OutHudson to Award Scholarships

There may be no Pride Parade this year, but OutHudson, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ people in Columbia County is continuing its other traditions in recognition of Pride Month. Yesterday, OutHudson announced it is providing five scholarships to support local youth planning to attend college in Fall 2021.

OutHudson Scholarships are for $1,000 annually, and OutHudson is committed to supporting the recipients for up to four years, provided that they maintain a sufficient grade point average. In 2021, OutHudson is awarding two new $1,000 scholarships, continuing the $1,000 scholarship awarded in 2020, and, for the first time, is giving two one-time grants of $500 as honorable mentions. The scholarship and grant recipients are:

Logan Shields

Chatham, Class of 2021

Columbia-Greene Community College

Christy Gearing

Chatham, Class of 2021

University at Albany, SUNY

Olivia Oligny-Leggett

Ichabod Crane, Class of 2020

Dickinson College

Lula Langdon  Honorable Mention

Taconic Hills, Class of 2021

UC Davis

Katy Vanderoef  Honorable Mention

Taconic Hills, Class of 2021

University at Albany, SUNY

John Schobel, OutHudson Director, commented on the increase in awards. "We had an enormous response to our call for scholarship applications and are thrilled, particularly this year, to be able to offer a record number of scholarship opportunities. Supporting the advancement of LGBTQ youth and allies is just part of our mission, but one of the most tangible aspects of the work OutHudson does."

The scholarships will be presented tonight by OutHudson cofounder Rich "Trixie" Volo, at a private event, which will include a reading by author Chavisa Woods from her most recent collection of short stories, Things to Do When You're Goth in the Country. A review of the book on Lambda Literary commented, "I can't think of any other book that captures the essence of America the way this collection does." Booklist called it "Tight, intelligent, important, and sure to secure Woods a seat in the pantheon of critical twenty-first-century voices."

Those interested in attending tonight's event should message OutHudson on Facebook or Instagram or email charlie@outhudson.com.