Rye High School Scholarships
The Emily Johnson Memorial Scholarship: The Rye Historical Society is providing this $500 scholarship to a senior who demonstrates a devotion to community service and who has a love of history.
The Emily Johnson Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Rye Historical Society to honor Emily Johnson’s extraordinary contributions to the organization and her enduring impact on the Rye community. A passionate historian and dedicated archivist, Emily spent 25 years with the Rye Historical Society and continued to serve as an archivist after her retirement. Her work inspired countless others to recognize the importance of history and the role it plays in fostering a sense of community.
Essay prompt: What does community mean to you and how is community important in Rye history, both past and present?
The Susan A. Morison Annual Scholarship: The Rye Historical Society is providing a $500 scholarship to a Rye High School senior with a love of history as well as a passion for historical research and preservation.
Susan Morison has dedicated her life to the Rye Historical Society since she first stepped on its premises at the Square House. After volunteering her time, she became the Executive Director. As the Director of the organization for 10 years, she encouraged the Historical Society to focus on the preservation and cultivation of its collections. She was instrumental in the development of Knapp House for expanded archival and collection space. Currently as a Board Member Emerita, she has continued to ensure that people understand the importance of history, what makes it meaningful, and how history can be fun and engaging. Her passion for archives and collections is exemplified in her continued devotion to the Rye Historical Society as the Archives Committee Chair on the Rye Historical Society Board of Trustees.
Essay Prompt: In what ways are archives, collections and historical research important, and what does it mean to think like an archivist dedicated to historical preservation?
To be considered for the Annual Rye History Scholarship one must be a graduating Senior at Rye High School.
How to Apply? Please submit all applications and application materials to Debra Zapakin in the Rye High School Counseling Office.
Awards will be presented at the Senior Scholarship Night on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026.