Scholarships
Scholarships
2026 AIAW Scholarship Exam
The American Irish Association of Westchester is pleased to announce that it will hold its Annual Scholarship Examination.
Entries must be submitted via the submissions portal on the Association’s website. Entries must be received by Wednesday, July 15th.
Academic Scholarships will be awarded on the results of an essay competition. All awards are paid directly to the successful student-competitor. Essays will be judged on the merits of their historical accuracy, grammatical correctness, literary merit, and original content.
In an effort to better engage with wider American-Irish community in Westchester County, the Association has decided to expand the scholarship examination to all grammar, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate level students in Westchester County of Irish descent.
Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Scholarship
Applicants must choose ONE of the essay topics below and write at least two full pages. Essays should fully develop ideas using specific details (dates, names, places) and explain their impact on Irish history and/or the Irish people.
Judging Criteria:
- Historical accuracy
- Grammatical correctness
- Literary eloquence
- Original content
Essay Topics:
- 250th Anniversary of American Independence
Explain the role the Irish played in the American Revolution, both as a group and through key individuals, highlighting their actions and participation. - Famous Irish American
Select one notable Irish American. Provide a brief biography and explain how their Irish heritage influenced their identity, life, and contributions. - Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)
Discuss the origins of the GAA, key figures in its development, and its ongoing impact on Irish and Irish-American culture and recreation.
There are three essays listed below. Pick one topic and over the course of at least two full
pages develop your ideas and fully explain the topic in terms of particular details
(dates, names, places, etc.) and their impact on Irish history and/or the Irish people.
Use specific facts to support your claims! Essays will be judged on the merits of their
historical accuracy, grammatical correctness, literary eloquence, and original content.
1) This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence
from Great Britain. Explain the role the Irish played in the American Revolution both as
a group and, in particular, with an emphasis on individuals, their actions, and the events
in which they participated in the conflict.
2) Pick one famous Irish American and explain their contribution(s) to American society
and life. Write a brief biographical sketch of the person of your choice and explain how
their Irish roots shaped their identity and/or influenced their life and work.
3) The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has played a vital role in the cultural and athletic
lives of Irish and Irish-American people. Explain the origins of this organization, key
figures in its development, and how it continues to impact recreation and culture in both
Ireland and the USA.
Robert G. Stauf Secondary/High School Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an American-Irish student currently enrolled in secondary school who demonstrates a strong commitment to community service one of the defining values of Mr. Stauf’s life.
Applicants must submit a two-page essay describing their involvement in and dedication to community service. In addition, all community service activities must be verified through supporting documentation provided by a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or other school official.
James G. McGinty College and Graduate School Scholarship.
Due by Wednesday, July 15th and to be submitted electronically via the submissions portal
on the Association’s website: https://americanirishofwestchester.com/scholarships
There are four essays listed below. Pick one topic and over the course of at least four fullpages develop your ideas and fully explain the topic in terms of particular details(dates, names, places, etc.) and their impact on Irish history and/or the Irish people.Use specific facts to support your claims! Essays will be judged on the merits of their historical accuracy, grammatical correctness, literary eloquence, and original content.
1) This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence from Great Britain. Explain the role the Irish played in the American Revolution both as a group and in particular with an emphasis on individuals, their actions, and the events in
which they participated in the conflict. The Irish involvement in the civic, social,
educational, and economic life of late Colonial and Revolutionary America should be
considering when analyzing this topic.
2) The Napoleonic Wars were truly an international affair. In Ireland, they took on their
own significance in the form of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Explain the economic,
political, religious, and social circumstances that led up to the Rebellion, the causes and
conditions that contributed to the Rebellion’s failure, and the economic, political,
religious, and social outcomes of the Rebellion. Address the significance of the
Rebellion in the greater context of the cause of Irish independence and sovereign rule.
3) In his 1995 work How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill posited that it was
because of the work of Irish monks that the flame of scholarship was kept lit during the
Middle Ages. Briefly explain the rise of monasticism in Ireland and the leading figures
in its development. In greater detail, describe how Irish monks preserved and diffused
classical learning in Ireland and Europe during the Middle Ages. Include key details
about Irish missionary scholars and their educational and cultural achievements.
4) The Anglo-Irish played a critical role in developing Ireland’s economic, civic, and
cultural life beginning in the 18th century and lasting well into the 20th century.
Today, they are largely removed from the life of the Republic. Explain who they were
with reference to specific group-defining traits, where they resided, and the role they
played in shaping Ireland. Cite specific contributions they have made and their impact on
Irish history both in their time and on the Ireland of today.
Details & Requirements
The American Irish Association of Westchester is pleased to announce its Annual Scholarship Examination.
