Alumnus Establishes Scholarship in Memory of His Mother, A Former Teacher
Westchester Country Day School alumnus Aubrey A. Rothrock III '86 has made a $250,000 gift to endow a permanent scholarship for qualifying students in grades 6-12.
The Elizabeth L. Rothrock Scholarship for Excellence in English is named in memory of his mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Rothrock, who was an active member of the WCDS community serving as a faculty member, trustee, parent and volunteer in the 1980s and 1990s. She had a passion for English and American literature and the Classics, and this scholarship will cement her legacy at WCDS by recognizing students who excel in one of these areas.
Rothrock and his sister, Ann Rothrock Beattie, both attended WCDS. Rothrock is an attorney and partner with the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs LLP in Washington, D.C., where he practices in the areas of business and finance.
"American poet Robert Frost famously observed that he was 'not a teacher, but an awakener' – my mother loved this quote and viewed her role similarly,” said Rothrock. “Her greatest joy was introducing young people to the wealth of knowledge and important life lessons afforded by the study of literature. My sister, Ann, and I are thus so pleased that her devotion to her students will translate into future generations."
Rothrock's gift will support annual scholarships for Middle and Upper School students in excellent academic standing who exhibit mastery in literature. The first scholarships will be awarded this spring for the 2021-2022 school year. Recipients will be selected annually and may qualify for the scholarship support more than once. Preference will be given to rising seniors.
"We are so grateful for this opportunity to honor the legacy of a beloved faculty member," said Cobb Atkinson, head of school. "Mrs. Rothrock was revered by her students, their parents and her colleagues. She inspired a love of literature in her students and prepared them for the colleges of their choice. Her positive impact on the lives of students will continue through the scholarship and support for the endowment priority in our Westchester Forward campaign."
More information on supporting the Elizabeth L. Rothrock endowment can be found at https://giving.veracross.com/wcds/give/Rothrock.
