UNICO honors FDU-bound Toni Frino

Toni Frino has a passion for science and community service. The Linden High School student and nine 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.”

Toni’s favorite subjects in school were anatomy and physiology, classes that will help her as a nursing major at Fairleigh Dickinson University in the fall. The Linden resident was an honor roll student all four years of high school and a member of the National Honor Society, but she excelled out of the classroom as well.

In sports, Toni was the National Girls and Women in Sports Award recipient for 2018. She was a four-year varsity volleyball player as an outside hitter and captain, and pitched for the varsity softball team for four years as well. Toni accomplished this while being a Clark First Aid Squad cadet (2017-18) and a Roselle Park Police Youth Academy instructor (2017).

During her interview, Toni named her mother as her role model because of the life lessons she has taught her.

Toni is also a recipient of the UNICO’s Brian Piccolo Award, bestowed upon courageous and outstanding athletes of Italian-American heritage.

Other scholarship recipients are Steven Di Maria and Gianna Ricerca, both of Westfield; Jonathon Kreinberg of Union; Evan Griffith, Jennifer Lawson and Samantha Sanjuaneyo, all of Elizabeth; Mia DiPaola of Wall; Thomas Marretta of Totowa; and Nicolas Moriella of Old Bridge.

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) Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO Scholarship Committee co-chairs Jennifer Barrett and Carole Cascio stand on either side of Toni Frino of Linden with a scholarship during a celebratory dinner at Costa’s Italian Ristorante in Roselle Park 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. Photos courtesy of Ralph Abbate.