Named Scholarships

Established in memory of Philip M. B. Boocock, alumnus and Headmaster of Nichols for over 35 years, the need-based scholarship also received memorial gifts for Philip’s brother William Boocock in 1984.

Established in 1985 by the Scheu family and friends, following the death of Chris Scheu ’75, an outstanding member of the class, this need-based scholarship is given to a freshman student who has demonstrated interest in community service, the arts and science.

Established in 1995 through the estate of Mary Roberts, this need-based scholarship provides financial aid to deserving students who express interest in athletics.

Established in 1999 through the One Community Campaign, this fund is in memory of Charles G. Duffy, Jr. and Virginia Leahy Duffy, and designed to support students of color, preferably Buffalo Prep graduates, who meet the Nichols School admissions criteria and demonstrate financial need.

Established to honor Dwight Hopkins ’49, President of the Alumni Board and father of three Nichols graduates, this need-based scholarship is given to a student who has demonstrated financial need and has contributed to the school in both academics and athletics.

Established by the family of Eames and Guida Donaldson, this endowed scholarship is awarded each year to a recipient based on financial need and overall contributions to the school community.

Established in memory of Edward G. Zeller, the fund is used to support a deserving student who qualifies for need-based financial aid.

The William J. ’Bill’ Fitzhenry, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2025 by Bill’s students, friends, and family.  This need-based scholarship is presented to an incoming 9th grade student-athlete who excels both on the playing field and in the classroom.  The recipient exemplifies the spirit of Bill’s Life’s work as a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor, demonstrating a strong moral compass and work ethic with a zeal for academic challenges. Preference will be given to a student from the Old First Ward or South Buffalo.

A student who has shown great potential to grow into a future leader and who exhibits humility and strong character.

Established in 2007, the Harbourton Scholars Program provides financial assistance to a qualified eighth-grade student, who would be unable to attend Nichols School without such financial assistance.

Established as part of the One Community Campaign by HSBC, out of their Western New York headquarters, this need-based scholarship is dedicated to provide tuition aid to students of color at Nichols School.

The Jacobs Scholars Program will provide an educational pathway for two students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who have an interest in healthcare or healthcare related fields. This four-year program will provide unparalleled opportunities for students who demonstrate strong interest and academic achievement in one or more of the STEM disciplines, and will build a talent pipeline connecting highly qualified students with careers in the healthcare fields. The Jacobs Scholars will be granted and are required to satisfactorily complete a summer high school immersion opportunity at the Jacobs Institute for each of their four years in high school.

This scholarship requires an additional application. Please contact the Admissions Office for details. 

Established in 1979 in memory of Jay Kahle ’52, the need-based scholarship is awarded annually to an Upper School student with average grades who demonstrates those qualities and characteristics that Jay’s family and friends admired in him – leadership, athletic ability, determination, courage, sense of humor and a desire to succeed.

The Kaitlin Donahoe ’09 Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 by the Donahoe family. This need-based scholarship was developed to provide a female student the opportunity to attend and contribute to the Nichols School. The recipient must be an above-average student who demonstrates a commitment to community service work and has demonstrated financial need. The recipient must embody outstanding character, strong work ethic and leadership ability.

This scholarship requires an additional application. Please contact the Admissions Office for details. 

Established in honor of Keith Celniker ’84, who died on the eve of his graduation from Nichols, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who demonstrates many of Keith's outstanding attributes.

Established in 1976 by DeWitt Wallace, founder of The Reader’s Digest, this endowed need-based scholarship, is to be awarded to two or three students from middle income families.

Established in 2020 by Kathy and Ted Truscott ‘79, this fund is in memory of Dick Stratton, one of the longest-tenured teachers in the history of Nichols. As an English teacher, Mr. Stratton was remembered by his peers and students alike for his profound engagement with literature, poetry and passion for baseball. This fund provides grants to incoming Freshmen who exhibit intellectual curiosity and inspirational leadership qualities and a demonstrated love for poetry and literature.

