From left are Tina Downey of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Deanna Manzella and Tory Irgang, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director.

Through an 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, Benson 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, Benson 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,” said Nancy Barron, her longtime friend and caregiver. “She felt that you can learn and grow at every age.”

Among the students Benson encouraged was Dana Lundberg, who went on to become an attorney and community leader at Lundberg Price PC. Years later, Lundberg would return to assist Benson with her will and estate planning.

“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.”

To support the Diane L. Benson Memorial Scholarship may contribute online at crcf.me/benson or mail a check to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701. For more information, call the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at 716-661-3390.