LaSalle Educational Club

Niagara Falls, New York · Est. 1957

LaSalle
Educational
Club Inc.

Niagara Falls, New York

Key to Success
56+Years of Service
574Scholarships Given
$153K+Total Awarded
1,363Students Reached
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Who We Are

Empowering Niagara Falls Students Since 1957

The LaSalle Educational Club Inc. is a Niagara Falls community organization dedicated to providing scholarship funding and recognition to graduating Niagara Falls High School students. We believe that Education Is Power — and that every deserving student deserves a path forward.

What began as a small social gathering of 25 mothers in 1957 has grown into one of the Niagara Falls area's most beloved scholarship organizations, bringing together more than 200 community members, parents, educators, and city representatives at our annual Black Scholarship & Award Banquet each year.

Our club funds scholarships through the proceeds of our Annual Scholarship & Award Dinner Banquet and community partnerships. We also honor outstanding community members and educators who embody our shared values.

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and the world better than you found it."

— Marian Wright Edelman

College Scholarships

Need- and merit-based scholarships for first-year college, vocational, trade school, and military-bound graduates of Niagara Falls High School.

Community Recognition

Each year we honor outstanding community members with Humanitarian, Community Service, and Educator Awards.

Community Support

Beyond scholarships, we donate to area churches, the Negro College Fund, provide Pre-Thanksgiving dinners for seniors, and support families in need.

Family Empowerment

Rooted in founder Lexie M. Sanders' legacy — empowering families to be independent, resourceful, and educated.

Our Story

A Legacy Built on Love for Community

1957
Founder Lexie M. Sanders recruited 25 mothers and organized the Ever-Ready Mothers Club at the Griffon Manor Housing Complex — providing healthy social experiences for families and wholesome childhood experiences for children.
1967
The club held its first Awards Banquet, honoring graduates of LaSalle Senior High School who lived in Griffon Manor — a tradition that continues to this day.
1973
Renamed the LaSalle Social Club and expanded community efforts. The estate of Cleon Wilkins — who believed "education was prosperity" — donated $634.00 through the Niagara Falls Board of Education.
1979
The first named scholarship — the Rev. James M. Bradley Scholarship ($300) — was awarded to Deborah Cooper of LaSalle Senior High School.
1989
Officially renamed the LaSalle Educational Club Inc. to reflect its community-wide educational mission.
1992–1997
Expanded charitable work beyond scholarships — running medical benefit campaigns and raising thousands of dollars for community members and families in need.
Today
The Annual Banquet has grown from 30 to 200+ attendees. To date, the club has awarded 574 scholarships totaling over $153,822, with 1,363 students participating through the Niagara Falls City School District.

"It is so nice to be nice"
— Lexie M. Sanders, Founder

2026 Scholarship Season

Scholarships & Awards Available

The LaSalle Educational Club Inc. offers 21 named scholarships and awards to graduating Niagara Falls High School students. Open to all ethnic backgrounds, including those enrolling in college, vocational/trade school, or the military.

Application Guidelines

  • Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026 — No Exceptions
  • Submit official high school transcript
  • Write a 500-word essay
  • Include cover letter listing desired scholarships
  • Return application to guidance office
  • Winner must be present at ceremony (or parent/guardian)
  • Open to college, vocational, trade school & military
  • Students have one year to claim their scholarship

Class of 2025

2025 Scholarship Recipients

2025 Honorees

Community Leaders We Celebrate

Humanitarian Award
Yvonne Alston Taylor
A lifelong healthcare worker and community servant, Ms. Taylor has served as a Health Care Aide, Senior Companion, and active leader at New Hope Baptist Church of Niagara Falls — serving on the Mission Board, Usher Board, and Women's Fellowship.
Community Service Award
Dorothy West
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Dorothy has dedicated her life to community involvement — Parent President of LaSalle Preparatory School, Exchange Club, Kiwanis Club, Niagara County Peacemakers, Lion Club, and Niagara Gospel Mission.
Educator Award
Philip Mohr
NFHS Class of 2004 alumnus and special education teacher at Cataract Elementary School. Mr. Mohr holds an M.S. in Special Education from Canisius College and serves as President of the Niagara PAL Board of Directors.

Our Team

Club Members & Leadership

Gloria J. DolsonPresident
Valarie N. Dolson-Morris
Joyce Sanders
Portland Jackson
Jacqueline J. Sanders
Loretta Hamilton
Betty Coleman

2025 Scholarship Judges

Dr. Robin Erwin Pastor Charles Walker III Stephanie W. Cowart Monica Hamilton Stephaine Huston

Hostesses & Escorts

Angela Manella Haleigh Bianco Adrian McQueen Lauren Falsetti Clara Dunn Carol McTyere Gradija Williams Stephanie Lee David Janese

For Students

Apply for a 2026 Scholarship

Are you a graduating Niagara Falls High School student? The LaSalle Educational Club Inc. invites you to apply for one of our 21 scholarships and awards for the Class of 2026.

Applications are available at the NFHS Guidance Office. Students of all ethnic backgrounds and those enrolling in college, vocational/trade school, or the military are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026 — No Exceptions
View All Scholarships

Contact Us

Mailing AddressLaSalle Educational Club Inc.
1352 Cleveland Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Phone(716) 285-2965
Annual Banquet VenueNiagara Falls High School
4455 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Annual BanquetHeld each June — watch for announcements