Diane L. Benson Memorial Scholarship Established to Support Students

From left are Tina Downey, Deanna Manzella, and Tory Irgang.

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Through a generous estate gift to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Diane L. Benson Memorial Scholarship has been established to support future educators pursuing careers in English education.

The Fund honors the life and legacy of Diane Benson, a longtime English teacher who dedicated more than 30 years to the Frewsburg Central School District. She was known for her passion for learning, high standards, and deep belief in the importance of education. Decades ago, Diane shared with close friends her hope that her estate would one day help students pursue their educational journeys.

The Diane L. Benson Memorial Scholarship will assist graduates of Frewsburg Central School and Jamestown High School who are majoring in English education, demonstrate academic achievement, and participate in extracurricular activities or volunteer service.

Throughout her life, Diane was known for her generosity and willingness to help others whenever she could, particularly those in need. Friends remember her as someone who expected excellence, both from herself and those around her, especially when it came to professionalism, communication, and the proper use of language.

“She wanted everybody to be their best person,” shared Nancy Barron, her longtime friend and caregiver. “She felt that you can learn and grow at every age.”

Diane believed strong communication skills could open doors and shape lives, a philosophy reflected both in her classroom and in the Scholarship established in her memory. At a time when schools nationwide face ongoing teacher shortages, particularly in specialized subject areas, this Scholarship reflects Diane’s enduring belief in the transformative role educators play in students’ lives.

Diane’s impact as an educator extended well beyond the classroom. Among the students she strongly encouraged was Dana Lundberg, who went on to become a prominent attorney and community leader at Lundberg Price PC. Years later, Dana would return to assist Diane with her will and estate planning, helping ensure her lifelong commitment to education would continue supporting future generations.

“Diane Benson shaped generations of students, myself included,” said Tina Downey, Development Officer at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “As my high school English teacher, she encouraged my public speaking abilities, nurtured my confidence on stage through drama and speech recitation, and challenged me to pursue excellence. Thanks to her guidance, I went on to win several oratorical contests as a student. Years later, it felt incredibly full circle to receive notice of Diane’s estate here at the Foundation and witness her lifelong commitment to education continue through this scholarship.”

By creating this Fund, Diane’s legacy will continue encouraging students to pursue education, personal growth, and excellence for years to come.

Those wishing to support the Diane L. Benson Memorial Scholarship may contribute online at crcf.me/benson or by mailing a check to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. For more information, please contact the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, at (716) 661-3390.