Charles & Louise Burg Scholarship

Both of our parents were dedicated educators; Dad started out as a teacher; left the industry and then rejoined later in life (in his late 40’s) at the high school level working at Deer Park High School. Mom started as a catholic schoolteacher in her early 20’s in Brooklyn and continued her career into the public domain at the elementary level until her retirement at 65. She taught in the Copiague district.

 

Being raised by a single mother, Dad had often reflected that he didn’t know what would have happened to him had he not earned a scholarship to attend New York University. Mom was one of four children – there wasn’t any money to send her to school. So while teaching full time during the day, Mom attended night school at St. John’s University and continued classes during her summer break. After 6 years she earned her degree. Both went on to earn their Masters.

 

Dad spent over 15 years at Deer Park High School as a technology teacher. In the mid 90’s, Dad learned of the FIRST Robotics Competition and brought it to the school. In those early days there was maybe a dozen districts competing; now FIRST is offered in 50% of Long Island schools and is a major part of their STEM program—it is a badge of honor to say that you have a robotics program.

 

Both of my parents understood and valued the importance of a post high school education. But they realized that many students struggle with the cost and often do not attend. Over the years we have been lucky to meet some of their former students who would say that Dad or Mom were an inspiration for them-that they made them a better student and person. This was most apparent at Dads memorial last June where a bunch of his former students regaled us with stories about their experiences working with him on the robotic competition. How he urged them to attend college and pursue engineering.

 

In order to honor their memory, we are raising money to go towards the costs of a Deer Park and Copiague graduate(s) attending a school to earn an engineering degree (in any field). We are donating money from the estate and hope to match it with your donations. Our goal is to present this to the two 2022 seniors this June.