- Deadline: All entries must be submitted via email by Wednesday, July 15
- Scholarships are awarded based on essay competition results
- Awards are paid directly to the student
Essay Length Requirements:
- 8th Grade Scholarship: Minimum 2 full pages
- High School / College / Graduate Scholarships: Minimum 4 full pages
Available Scholarships
The Association has expanded eligibility to include students of Irish descent in Westchester County at all academic levels.
Youth Scholarships
- $500 Irish Dance Scholarship
Awarded to students up to 7th grade studying Irish dance - $500 Ira Goldman Irish Music Scholarship
Awarded to students up to 7th grade studying Irish music
Requirement:
Submit a one-page essay explaining how Irish music or dance has influenced your life and appreciation of Irish heritage.
Academic Scholarships
- $1,000 Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Scholarship
For students entering high school (Fall 2026) - $1,500 Robert G. Stauf Secondary/High School Scholarship
For high school students who demonstrate strong community service
- Requires a two-page essay
- Must include supporting documentation (teacher, counselor, principal, etc.)
- $2,000 James G. McGinty Undergraduate Scholarship
For full-time college or nursing students (2026–2027 academic year) - $3,000 Graduate School Scholarship
For students pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree (2026–2027 academic year)
Contact Information
For questions, please contact:
Joseph Smith
Scholarship Exam Committee Chairman
- Phone: 914-513-8220
- Email: joseph.smith11@yahoo.com
For students competing for the Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Scholarship, the exam will consist of an essay response of at least two full pages.
For students competing for the Robert G. Stauf High School and James G. McGinty College and Graduate School Scholarships, the exam will consist of an essay response of at least four full pages.
The following scholarships are offered annually:
In an effort to better engage with wider American-Irish community in Westchester County, the Association has decided to expand the scholarship examination to all grammar, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate level students in Westchester County of Irish descent.
$500 Irish Dance Scholarship – awarded to a child of any age up to 7th grade who is studying Irish dance.
$500 Ira Goldman Irish Music Scholarship – awarded to a child of any age up to 7th grade who is studying Irish music.
In the two above-mentioned categories, applicants will submit a one page essay regarding the role Irish music and dance has played in his/her life and how it has shaped the applicant’s understanding of and appreciation for his/her Irish heritage.
$1,000 Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Scholarship – awarded to a student who will be entering freshman year of high school in September of 2026.
$1,500 Robert G. Stauf Secondary/High School Scholarship – awarded to an American-Irish student presently enrolled in secondary school who writes a two-page essay detailing their commitment to community service, which was a hallmark of Mr. Stauf’s life. Proof of said community service needs to be corroborated by accompanying documentation from the applicant’s teacher, guidance counselor, Principal, etc.
$2,000 James G. McGinty Undergraduate Scholarship – awarded to a student who is or will be a full-time freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in a college or nursing school during the 2026-2027 academic year.
$3,000 Graduate School Scholarship – awarded to a student enrolled in a program leading to a Master or Doctoral Degree at a college or nursing school during the 2026-2027 academic year.
If you have any questions, please,contact Scholarship Exam Committee Chairman Joseph Smith by telephone at 914-513-8220 or by email joseph.smith11@yahoo.com
Student-competitors must complete the application below and return it via email to Joseph Smith by July 6th.
Please note: A student may participate any number of times at each prize level, except for the Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Scholarship. However, the student may only win each award once.
Essay Submissions
Due: Wednesday, July 15
Scholarship Winners
| YEAR | CATEGORY | RECIPIENT |
| 2025 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Thomas Rice |
| 2024 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Mairead Peel & Ryan McLaughlin |
| 2024 | Graduate Level Prize | Christopher Antonelli |
| 2023 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Kevin McCarvill |
| 2023 | Graduate Level Prize | Fiona & Aidan Galvin |
| 2020 | Irish Dance Prize | Keira Accostupa |
| 2020 | Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Prize | Ryan McLaughlin |
| 2020 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Catherine Graham |
| 2019 | Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Prize | Kevin McCarvill |
| 2019 | Graduate Level Prize | Mary Daly Ashraf |
| 2018 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Oisin Galvin |
| 2018 | Graduate Level Prize | Shannon Houlihan |
| 2017 | Graduate Level Prize | Maureen McNulty |
| 2016 | Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Prize | Owen McCarvill |
| 2016 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Robert Graham |
| 2016 | Graduate Level Prize | Thomas McNulty |
| 2015 | Irish Music Prize | Mairead Peel |
| 2015 | Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Prize | Oisin Galvin |
| 2015 | Graduate Level Prize | Shane Slattery |
| 2014 | Mary Patricia Mannion 8th Grade Prize | John Wiley |
| 2014 | James McGinty Undergraduate Prize | Briana Travers |
There were no scholarship programs held in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 Pandemi
Related Posts
Cathy Hogan Named Clare Woman of the Year
20 Dec 2025