CPH Friends is proud to once again award two graduating seniors in the Clifton Park-Halfmoon library district with scholarships. This year, we are recognizing Isabelle Pontillo and Thomas Strife, two Shenendehowa students who will further their education in the fall at St. Lawrence University and Russell Sage College, respectively.
As part of their application, students were asked to consider the impact of libraries in the community: “Libraries have lasted thousands of years and no smartphone, search engine, or computer can ever replace the resourcefulness of a librarian or the reliability of a book. But: imagine that the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library has closed its doors forever. What impact would this have on you? What impact would it have on your community?”
Congratulations to our scholarship awardees, who we celebrated on May 27 prior to the CPH Friends monthly board meeting. Read more about these accomplished students below.
Isabelle Pontillo
Isabelle lives in Clifton Park and attends Shen. She plans to attend St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY in the fall. While at Shen, Isabelle has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has taken many Honors, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. She has received awards for Outstanding Effort in Mathematics, the Social Studies Department Award and the NYSPHSAA award. She has also held several part-time jobs and is currently working at two local food establishments in our community.
An excerpt from her essay: “If the library were to close, our community would lose more than shelves of books. We would lose a safe workspace, programs that inspire children, internet access for families that need it, and librarians who guide us with knowledge and care. Without the library, many people would lose a refuge where knowledge is celebrated, shared, and accessible to all.”
Thomas Strife
Thomas lives in Clifton Park and attends Shen. He plans to attend Russell Sage in Troy, NY in the fall. While at Shen, Thomas has been a member of the National Honor Society and has won numerous awards, including The National Latin Exam Silver Award, the Social Studies Department Award, the Effort Award – Physical Education and Mathematics and the Scholar Athlete Award. He also plays on the Shen Soccer team and a Club Soccer Team. In 2025, Thomas attained the rank of Eagle Scout, learning many leadership, management, communication and outdoor survival skills while doing so. He has a part-time job as well as a bar back at an Albany restaurant.
An excerpt from his essay: “Throughout history, the loss of great libraries has represented cultural and intellectual setbacks. In the same way, the closure of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library would mean losing opportunity, mentorship, and shared knowledge within our community. From childhood story times and summer reading programs to earning the rank of Eagle Scout and preparing for a career in physical therapy, the library has been a constant presence in my life. Protecting libraries is not simply about preserving buildings. It is about preserving access, growth and possibility for the Clifton Park and Halfmoon communities and for generations to come.”