Barbara Gobeo Scholarship
Barbara Gobeo Scholarship
We are proud to have established the Barbara Gobeo Scholarship in honor of our mother, whose unwavering commitment to education, resilience, and family continues to inspire us. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting single parents pursuing their dreams of higher education while balancing the many responsibilities of parenthood. Through her own journey, Barbara has exemplified the strength, determination, and perseverance demonstrated by so many parents who work tirelessly to build a better future for themselves and their families.
After many years away from academic life, Barbara made the courageous decision to return to college while raising two young children. Balancing coursework and parenting was no easy task, yet she approached each day with determination and an unwavering commitment to her goals. She attended evening and weekend classes and study sessions, often bringing us along to her college classes and study groups. Her return to college was more than a personal accomplishment; it was a powerful example to us that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Through her actions, she instilled in us the values of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of education.
Attending Barbara’s graduation ceremony at SUNY Orange, then known as Orange County Community College, was one of the proudest moments of our lives. Watching our mother earn her college degree was a testament to her determination and resilience, and it inspired us to follow in her footsteps. We both went on to graduate from SUNY Orange as well, and Barbara was there to celebrate our graduations. Seeing her witness our accomplishments brought our journey full circle and reinforced the profound impact she had on our educational success.
The Barbara Gobeo Scholarship was created to help ease the financial burdens faced by single parents as they work toward their academic and career goals. We hope this scholarship provides not only meaningful financial assistance but also encouragement, recognition, and reassurance that their hard work and dedication matter. Every parent pursuing an education while caring for a family demonstrates remarkable commitment, and we are honored to support those working toward a brighter future for themselves and their children.
One of the most rewarding aspects of establishing this scholarship has been seeing the letters from its recipients. Our mom enjoys reading their stories, and we are incredibly proud of each recipient and the commitment to education reflected in their individual journeys. Their experiences are a meaningful reminder of why this scholarship matters and how an investment in one student can make a difference for an entire family.
When we shared the news with our mom that the scholarship had been established in her honor, she was deeply moved and overjoyed. Now, with the scholarship recently endowed, we are especially proud that her name and legacy will continue to make a difference for years to come. What began as a tribute to our mother’s remarkable example has become a lasting commitment to helping other parents pursue the same opportunities that shaped our lives.
Adam McCarey (son) Kimberly McCarey (daughter)
Ashley McCarey (daughter-in-law) Larry Wummer (son-in-law)
Impact
“I am a single mother to an eight-year old daughter, and I am trying to set an example that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I am showing her it’s okay to make mistakes, but learn from them and try again, never give up. After graduating high-school I was told I had to go to school or work, but I was really prepared. I always wanted to be in the medical field after seeing my family members go through medical trials and tribulations. With those memories I started working for emergency medical services in New York City and became a paramedic for 20 plus years. The most rewarding part of my job is the smile on people’s faces knowing they are not alone for the short period of time I am with them. I decided after looking at my daughter’s face I wanted to give back more to society by becoming a nurse. I understand you never know what a person is going through unless you walk in their shoes and even then, you can’t understand because you have different ways of dealing with things. With that, kindness goes a long way, even just a smile, and sometimes you don’t even realize it. I am a cancer survivor and have been in remission for six years and the uncertainty is always there, but I continue to live. Currently I am in my second year in the nursing program at Suny Orange. I am still a paramedic working my way to accomplish my goals. There are times when school becomes a challenge, but not working is not an option, so you push through it. Thank you for the chance to rise above all and know there is help.”
- Stacy Guevara, Barbara Gobeo Scholarship