Lalonde Family Initiative Awards $40,000 in Scholarships to Three St. Lawrence Central HighSchool Students

BRASHER FALLS, NY – The Lalonde Family Initiative is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarship awards, totaling $40,000 to support three exceptional student-athletes from St. Lawrence Central High School as they pursue their higher education goals.

The 2025 scholarship recipients are:

• Merrick Frary - $20,000 Award

• Emma Montgomery - $10,000 Award

• Alexis Smith - $10,000 Award

These outstanding students were selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on

their positive participation in athletic programs, commitment to teamwork, community

leadership and modeling excellent citizenship.

Merrick Frary - $20,000 Scholarship Recipient

Merrick Frary distinguished himself as an exceptional student-athlete and leader throughout

his high school career. As Team Captain of the St. Lawrence Central hockey team, Merrick

achieved an impressive point-per-game average during his senior year while setting the tone

both on and off the ice. His hockey coach, Erik McLaughlin, noted that "Merrick's compete

level is second to none, he never took a shift off and always found a way to elevate those

around him." More impressive than his athletic prowess is Merrick's character – he is known

as the teammate who lifts spirits in the locker room, makes everyone feel valued, and thrives

in tough situations. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave, Merrick exemplifies

dedication and passion for both his sport and his community. Merrick plans to pursue a

Business degree at SUNY Potsdam and play lacrosse.

Emma Montgomery - $10,000 Scholarship Recipient

Emma Montgomery is a remarkable multi-sport athlete, excelling in cheerleading and

swimming. As one of two captains of the varsity swim team for the past three years, Emma

has demonstrated outstanding leadership both in and out of the pool, creating a team culture built on mutual support and success. A talented swimmer competing at high levels in multiple events, she has earned numerous accolades while maintaining her commitment to team achievement. Multiple coaches and teachers have lauded the kindness, integrity and

resilience that Emma displayed, both in the classroom and in sports settings. She plans to

major in Music Business at SUNY Potsdam, where she will continue her swimming career.

Alexis Smith - $10,000 Scholarship Recipient

Alexis Smith has distinguished herself as a four-year varsity athlete in both lacrosse and

hockey while maintaining an exceptional academic record. Her rigorous coursework includes

College Biology, College Algebra, Precalculus, Economics, and AP Literature and Composition,

showcasing her intellectual capabilities and passion for learning. Beyond academics and

athletics, Alexis is actively involved in the Spanish Club and Music Honor Society, and serves

her community through work at the Brasher's recreation program. Her coaches consistently

praise her as a natural leader who mentors younger players with kindness and patience,

always putting team success above individual recognition. As her lacrosse coach Sarah Bullard noted, "Alexis is not only a hard worker but also incredibly coachable, always eager to enhance her skills and learn from feedback." Alexis intends to continue playing travel hockey while pursuing a Childhood Education degree from SUNY Potsdam.

Award Ceremony

The Lalonde Family Initiative will host a scholarship award ceremony on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 6:15 PM at Pike's Place, immediately following the St. Lawrence Central High School

graduation ceremony.

About the Lalonde Family Initiative and Scholarship Program

The Lalonde Family Initiative is a nonprofit organization. The initiative was founded to

promote the development, growth and advancement of athletes and scholar and recreational

athletics in the greater Tri-Town area through various financial support mechanisms, targeting new and/or improved equipment, training and spaces.

Contact Information

For more information about the Lalonde Family scholarship program, please contact St.

Lawrence Central High School Guidance Office at (315) 389-5131. More information about the Lalonde Family Initiative can be found at https://www.lalondefamilyinitiative.org/.