DCC Education is a Family Affair for Pine Plains HS Valedictorian, Salutatorian

September 15, 2009

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – Twin brothers David and Jonathan Bisson graduated first and second, respectively, in the 2009 graduating class of Pine Plains High School, and both have chosen to take advantage of the Charles E. and Mabel E. Conklin Scholarship for Academic Excellence offered by Dutchess Community College for students who have graduated in the top 10% of their high school class.

The scholarships are made possible through a generous gift from the Conklins and the Dutchess Community College Foundation. This full-tuition scholarship was created 15 years ago by DCC President Dr. D. David Conklin, and since then almost 200 have been awarded to some of Dutchess County’s top students. Dr. Conklin is of no relation to Charles and Mabel Conklin.

Both Jonathan and David graduated from Pine Plains High School with averages of 102, separated by just over one-tenth of 1%.

David said might pursue education and psychology as career goals, but wanted to attend a college where there was more freedom to investigate other options.

“I selected Dutchess because of the opportunities for exploration that it has to offer,” he said. “I wanted to go to college, but I also wanted to work and be able to maintain an outside life too.”

Jonathan said that teaching might be in his future, but also appreciated the opportunity to explore other alternatives.

“I’m glad that I’ll be able to get a well-rounded education with concerned faculty at Dutchess,” said Jonathan. “I can soul-search for careers under helpful eyes.”

Both are looking to get involved in campus activities as well, with Jonathan looking toward theater and radio, while David is gravitating toward the Rap, Poetry and Music (RPM) club.

David and Jonathan each were impressed with the DCC campus.

“The buildings are modern, but there are a lot of natural elements to the campus as well, which I like,” said Jonathan.

“The campus seems very connected,” said David. “It’s nice to have one main walkway that crosses most of the college grounds.”

For more information, contact Admissions Counselor Michelle Rosenbaum at 845-431-8015.

Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college with more than 50 years of service to the residents of Dutchess County. Visit www.sunydutchess.edu.