Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship

(Feb. 2018) The Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of the Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund. This fund becomes one of 34 scholarship funds managed by the Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program.

The Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship has been established by the family and friends of Leslie Newland Thomas who passed away in 2006. This scholarship fund will benefit students/graduates of Wellsville High School, with preference given to those pursuing a degree in Music Education and/or Teaching. Commitment to community, volunteering; and involvement in musical activities are additional award criteria.

Leslie Newland Thomas was born in 1962 in Rochester, New York; but grew up in Wellsville, New York. Leslie attended Wellsville Central School, graduating in 1981. She played bass in the Wellsville High School orchestra and her love of music became firmly grounded within those walls. She attended SUNY Potsdam, then graduated from Bowie State College.

Leslie began teaching at Thomas G Pullen School for the Creative Arts Maryland, inheriting a strings program that had seen five teachers in 10 years. During her time there, she elevated Pullen’s musical profile and student involvement, even adding a second orchestra. Leslie inspired hundreds of Prince George’s County students into a love of classical music. Under her guidance, Pullen’s young musicians regularly took top awards at local, state and regional music competitions. In addition to her teaching, Leslie volunteered for many organizations and was on a board at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

Leslie loved music, reading, gardening and spending time with her family including her husband Brian and two daughters, Cassidy and Jamie. She was talented, creative, and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. She had a great passion for her work and family.

If you would like to support this fund, please visit https://www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org/donate to make a donation. If you would like more information on how you can create a scholarship fund or a community grant fund to honor a loved one, please contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-296-5616 or send an email to director@acafny.org.

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