On Tuesday, June 6, Gretchen Baudendistel and Skylar Kleinman were awarded the Bettie Jane Third Memorial Scholarship in acknowledgment of their exceptional volunteerism at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center.
Each year, KTM&HC is proud to recognize RHS seniors who have contributed hours of service to the museum. The Bettie Jean Third Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is planning on majoring in general history or library sciences, and/or who has volunteered considerable time at KTM&HC. The award is given in memory of the late Bettie Jane Third, a professional librarian and avid supporter of KTM&HC. This year, as in years past, the Scholarship was presented to Gretchen and Skylar by Ms. Third’s husband, Joel Third, who is himself a distinguished KTM&HC volunteer and former board president.
Both Gretchen and Skylar have shared their time and talents at KTM&HC in a variety of capacities. Gretchen has helped lead Keeler Kids summer programming for several years, and she has delivered dramatic – and entertaining – performances as a “ghost” in KTM&HC’s Ghosts of Ridgefield. Skylar has helped catalogue KTM&HC’s extensive collections and can often be found staffing the Visitor Center front desk on weekends – a welcoming and friendly face for all who visit. Both students have helped engage visitors at numerous community events and public programs.