, and ethnic groups; participating in, or starting, programs which help foster human rights awareness in schools or neighborhoods are a few of the requirements to apply for the Orange County 2017 Human Rights Scholarship.

Students must also be seniors, or eligible to graduate in 2017 and be going on to further their education. They must also have references and recommendations as to their character. This year's winner has all of these and more.

Congratulations to Monroe-Woodbury senior Phoebe Balousek for winning this year's Orange County Human Rights Scholarship, according to Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus. She will receive $1,000 to put towards her college education. Phoebe is a member of the Black History Celebration Committee and helped coordinate an assembly to celebrate culture and diversity in February. She plans on attending New Paltz in the Fall.

Congratulations Phoebe and best of luck in the future. We can't wait to see all of the things you'll accomplish.

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