New York American Water Awards W.C. Mepham High School Student Prestigious Scholarship

New York American Water—through its partnership with the New York Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC-NY)— recently awarded Melissa Ponton of North Bellmore a $3,000 scholarship. The scholarship is intended to help fund Melissa’s education at Long Island University, which starts this fall. This is the seventh consecutive year New York American Water has offered scholarships to high school students within its service area as part of its commitment to fostering the future workforce and leaders of the State’s water supply.

“We congratulate Melissa on her achievements as a high school student and wish her nothing but success as she pursues the next chapter of her education focused in the science, technology and engineering fields,” said Carmen Tierno, President of New York American Water. “We look forward to witnessing her success and the great things she will accomplish in the future.”

Melissa, who is currently a senior at W.C. Mepham High School, is one of five scholarship recipients throughout the New York American Water service territory. The students received their awards at a ceremony held during the NAWC-NY Regional Conference at The United States Military Academy at West Point.

While attending W.C. Mepham High School, Melissa maintained a Grade Point Average of 95.20 and is in the National English Honor Society President, Class Club Vice President, and Treasurer of the Leos Club. Ponton is also a member of the drama club, Music Honor Society and the A World of Difference Club. In addition, she participates in school choir and jazz ensemble.

New York American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water company in New York, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 350,000 people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. The company employs 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

Photo: W.C. Mepham High School senior Melissa Ponton (right), with her parents Javier and Karen, is awarded a scholarship of $3,000 by President of New York American Water Carmen Tierno (left). The award will provide financial assistance to aid her studies at Long Island University in the fall.