Italian American Society awards scholarships to graduating seniors
The Italian American Cultural and Heritage Society of Washington County announces this year’s 12 scholarship awardees. With this year’s awards, the organization will have provided 272 scholarships to Washington County residents since 1992.
The scholarships, $3,000 each, are awarded through application of criteria that includes a one-page essay expressing the applicant’s insights as a member of an Italian American family, high academic achievement with at least a 3.5 QPA, participation and evidence of leadership in co-curricular activities, and a strong recommendation by a school staff member or official.
Funding for each scholarship is provided through the generosity of benefactors with matching funds from the society’s proceeds raised by an annual spaghetti dinner event and monthly dinners prepared by its members.
An awards dinner will be held May 15 at Julian’s Banquet Hall in Washington. Those wishing to attend should contact the heritage society via e-mail at itamsociety@gmail.com. Dinner tickets are priced at $35 each and checks payable to I.T.A.M. should be mailed to I.T.A.M., P.O. Box 4, Eighty Four, PA, 15330. RSVP is required by May 12.
The scholarship winners are:
Gracie Buckner, Trinity High School. Gracie is a member of the Trinity Leadership Committee and National Honor Society. The daughter of Robert and Tammy of Washington, she will attend the University of Pittsburgh as a Biomedical Engineering major.
Natalie Chapas, Peters Township High School. Natalie is drum major for the marching band and student representative of the Peters Township Education Foundation. She also plays varsity softball. The daughter of John and Christine of McMurray, she plans to attend either Purdue or Virginia Tech as a Mechanical Engineering major.
Andrew Ciampa, Trinity High School. Andrew is president of the National Honor Society and founder of the Make-A-Wish Club. He also was captain of the varsity cross country team. The son of Anthony and Stephanie of Washington, he will attend school as a Biology/Pre-Medicine major.
Jacob Corrin, Charleroi High School. Jacob is Student Council president and Drafting Board president. He is a member of the varsity golf and baseball teams. The son of Brian and Dana of Charleroi, he will attend Penn State Behrend majoring in Plastics Engineering Technology.
Katelyn Fava, Bentworth High School. Katelyn is president of the Trap Team and a section leader in the marching band. She also volunteers with the 4-H club. The daughter of Joel and Kerry of Eighty Four, she will attend Seton Hill University as a Physician Assistant major.
Morgan Gregory, Chartiers-Houston High School. Morgan is co-captain of the varsity girls volleyball team and secretary of Student Council. The daughter of Ron and Deanna of Houston, she will attend Washington & Jefferson College majoring in nursing.
Nina Henderson, McGuffey High School. Nina is McGuffey High School senior class president and Student Council vice president. She is also captain of the varsity cheerleading team. The daughter of Blaine and Susan of Washington, she will attend Penn State University as an undeclared major.
Jessica Jost, Canon-McMillan High School. Jessica is president of the Mock Trial team and treasurer of the Spanish National Honor Society and tennis team. The daughter of Jeffrey and Janene of Canonsburg, she will attend Washington & Jefferson College as an International Business major.
Emily King, Peters Township High School. Emily is captain of the varsity fencing team and a member of the Female Empowerment club. The daughter of Barry and Heather of McMurray, she will attend Duquesne University majoring in Neuroscience.
Emma Malloy, Peters Township High School. Emma is co-president of both the Interact club and S.A.F.E. Club. She also participates with the varsity soccer and basketball teams. The daughter of James and Melissa of Venetia, she will attend Bucknell University as a Political Science major.
Hailey Simms, Charleroi High School. Hailey is president of the Drama Club and drum major of the marching band. The daughter of Kevin and Rebecca of Bentleyville, she plans to attend either St. Francis University or Gannon University as an Advanced Physician Assistant major.
Gianna Varley of Bishop Canevin High School. Gianna is co-founder of the Hearts-In-Action club and vice president of Student Council. She is also captain of varsity cheerleading and a student member of the Faith Formation Committee. The daughter of William and Lisa of Canonsburg, she will attend Duquesne University as a Physician Assistant major.