The evening of the John Michael Marino Foundation, Inc. Order Sons of Italy in America 36th Annual Awards Presentation was memorable and inspiring, for it was on this night that The John Michael Marino Foundation, Inc. presented scholarships and awards to dynamic high school students of the Class of 2016.
The ceremony followed the John Michael Marino Lodge No.1389 monthly general meeting and was opened with a welcome from Lodge President Marianne Bortone Prince. After the Invocation by Rev. Patrick Whitney, pastor of St. Peter of Alcantara R.C. Church, Scholarship Committee Chairperson Nancy Conetta introduced each of the following scholarship recipients: Roslyn High School graduate Kyle Schneider; Sacred Heart High School graduate Katherine Russo and Schreiber High School graduates Richard Bazzini, Justin Cenname, Anthony Currier, Lisa DiCaro, Christina Marinelli, Julia Merani, Nicole Riquelme and Shannon Russo.
Amber Madrigel of the Henry Viscardi School received the Gilda & Tony DiStefano Scholarship In Memory of Maria Bianco.
Lodge Past President and Italian Studies Award Chairperson Leo Cimini presented The Dante Medal for Excellence in the Study of Italian Language to Caprice Catalano of Manhasset High School; Jason Castro and Lindsey Wolfe of Roslyn High School and Michael Riano of Schreiber High School. Seth Barshay was presented with the Italian Studies Award.
Lodge Past President and Sports Award Chairperson Josephine Giagu Palawsky presented the Athletic Award to Andrew Adelhardt and Catalina Salvatierra of Schreiber High School.
Foundation President Anthony Conetta presented monetary Charities Awards to the following local groups and associations:
American Cancer Society Port Washington Relay for Life
Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
Landmark of Main Street Foundation
Long Island Youth for Christ
Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church & Outreach
Poppy’s Special Friends
Port Washington Ambulance Fund
Port Washington Counseling Center
Port Washington Library Foundation
Port Washington Manhasset Chapter of
Cancer Care
Port Youth Activities
St. Peter of Alcantara R.C. Church & Outreach