Looking to recognize those students who might never be recognized, the SFTR developed a scholarship award almost ten years ago. The criteria included college-bound students who have not always been stellar students for a variety of reasons but who eventually “saw the light” and achieved higher grades. What we did not realize when we initiated the awards is that we would become privy to the struggles and victories of young people who could have become lost. The stories are at times heart-wrenching but the results uplifting and exhilarating. Through an application, students recommended by guidance counselors let us in to their lives and struggles. Five individual building winners then agree for an interview to determine a district winner. Four receive $350 grants and the district winner receives $700.
This year’s district winner is Francesco Masarotto from H. Frank Carey, a personable and promising hard worker who plans to attend Nassau Community College and enter the medical field. The Elmont High School winner is Stephen Babalola, a computer science hopeful, who will attend Manhattan Borough Community College. Daniel Madtes is Floral Park High School’s winner headed to St. John’s University. From New Hyde Park High School, Eiza Mazhar plans to study business at St. John’s, and from Sewanhaka High School, Myasia Nunez leaves for Temple University this fall, where she hopes to study political science and pre-law. Our hopes and wishes are for their continued success.
Many thanks to those who serve on the Grant Committee: Norma Busching, Marie Cannava, Thomas Gehrer, Randy Lewis and Sophia Suzzi-Valli. As always, our thanks go to those members who contribute to the fund in their own name, anonymously, or in honor of a family member or colleague. Contribution forms are included in this newsletter.
