The Rose Fleming Scholarship Fund supports the next generation of Allegany County teachers. Established by Rose’s daughter, Molly, this fund honors Rose's legacy lifelong educator who helped hundreds of students discover the power of reading.
“I was truly shocked and honored to receive this very thoughtful and generous [Christmas] gift from my daughter [in 2021],” Rose said.
Rose attended St. Bonaventure University as a first-generation college student from Rome, NY. Despite early financial hardship, scholarships and campus opportunities helped shape Rose’s path toward a career in education. She went on to teach for 39 years, most of them at Belfast and Fillmore Central Schools. During that time, she became known as a caring and highly skilled reading specialist who helped hundreds of students learn to read.
The Rose Fleming Scholarship Fund provides $500 annually to an aspiring teacher, with priority given to graduates of Belfast or Fillmore Central Schools who plan to pursue a degree at St. Bonaventure University.
"The Rose Fleming Scholarship is a gift that aligns with Rose’s personal history and current interests in uplifting communities,” Molly said. “It’s both inspiring and awe-inducing to think of the ripple effects made by my mom’s college education.”
Rose Fleming continues to be active in her community. She shared her passion for reading through a part-time librarian position at the Belfast Public Library for several years. Currently, Rose is very active in the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and teaches religious education to kindergarten students.
