This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a Rome Free Academy senior who will be entering college, majoring in mathematics or computer science. Because Linda was a dedicated teacher at RFA, preference is given to those also pursuing as a career. To qualify for a second year award of $2,000, the recipient must successfully complete the first year of college and continue their academic track with a concentration in teaching as a career.
This fund was established in 2023 by Linda’s husband Paul Cataldo to honor Linda’s 34 year teaching career in the Rome Public School system. Upon graduation from SUNY at Potsdam with a pure math degree, she began teaching Algebra at Strough Junior High School. Always the innovator, Linda established The Society of Algebra Learners Club (SOAL) to help students after school. Linda moved to Rome Free Academy to use her second degree in Computer Science from SUNY College of Technology to teach basic programming and advanced mathematics. Always putting the students’ understanding of the subject first and foremost, Linda created “The Homework Hotline,” her personal phone number that they could call between the hours of 5 and 7 for additional help. She also established The Computer Classroom, an offsite facility to further help students in computer skills and prepare for The SAT tests.