The Robert and Martha Scheu Endowment in the Humanities includes a need-based scholarship for a student who, through the Nichols curriculum, demonstrates exceptional promise in the humanities.

Established in 1992 through the estate of Walter J. Goldstein ’48, it was Walter’s wish that a need-based scholarship fund be set up for a deserving student who might not otherwise be able to afford the tuition, in hopes of giving that student a start on life, similar to the start Walter so appreciated.

Established in the early 1970s, the Western New York Foundation started a loan fund that provided small loans to families. In 2005, the funds were transferred to create a need-based scholarship fund to support students from middle income families, including alumni children or those families with more than one child at Nichols.

Established by Mr. Allen Neil and his son, Kenneth ’61, this endowed need-based scholarship fund provides financial assistance to a deserving student or students.

The Castiglia Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by the Joseph "Jerry" and Barbara Castiglia family. This fund provides need-based grants to deserving and qualified students who are selected pursuant to Nichols School policies for admission and tuition aid.

The Charles E. Balbach H '52 Scholarship is a need-based award presented each year to an incoming freshman student who exhibits intellectual curiosity, a community-minded spirit, strong character, and the ability to contribute to overall campus life at Nichols School.

Established in memory of Charles G. Stradella ‘15, the fund is used to support a deserving student, or students, who qualifies for need-based financial aid.

Established by Christian Laettner ’88, this need-based scholarship’s purpose is assisting a deserving student in good standing. One student will be awarded a four-year scholarship.

Established in 1978, this endowed need-based scholarship was created by Flora Oberkircher and her sons, Oscar R. ’54 and Paul ’51, in memory of Dr. Oscar J. Oberkircher.

Established in memory of Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45, by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Dudley M. Irwin, Jr. and a group of his friends, this need-based scholarship recognizes an Upper School student who has financial need and who has shown talent in academics and extracurricular activities at Nichols.

Presented annually at Awards Day, this need-based award is given to a junior who exemplifies the characteristics most remembered in Bob Strauss ’79: a commitment to community service, academic growth and athletic participation.

This scholarship is funded by the Gisel family through the All iN Campaign and is used to support a deserving student who qualifies for need-based financial aid and resides in the City of Buffalo.

Established in 1973, this is an endowed need-based scholarship fund created by Mr. & Mrs. Ralph E. Henrich and their son, John Henrich ’59. John is a former Trustee of Nichols and John is an alumnus, a former Trustee and father of four Nichols graduates. This scholarship is given to a female in the Upper School based on financial need, integrity and contributions of the student.

Established in September 2005, John Henry ’57 makes an annual contribution for four years to fund the tuition for a student of color who demonstrates financial need, preferably enrolling in the Middle School.

Established by Joe Takats ’35, this need-based scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated financial need and who contributes to the quality of life at Nichols.

Established by Joe Takats ’35, this need-based scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated financial need and who contributes to the quality of life at Nichols.

This fund was established by Neil Farmelo when he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Neil's hope to enrich Nichols students' campus experience by encouraging social and economical diversity, this scholarship is awarded to non-legacy students who qualify for financial aid.

Established in 2019, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a female student who qualifies for financial need and who shows a special interest in, propensity for and demonstrated talent in music. 

Established in 2000, this fund provides a need-based scholarship to students in the Upper School who strive to be the best they can be in the classroom, the Nichols community, and in sports, inside and outside of school.

This fund was created in memory of Mr. Philip M. Schneckenburger '32 by his family in 2009. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who qualifies for financial need and who shows a special interest in, propensity for and demonstrated talent in music with a specific interest in pursuing engagement in the Nichols School music program.

Established in 1988 by Seymour H. Knox ’15, this need-based scholarship is in recognition of both his philanthropy and his inestimable contribution to the artistic richness and prominence in this community. It is awarded to students who show promise in the arts.

Established in 2017 to help provide assistance and support for a student of color who meet the Nichols School admissions criteria and demonstrate financial need.

Established through The Campaign for Nichols School by members of the Walsh family, this fund was designed to provide financial aid for a successful student who demonstrates need and has made a strong contribution to the Nichols School community.