JN White Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Tess McLaughlin

The JN White Memorial Scholarship Committee is proud to announce that Tess McLaughlin has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the JN White Memorial Scholarship. Tess embodies the spirit of leadership, academic excellence, and community service that this scholarship was created to recognize, making her a remarkable choice to carry forward the legacy of J.N. White.

Tess, a graduating senior from Perry High School, will be attending SUNY Brockport in the fall, where she plans to double major in Accounting and Finance. Her passion for business and numbers is matched by her commitment to personal growth and helping others—a combination that reflects the very ideals J.N. White valued throughout his life.

Throughout her time at Perry High School, Tess has demonstrated outstanding dedication both in the classroom and in her community. Known for her strong work ethic and determination, she has excelled academically, maintaining high grades while taking on challenging coursework in preparation for her future career.

Beyond academics, Tess has been actively involved in various school activities and community service initiatives, showing a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Whether volunteering her time or stepping up to lead projects, Tess exemplifies the qualities of initiative and kindness that define this award.

Continuing JN White’s Legacy

The JN White Memorial Scholarship was originally established as the JN White Honorary Scholarship at the retirement of JN White’s founders, James Neel (J.N.) and Betty White. J.N., a local business leader and philanthropist, was a devoted member of the Perry community, serving as a Boy Scout leader, church lecturer, and long-term Rotarian. His belief in giving back to the community lives on through this scholarship, which seeks to support students who demonstrate the same spirit of service and excellence.

Since J.N.’s passing in 2011, the scholarship has been renamed in his memory, with criteria expanded to reflect the diverse interests of Perry’s students. The scholarship now recognizes seniors who have maintained a GPA of 85 or higher and who have shown a meaningful commitment to community service, regardless of their chosen field of study.

Over the years, recipients of the JN White Memorial Scholarship have gone on to pursue careers in fields such as Digital Arts, Business Administration, Film & Animation, Marine Biology, and more. Each recipient, like Tess, carries forward the values of leadership, community involvement, and academic achievement that were so important to J.N. White.

A Bright Future for Tess

Tess’s selection as the 2025 recipient reflects her exceptional academic record, her dedication to service, and her strong ambition for the future. As she begins her journey at SUNY Brockport, pursuing degrees in Accounting and Finance, we are confident that Tess will continue to thrive and make a positive impact wherever her path leads.

The team at JN White is honored to support Tess in her educational journey and looks forward to seeing all that she will accomplish. Her story is a testament to the power of investing in the next generation of leaders, and we remain committed to continuing this scholarship for years to come.

Congratulations, Tess McLaughlin, on being awarded the JN White Memorial Scholarship!