Locals: People and Businesses in the News, September 17, 2026
PREFERRED PICKS: Since 1992, the Preferred Foundation—a corporate giving entity of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company—has provided scholarship opportunities for graduating high-school seniors who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their communities in Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango counties. This year’s Preferred Foundation Scholarship winners are Leah Figary of Sidney High School and Sophia Zheng of Norwich High School. Figary will study chemistry at Binghamton University, with plans to transfer to Cornell University in fall 2027. Zheng will study pre-pharmacy at Binghamton University. The two Irad and Jan Ingraham/James Honeywell Memorial Scholarship winners are Myriah Taylor and Braden Golliver, both of Unadilla Valley Central School. Taylor will attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to study diagnostic medical sonography. Golliver will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study civil engineering. PMIC scholarship opportunities are available for students who live in Otsego, Delaware, or Chenango counties, are graduating from Unadilla Valley Central School, or are children of non-officer Preferred Mutual employees.
SCOUT STANDOUTS: Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways recently recognized hundreds of adult volunteers during its 2026 regional appreciation events, celebrating service, leadership, and long‑term commitment to the Girl Scout Movement. Several honorees from Otsego County and surrounding communities were acknowledged for their contributions. The Rising Star Award recognizes first- and second‑year volunteers who have made an immediate, positive impact. Local recipients include: Jenny Harmyk of Gilbertsville; Kate Zeh of Hartwick; Tarissa Jahnke of Milford; and Alison Dodge of Oneonta. The Spirit Award honors behind‑the‑scenes volunteers who consistently support troops, peers and council operations. Otsego‑area honorees include: Amie Monahan of Cooperstown; Julie Smith of Mount Vision; Angella Lynch and Gabrielle Shipman of Richfield Springs; and Catlin Gray of Unadilla. The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes outstanding service directly to youth members or in support of council‑wide mission delivery. Local recipients include: Josephine (Josie) Hendrich of Laurens; Helen A. Diglia of Oneonta; and Kelly Nober of Unadilla. Membership and Service Milestones honors cumulative years of Girl Scout membership and volunteer service. Angella Lynch of Richfield Springs was recognized for her 30 Years of Volunteer Service.
ALMARTADA AWARDED: During its annual Honors Convocation on April 29, Hartwick College recognized outstanding student achievement across its academic programs. Among this year’s honorees was Omar Almartada of Oneonta, who received the Outstanding First-Year Student in Biology Award, a distinction presented to the first-year biology student who attains the highest cumulative average for the academic year.
