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The State Education Department has awarded the 2009 Marge A. Tierney Scholarship Award to Mr. Eli L. Albilia, of Syosset, NY.�� Mr. Albilia is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program at Assumption College in Massachusetts.��

This scholarship was established in memory of Marge A. Tierney, a State Education Department employee whose career in vocational rehabilitation spanned 33 years.�� Marge was a leader in the field of rehabilitation and a strong advocate for people with disabilities.�� Her career was dedicated to the development of quality services aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.�� Under Marge’s leadership as the Director of District Office Administration from 1999-2003, 63,313 individuals with disabilities were placed in jobs.�� To honor Marge’s achievements and dedication, one student is selected each year to receive the scholarship to help defray the costs of tuition, books, and other college-related expenses.��

Mr. Albilia has been involved in the field of rehabilitation both personally and professionally for the past five years.�� As a survivor of a serious injury, Mr. Albilia knows first-hand how important it is for individuals who have experienced serious trauma to regain their self-confidence.���� He recognizes that there will always be people who need help and support and is passionate about helping them meet their goals.�� Mr. Albilia believes in the value of employment and plans to use his experiences in his work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor to help others.

Recipients of the Marge A. Tierney Scholarship Award receive a citation and $1,000 check.