06/25/2023
As we approach the 5th year anniversary of the tragic loss of our dear friend and coworker’s son Derek who passed away on July 5,2018 a memorial scholarship has been set up.
if you’re interested in attending, or donating, please see the information below
The Polish American Congress, WNY Division, is establishing a memorial scholarship in his name to aid students in attaining their dreams of higher education. A fundraiser dinner has been scheduled to build a bank for this scholarship. It will occur on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
Thank you for your support!
Derek Kaczorowski Memorial Scholarship statement:
Derek Kaczorowski was born and raised in Cheektowaga, NY. He was the son of Cheryl and James Kaczorowski and the “little” brother of Amy Kaczorowski.
He attended the Maryvale school system and graduated from Maryvale High School in 2014 as a scholar athlete and the class Valedictorian. During these years, Derek gained a great interest in his Polish heritage. He became a member of Polish Cadets and Harmony Polish Folk Ensemble, where his talent for performing soon revealed itself.
Derek believed that you had to know and embrace “where you came from” in order to get to where you are going. He always gave his very best to whatever he was doing and he firmly believed in the power of higher education. As he stated in his valedictory speech, “...the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra.”
Derek continued his education at SUNY Geneseo. During his time there, he wrote several papers pertaining to Buffalo and the Polonia of Western NY. He graduated Suma Cum Laude in 2018 and was ready to rejoin his dad, who was now the President of The Rodzina Polish Dancers.
Before he was able to, Derek passed away unexpectedly and tragically on July 5, 2018. He was 22 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. Derek was making plans to attend law school.
In recognition of Derek's passions for his heritage and higher education, and to honor the truly extraordinary young man that he was, The Polish American Congress, WNY Division, is establishing a memorial scholarship in his name to aid students in attaining their dreams of higher education. A fundraiser dinner has been scheduled to build a bank for this scholarship. It will occur on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Polish Cadets of Buffalo, 927 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14207. For details, please contact James Kaczorowski at 716-864-4642 or [email protected]. We will also have tickets available at the upcoming Polish American Festival in Cheektowaga Town Park on July 28, 29 & 30, 2023.
We hope that you can join us in honoring this outstanding young man by helping to establish this scholarship in his name. Derek Kaczorowski was truly loved by so many, and he will never be forgotten.