The hard work that graduating seniors Steven Di Maria and Gianna Ricerca put in at Westfield High School was recognized by scholarships awards by UNICO.
The Westfield residents and eight other graduating seniors were recently honored by the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO with scholarships during a celebratory dinner.
Each recipient underwent an extensive application process that included an interview session that weighed heavily in the decision. UNICO bases its awards to college-bound seniors on “academic achievement, initiative and resourcefulness, outstanding leadership and the ability indicative of success in higher education.”
Steven was a member of the National Honor Society during the 2017-2018 school year, participated in the Science Olympiad (2016-2017), and earned Distinguished Honor Roll all four years of high school. He also attained the Seal of Biliteracy in Latin in 2017.
Gianna was a member of the National Italian Honors Society in 2017 and received honorable mention in the Italian National Exam in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Gianna graduated from the Youth Police Academy in 2017 and worked as an intern for the Scotch Plains Police Department in 2017.
During his interview, Steven named his parents as his role models because of their compassion and understanding nature. He will attend Syracuse University in the fall as a Sport Analytics major.
In her interview, Gianna named her father as her role model because he works for the community and others. She is undecided on college in the fall, but she has narrowed her choices to Rider University and Monmouth University.
UNICO’s stated objectives are “to promote and enhance the image of Italian Americans; for members to be of service to the community; to promote Italian heritage and culture; to promote, support and assist charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects; to promote members’ interest in public welfare; and to cooperate with others in civic, social and cultural development.”
The charitable organization raises funds for scholarships and helping other community service organizations. Gifts at the 2018 dinner were presented to St. Genevieve Church, InRoads to Opportunity, The ARC of Union County, Center for Hope Hospice, Cooley’s Anemia Fund, Elmora Youth League, Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Community Food Bank of NJ.
The next meeting of the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO will be at 7 p.m. September 5, 2018 at Costa’s Italian Ristorante in Roselle Park. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization, becoming a member, or attending the dinner in October should contact Nino Quaglia at ninoefdshop@gmail.com.
(above, l-r) Steven Di Maria of Westfield with Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO Scholarship Committe co-chairs Jennifer Barrett and Carole Cascio.
(above, l-r) Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO Scholarship Committee co-chairs Jennifer Barrett and Carole Cascio stand on either side of Gianna Ricerca of Westfield, who was awarded a scholarship by the Elizabeth chapter of UNICO on June 6.
(above, l-r) UNICO National Membership Chairman Anthony Bengivenga; Steven Di Maria of Westfield; Thomas Marretta of Totowa; Mia DiPaola of Wall; Gianna Ricerca of Westfield; Jennifer Lawson of Elizabeth; Jonathan Kreinberg of Union Township; and Evan Griffith of Elizabeth, and UNICO National 1st Vice President Dr. Frank N. De Frank.
