News Summary
The Italian American Club of Mahopac has awarded scholarships to three outstanding students from the Class of 2025 for their academic performance and community contributions. Recipients Cade Zeolla, Ryan Schluter, and Isabella Hitchcock each received $500 during a recognition dinner, celebrating their essays on the impact of Italian language and culture in their lives. The event emphasized the club’s dedication to education and cultural heritage, inspiring the next generation while recognizing the significant contributions of Italians in history.
Mahopac – The Italian American Club of Mahopac awarded scholarships to three exceptional students from the Class of 2025 for their academic accomplishments and contributions to their communities. Cade Zeolla, Ryan Schluter, and Isabella Hitchcock each received a $500 scholarship during a recognition dinner held in Mahopac.
Cade Zeolla, a recent graduate of West Morris High School, plans to further his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he will major in Economics and Finance. Ryan Schluter, who graduated from Yorktown High School, is set to attend the University of Tennessee with a focus on Business studies. Isabella Hitchcock, a graduate of Mahopac High School, will be attending Stony Brook University on Long Island to pursue a degree in Marine Biology.
The scholarship recipients were chosen based on their essays submitted as part of the application process, which required students to respond to the prompt, “How the Italian Language and Culture Affected My Life.” The application essays were evaluated by the scholarship committee, with particular attention paid to the students’ writing skills and their overall thoroughness.
Linda Cefaloni, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, highlighted the impressive quality of the submissions, noting that the essays reflected the students’ deep connection with their Italian heritage. Club President Giulio Cefaloni also acknowledged the merits of each recipient, expressing pride in their achievements while motivating them to continue their exploration of Italian culture and language.
The recognition event held by the Italian American Club not only honored the scholarship recipients but also served as a reminder of the significant contributions made by Italians in various fields such as the arts, government, and sciences, and their foundational role in the nation’s history.
The Italian American Club of Mahopac has been an integral part of the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions for over 24 years, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. Through initiatives like the scholarship program, the organization continues to support local students and celebrate the rich Italian heritage that shapes their lives.
The scholarships presented highlight the club’s commitment to encouraging young members of the community to pursue higher education and acknowledge the importance of cultural identity in their academic journeys. This event stands as an example of how community organizations can play an essential role in recognizing and supporting the achievements of students at the local level.
By maintaining a focus on cultural education and community building, the Italian American Club of Mahopac aims to inspire the next generation to embrace their roots while pursuing their academic and personal goals. As these students embark on their higher education journeys, the club has shown its dedication to their success and the positive influence of Italian culture in their lives.
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- Mid Hudson News: Italian American Club Honors Trio of High School Graduates
- PCNR: Columbus Day Parade Returns to Mahopac in 2025
- Poughkeepsie Journal: Obituary for Serafina Mascaro
- Legacy: Serafina Mascaro Obituary
- Cargain Funeral Homes: Richard A. Costanzo
- Wikipedia: Italian American
- Google Search: Italian American culture
- Google Scholar: Italian American heritage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Italian American
- Google News: Italian American Club
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