Welcome to VLP SMILE

Students Making an Impact in Life through Education

The VLP Smile Scholarship Fund is dedicated to the memory of Valerie Lynn Palermo — a Greece, NY native, University of Rochester graduate, and beloved AP Math teacher whose passion for her students lives on through every scholarship awarded.

Valerie Lynn Palermo
About

Valerie Lynn Palermo

The VLP Smile Scholarship Fund is dedicated to the memory of Valerie Lynn Palermo — a Greece NY native, University of Rochester graduate, esteemed AP Math teacher at Colorado River Union High School District, and a beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend who tragically passed on January 27, 2011.

Valerie was more than a teacher. She was a soccer coach, a poker star, an avid New York Yankees fan, and a lifelong learner. Her colleagues said she was the kind of teacher every parent would want their child to have.

"Valerie shone brightly in our world and will be sorely missed. Look at the people you pass in the hallways of life and remember their importance in your world; we are all family." — Mrs. LindaJoy Brown, Valerie's friend and mentor

Read Valerie's Story

The Scholarship

Awards From $1,000 to $5,000

Each year we award scholarships to graduating high school seniors with the drive and determination to pursue their educational dreams. The application is simple — fill out the form and submit a short video introducing yourself.

  1. Fill Out the Form

    Tell us about yourself, where you plan to attend college, and what you'll be studying.

  2. Record a 3-Minute Video

    Share a little about yourself and what you hope to gain from your college experience — besides a degree.

  3. Submit & Wait to Hear Back

    Our committee reviews every submission. Recipients are contacted directly by email and phone.

Start Your Application

Annual Event

Play in the Memorial Golf Tournament

This year marks the 15th annual VLP Memorial Golf Tournament. Valerie's family and friends host this charity tournament every year to raise scholarship funds. Spaces fill up fast — register early!

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Wildwood Country Club, Rush, NY

Tournament Details
Support the Cause

Sponsor the Tournament

Sponsorship packages from $100 to $2,500 help us award more scholarships each year. All sponsorships are tax-deductible and include recognition at the tournament and on our website.

VLP Smile Scholarship Corp.
Tax ID #45-4064530 — 501(c)(3) non-profit

Sponsorship Details
In Loving Memory

Her Smile, Living On

Every scholarship awarded, every student lifted up — they all carry forward a piece of Valerie's spirit.

Valerie smiling Valerie smiling Valerie smiling Valerie smiling Valerie smiling Valerie smiling Valerie smiling Valerie smiling

"Valerie shone brightly in our world. Look at the people you pass in the hallways of life and remember their importance in your world; we are all family."

Help Keep Valerie's Smile Shining

Every donation directly funds a scholarship for a student pursuing their educational goals.

Donate Now