Great Neck Student Awarded Firemen’s Association Scholarship

A Great Neck student and volunteer firefighter has been awarded the 2017 Firemen’s Association of the State of New York Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship.

Ryan Motchkavitz received a certificate and a $1,500 scholarship for his volunteer service. Robert Ottaviano, member of the FASNY Board of Directors, presented the award to him.

“It was an honor to be recognized by FASNY and the fire service, particularly from such a strong field of candidates across New York State,” Motchkavitz said.

Motchkavitz is one of 20 students who received this scholarship.

“I joined the fire department because my family has been involved in the Great Neck Alert Fire Company for over 70 years,” Motchkavitz said. “My grandfather George and his twin brother Lenny are both ex-chiefs and ex-presidents, and celebrated 70 years in the fire company last fall.”

Motchkavitz will be attending the University of Delaware in the fall and will be majoring in history. After earning his degree, he hopes to get involved in Emergency Management within the National Parks system.

Besides his involvement with the fire department, Motchkavitz is the president of Great Neck High School’s Robotics team, plays varsity lacrosse, is an officer in his school's business club DECA and is a member of the Support Our Troops Club.

Scholarships are awarded to those who serve the community by serving with a local fire department, scouting, church, school, work with senior citizens, fire prevention, and other projects. Additional criteria include consistent demonstration of good character and completion of a written essay.

Image via FASNY