2 Teens Earn 2023 Larchmont-Mamaroneck Lions Scholarships For Service

LARCHMONT/MAMAROENCK — Two special high school seniors earned help with the cost of college, thanks to their community service work, their unique way with words and the Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club.

The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club awarded two scholarships as part of its high school community service essay contest. For over 20 years this annual scholarship has been awarded to Larchmont/Mamaroneck graduating seniors who have performed meaningful local community service.

Mamaroneck High School senior Shannon Gallaher and Rye Neck High School senior Kimichika Irie were the winners of the 2023 essay contest and were presented with a $1,000 award towards college expenses.

The presentation took place on Monday at a dinner at Sedona Taphouse in Mamaroneck.

Candidates submitted an essay describing their service and the impact it had on the community and oneself. Lina Pasquale, incoming LM Lions President, served as Committee Chair. In addition to Pasquale, other reviewers included LM Lions members Marie Moreno, Coralie Josephs and Michael Nicoletta.

All essays were rated based on the applicant’s breadth and depth of service and how that service embodied the Lions’ motto "We Serve."

"The applicants collectively demonstrated a commitment to serving their local community, in a myriad of ways," Pasquale said."These youth are compassionate and caring and further the mission of the Lions by aiding in the betterment of their community. The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club applauds these youth for their service and recognizes Shannon and Kimichika for their outstanding community contributions and impact.”

The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions, celebrating their Centennial, focus on supporting existing non-profit and community service groups by bringing community service leaders together to determine needs, solutions and resources. The LM Lions are part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization of over 1.4 million members. The Lions signature cause is Vision/Blindness, along with Hunger, the Environment, Diabetes, Childhood Cancer and the future of our Youth. They are signatories of the United Nations resolutions on women’s and refugee rights, and are currently active in Afghanistan & Ukrainian refugee resettlement. In addition, affordable housing is a local Lions priority.