William and Sheila Black have dedicated their careers to educating and
helping young people, so it only seemed natural that, in retirement, they would
extend their assistance to students in the form of a charitable scholarship.
The Black Family Fund will provide annual scholarships to students in the Avella or West Green school districts, including non-traditional students, with a preference for students majoring in agriculture, education, or nursing.
Bill is a retired vocational-agriculture and elementary teacher who worked for most of his career in the Avella School District and Sheila is a retired school nurse from West Greene. "At this point in my life, I want to give back," Sheila explained. "The kids there are very special to me."
Interviewed in 2003 by the Observer-Reporter after surviving bladder cancer, Bill said he felt blessed to have been able to work for 40 years in a field that he loved. "There are days (in teaching) where you feel like you don't accomplish too much, but in the latter part of your career you meet (former) students and realize that you made a contribution to their livelihood and their happiness," he said. "I can't think of a more worthy calling."
Click here for a list of scholarship recipients.