ELMIRA, NY — Several area students were among this year’s recipients of its annual Key Award at Elmira College.

They include Zachary Gobout of Farmingdale, Emma Fortie of Oakland, Jonathan Eccher Mullally of Oakland, and Synthia Ladner of Bowdoin.

A tradition that goes back to 1935, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school.

This year, the award was given to 761 students across 14 states and Puerto Rico. Recipients receive an $80,000 scholarship over a four-year period, $20,000 per year, upon enrolling at Elmira College.

“This award is given to those who have exhibited their potential to excel academically and serve as leaders,” said Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College, according to a news release from the college.

Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the Key Award recognizes students for high scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship and participation in extracurricular activities.

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