Long Island Recycler Awards $4K in Student Scholarships

Four Long Island high school students are heading to college this fall with more than just diplomas in hand, thanks to a local business betting on their environmental dreams.

Gershow Recycling awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors across Long Island who plan to study engineering or environmental science. The recipients include Megan Lyte from Walt Whitman High School, Mikal Myers-Boyce from Valley Stream Central High School, Alex Sliwak from Riverhead High School, and Gabriel Vignato III from Bellport High School.

The Medford-based metal recycling company selected students through a competitive process focused on their commitment to environmental conservation. Each winner demonstrated plans to pursue degrees that align with sustainable futures.

But Gershow's community involvement doesn't stop at scholarships. In May, the company donated 30 passenger vehicles to the 19th Annual Chuck Varese Vehicle Extrication Tournament, supporting local fire departments as they trained for emergency rescue situations. After firefighters completed their training exercises, every vehicle returned to Gershow facilities to be shredded and recycled.

The company has operated across New York since 1964, when founder Sam Gershowitz opened its doors. Now run by the second generation of the Gershowitz family, the business recycles everything from aluminum and copper to appliances and vehicles across nine New York locations.

The Ripple Effect

When a recycling company invests in environmental scholarships, it creates a powerful cycle. Students who might struggle to afford college get their shot at degrees that could lead to careers protecting the planet. Those future engineers and environmental scientists might develop innovations that transform waste management or clean energy.

Meanwhile, the donated training vehicles serve double duty. They help firefighters master life-saving skills, then get recycled into raw materials for new products instead of sitting in landfills.

Small investments in education and community safety today are building the foundation for bigger environmental wins tomorrow.