Robert LaComb and Family

The Eleanor McCracken Memorial Scholarship was created in 1991 by Eleanor McCracken’s family in memory of her devotion to excellence in education. It is offered to a returning Jefferson Community College student who participates in college and community activities, proves academic achievement and pursues an associate’s degree.

Eleanor McCracken was born in Churubusco (near Winthrop), New York, on July 29, 1902, a daughter of Robert W. and Fannie Crabtree McCracken. After graduating from Brasher-Stockholm High School, she received in 1942 a bachelor of arts in education degree from Potsdam Normal School (now the State University College at Potsdam). She took additional classes at several state universities: New York University in New York City (1945-46), St. Lawrence University in Canton (summer, 1949), and Buffalo State Teacher’s College (now the State University of New York at Buffalo) in Buffalo.

Miss McCracken taught elementary school for 33 years in Northern New York, including Lake George, Malone and Middletown. At the time of her death, she was a fourth grade teacher at the Nightengale Elementary School in Massena, where she taught for 12 years. In 1961, she received special recognition by the Massena school district for teaching excellence.

During her career in the classroom, students and parents acknowledged her warmth and dedication. One young student wrote, ‘Dear Miss McCracken, I hate to have school end. You are the nicest teacher I have ever had. Love, Eric.’ Parents praised her for encouraging their children’s academic growth.

Miss McCracken was an active member in the Brasher Falls Methodist Church, the order of the Eastern Star, the National Education Association and the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.

Eleanor McCracken died December 21, 1961.

The Jefferson Community College Foundation is grateful to the Robert LaComb family for establishing this scholarship.