North Salem Democratic Club and Committee announces inaugural Herbert Geller Memorial Scholarship winner

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - The North Salem Democratic Club and Committee (NSDCC) has established an annual college scholarship in memory of longtime North Salem resident Herbert F. Geller. The inaugural recipient is Isabella "Bella" LeClair, a member of the North Salem High School Class of 2026.

The NSDCC has been part of the North Salem community for decades, committed to supporting strong public schools and protecting the environment. The organization established the NSDCC Award in Memory of Herbert F. Geller to recognize a graduating North Salem High School senior each year who exemplifies Herb's Democratic values and commitment to civic engagement.

Herbert F. Geller, known to everyone as Herb, passed away in February 2024 at the age of 102. A World War II veteran, Herb lived in the Candlewood Park area of North Salem for more than 50 years and remained active in local politics until he was 100 years old. Many North Salem residents remember him proudly leading the town's Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony in his American Legion uniform.

Deeply committed to Democratic ideals and public service, Herb served for many years as head of the Westchester Democratic Committee. He also had a distinguished journalism career, first as a reporter for the Patent Trader and later as an editor at the Bridgeport Post, where he worked on a series that received a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Herb's dedication to journalism and Democratic ideals inspired the selection of Bella LeClair as the first recipient of the NSDCC Herb Geller Award, which includes a $300 scholarship.

LeClair served as both a writer and editor for North Salem High School's Tiger Times. Her insightful article in the April 2026 edition examined the ICE deployment in Minneapolis. In the piece, she wrote that the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security made inaccurate statements regarding the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, demonstrating what the NSDCC described as Herb's commitment to courageous and fair journalism.

In addition to her work as a student journalist, LeClair starred in North Salem High School musical productions, excelled as a student-athlete, and plans to attend Loyola University Chicago this fall.

The NSDCC extends its congratulations to Bella and her family and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

Article provided by North Salem Democratic Club and Committee.