For the past 25 years, students in the Levittown, Wantagh and Seaford school districts have been presented with the William A. Haps Scholarship Awards, which are given out by the Wantagh Fire Department for students looking to attend the college of their choice. Dedicated to the memory of deceased firefigther William A. Haps—who served the community for 42 years before passing away on July 20, 1989—the scholarships are awarded each year to assist students
In order to apply, students must submit four recommendations and must be pursuing a Humanities program, such as emergency services [fire-police], nursing, criminal justice, social work, teaching, medicine, or research. A student’s financial need, extracurricular activities, and academic achievement are also considered during the application process.
Wantagh Fire Commissioner Snyder mentioned the fact that this year’s decision was very difficult as there were a number of deserving and well qualified applicants. After hours of discussion all applicants were narrowed down to the final eight.
The first Award Winner is Virginia Izzo of MacArthur High School. Although Izzo has not decided on her college, she has Briarcliff, Molloy and Nassau Community colleges within her sights. Izzo hopes to pursue a career in nursing and will soon choose the program she feels bests fits her needs.
Apart from her challenging academic schedule, Izzo somehow has found the time to participate on the MacArthur High School Badminton Team. According to her recommendations, Izzo is a gentle soul who possesses a strong desire to help those in need of care and comfort. A traitcommonly found in the nursing profession.
The second Award Winner, Courtney Minogue of MacArthur High School in Levittown was the recipient of the Exempts Association Scholarship. Hoping to pursue a career in nutrition science at the University of Tampa, in south Fla.,
Minogue aspires to follow her career path towards becoming a dietician.
While attending MacArthur High School, Minogue has been an active participant on the track [competing cross-country and track & field] and is an excellent basketball player. Apart from sports, Minogue has also excelled in her studies. She is an active member of the key club and the peer leaders club.
Coming in third was MacArthur High School’s Samantha Siclari, who will be attending Oneonta College in the fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in Psychology and family medicine. Siclari is a very active member of the concert choir, where she helps lead and guide the younger members. Her choir director said that she is a “very responsible young lady.” Community service also plays a role in her life, as Siclari gives lots of time and dedication towards helping St. Francis church with its collection and fund drives. Balancing a busy academic schedule with community service, Siclari works part time as a swimming instructor and was elected class president.
Four more students would also be presented with awards, including: Christina Kalinoglu, James McCarron, and Elizabeth Spencer of Wantagh High School; and Matt Natland of Seaford High School.
