A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Judith Johnson, the Rockland resident, state Regent and prominent educator who died Tuesday.
The Rockland Community Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes charitable giving in Rockland, has been chosen by Johnson's family to oversee the Regent Dr. Judith A. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contributions are already being accepted at www.rocklandgives.org and through regular mail at Rockland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 323, New City, NY 10956.
"Judith was an iconic figure in education, and we were humbled to be selected to steward this important scholarship," the foundation's Executive Director Julie Sadowski said.
Sadowski said the foundation is still working with the Johnson family to determine eligibility for the scholarship and other specifics, including when students will be eligible to apply.
"We know that East Ramapo students will be eligible," she said
Johnson, 80, a longtime New Hempstead resident and an educator for more than 50 years, became one of the most prominent educational leaders in the Lower Hudson Valley and all of New York state. She represented the 9th Judicial District on the state Board of Regents since 2015.
She served as an administrator in the Mamaroneck, Southern Westchester BOCES, Nyack and White Plains school systems, as superintendent of Peekskill schools and as interim superintendent of Mount Vernon schools. In 2008, she was named New York State Superintendent of the Year.
A wake will be held Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center of Rockland Community College, 145 College Road in Ramapo. From 6 to 7 p.m., remembrances and remarks will be shared.
A funeral service for Johnson will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the same location.
Many tributes have been made to Johnson since her unexpected death Tuesday morning.
"Judith dedicated most of her career towards ensuring that ALL children, regardless of race, demography or religion could take full advantage of the incredible public education system offered in this great state and across our nation," Mount Vernon Schools Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton said in a statement. "Her crusade for social justice has inspired an entire cadre of educators to work for the changes necessary to bring equity to our school system.
"Today, as we celebrate her life, let us each recommit ourselves to the causes she held most dear- social justice, equality and access to a rigorous education for all children."
A statement from the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents said, in part:
"We always knew that Judith would shine a light on the education system to ensure that we were doing our best to serve all children. She challenged us to make sure our school systems continued to evolve to meet the various needs of our unique learners. She was trusted and respected by all stakeholders and worked tirelessly on their behalf.
"On the day of her passing, Judith was in touch with many superintendents in the Council about planning for the New York State Diploma Project. She was known for calling her constituents to check in and offer support."
Twitter: @garysternNY
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