Keeler In The Community

Ridgefield High School Students Receive Bettie Jane Third Memorial Scholarship

June 8, 2023

Ridgefield, Conn. – On Tuesday, June 6, Gretchen Baudendistel and Skylar Kleinman were awarded the Bettie Jane Third Memorial Scholarship in acknowledgement of their exceptional volunteerism at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center.

Each year, KTM&HC is proud to recognize RHS seniors who have contributed hours of service to the museum. The Bettie Jean Third Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is planning on majoring in general history or library sciences, and/or who has volunteered considerable time at KTM&HC. The award is given in memory of the late Bettie Jane Third, a professional librarian and avid supporter of KTM&HC. This year, as in years past, the Scholarship was presented to Gretchen and Skylar by Ms. Third’s husband, Joel Third, who is himself a distinguished KTM&HC volunteer and former board president.

Both Gretchen and Skylar have shared their time and talents at KTM&HC in a variety of capacities. Gretchen has helped lead Keeler Kids summer programming for several years, and she has delivered dramatic – and entertaining – performances as a “ghost” in KTM&HC’s Ghosts of Ridgefield. Skylar has helped catalogue KTM&HC’s extensive collections and can often be found staffing the Visitor Center front desk on weekends – a welcoming and friendly face for all who visit. Both students have helped engage visitors at numerous community events and public programs.

In the fall, Gretchen will be attending the University of Pittsburg to major in International Relations & German, and Skylar will be attending Cornell University to major in American Studies. Thank you, Gretchen and Skylar, for all your contributions at KTM&HC – we wish you all the best as you head off to college!