Northern Lake George Community Uplifts Local Students | Changing Lives with Scholarships
Robert O’Neil (left) studying Air Traffic Control and Aviation Science studies at SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Liam Burke (right) receiving his NLGF scholarship to attend the Lineman Institute of the North East.
Ticonderoga, NY — When local students dream big but face financial barriers, the Northern Lake George community only asks one question: What can we do to help?
Robert O’Neil, an aspiring aviator, and Liam Burke, an aspiring lineman, were in need of a little extra support this academic year. So, people in our community did what they do best: help.
Generous donors quickly contacted the Northern Lake George Foundation. Together, they presented both of these deserving students with scholarships, enabling Robert to study Air Traffic Control and Aviation Science studies at SUNY Schenectady County Community College, and Liam to attend the pre-apprenice electrical linemen program at the Linemen Institute of the North East (LINE). Their scholarships are part of over $8,000 the Northern Lake George Foundation has awarded to support local students in only its first nine months of operation.
“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to focus fully on my education and training without having to worry as much about financial constraints,” Robert expressed. “I already hold my Control Tower Operator certificate and a Private Pilot License, which have strengthened my understanding of aviation operations from both an air traffic control and pilot’s perspective.”
As they pave their career pathways, these ambitious young men demonstrate the power of connecting our community. This semester, Robert is interning at the Albany International Airport’s management office, where he is gaining firsthand experience in airport operations and administration. Liam recently graduated from LINE and is working locally for SLICFiber, which acquired Bridge Point Communication. Currently, he’s balancing his time between bucket trucks and exploring apprenticeship opportunities.
For Liam, his scholarship is a reflection of the community that raised him. “We’re all family. I know half that town would bend over backwards for me, and I would do the same for them,” he said. “I plan on giving back what was given to me by the foundation. I’m not in the spot right now, but in 10 years when they help someone else and pay for their training, I’ll donate for it too.”
Donors Leading Change in Our Community
The Northern Lake George Foundation is excited to celebrate Meg Singer and Mike Huffman kicking off the 2026 scholarship campaign with a $10,000 donation. Their generosity embodies the passion behind the foundation’s education and workforce development initiative. The Northern Lake George Foundation would like to thank its generous donors and passionate supporters for making life-changing scholarships, like Robert and Liam’s, possible.
Donate to the 2026 Scholarship Campaign
Education has the power to change lives. Many local students aspire to pursue post secondary education, but face financial barriers that inhibit their ambitions. Contributions to the Northern Lake George Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Campaign directly support our students as they pursue their dreams and build a brighter future. Donate to the campaign at www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/change-lives-with-scholarships or through the foundation’s website at www.nlgfoundation.org.
About the Northern Lake George Foundation
The Northern Lake George Foundation (NLGF or NLG Foundation) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of current and future generations in Northern Lake George by fostering economic growth, supporting youth development, and enhancing community well-being. The foundation aspires to achieve its mission through its commitment to (1) education and workforce development, (2) innovation, entrepreneurship and empowerment, and (3) program and infrastructure investment. Inspired by Lake George and Lake Champlain connecting our region, the Northern Lake George Foundation envisions connecting our community to create a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future for Northern Lake George. For more information on the Northern Lake George Foundation, visit their website at www.nlgfoundation.org.
