Brick House aids C-R grad

7/7/2022

By Jim Poole

By Jim Poole
Cobleskill-Richmondville grad Mike Melendez is getting a hometown boost for his career and education.
Planning to study business and finance in college, Mike received a $250 scholarship from his Entrepreneurship class and teacher Katie Schweigard.
On top of that, Vinnie Zaba of The Brick House Bakery matched the scholarship as an outgrowth of his business relationship with Mike.
C-R’s Entrepreneurship class re-started the coffee café––Mr. Bean’s Coffee Cart––at the high school, with Mr. Zaba providing machines, advice and supplies.
Students had to pay for the supplies and manage the money. Starting in November, Mike handled the books for Mr. Bean’s and also picked up supplies from Brick House every week.
Ms. Schweigard cited “the dedication and hard work Mike did throughout the year” as a major reason for awarding the scholarship.
“He has a very serious side that helps him stay focused to the tasks at hand, while still bringing charm and charismatic personality that others are drawn to,” Ms. Schweigard said.
“That is a beneficial mix that is necessary for success.”
Mr. Zaba was impressed as well. He described Mike as a good partner with the tools to go into business. Matching the scholarship was a way to help.
“I’d like to invest in his education,” Mr. Zaba said. “It’s the right thing. He’s a good kid, and I want him to succeed.”
The son of Theresa McHale and Miguel Melendez, Mike plans to attend Fulton-Montgomery Community College and then transfer to SUNY Albany, studying business and finance.
He’d like to own a business or go into banking.