Pelham Civics Community Awards: $23,000. Call for Entries! April 26th Deadline.
The mantra for the Civics Awards for the past 28 years has been simple: “Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch!” A responsible, studious kid is the price of entry. What separates the recipients of the Pelham Civic Association’s Community Awards is the degree they sacrifice of their time, volunteer for worthwhile causes, and have an impact on other lives… particularly those in need.
There are two dates that need to be remembered: #1: April 26th. That’s the deadline for all students to apply by. #2: May 31st, That’s the date of the Student Awards Night. At that time, five scholarship awards - totaling $23,000 - will be presented to local high school and college students who reside in Pelham, and demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation in the areas of community service, charitable support, civic leadership, and creativity in service. These hallmarks make up the very culture of the Civics, and are the traits valued and recognized in the Pelham Civic Association members in whose name these awards are given.
The Pelham Civic Awards include:
The Vincent J. Lopardi Community Service Award
Mr. Lopardi (1904-1994) was one of the founding fathers of the Pelham Civic Association, serving two separate terms as president. He was a living monument of community pride and unselfish support to his neighbors. The award is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham, who best exemplifies the same civic pride and community spirit.
The Camillo J. D'Urso Charitable Support Award
Mr. D'Urso (1929-1986) was a Pelham Civic Association member for almost 20 years, donating countless hours and financial help to charitable causes. As chairman of D'Urso supermarkets and president of Key Food Stores Co-operative, he was the recipient of many humanitarian awards. To perpetuate the memory of his membership in our association, his award will be presented to a high school, college or graduate student who resides in Pelham, and who best exemplifies leadership and support in charitable work.
The Joseph L. Nunziata Award for Creativity and Service is named for a current member. Mr. Nunziata continues to volunteer his creative talents to many local and national charities, organizations and causes. He created a Memorial Day brochure that earned him national recognition and a nomination for a "National Point of Light" from former president George H. Bush. He was named the Pelham Civic Association Man of the Year in 1998. The Joseph L. Nunziata award is an award for Creativity and Service and recognizes a student for outstanding spirit and imagination and artistic talent used in the service of the community.
The Honorable Richard J. Daronco Civic Leadership Award
Judge Daronco was an active member of our organization for almost 30 years. He was honored as the Pelham Civics Man of the Year in 1974 and in 1987, former President Ronald Reagan appointed Judge Daronco to the bench of the United States District Court. At that time he was the youngest appointee in history. The Honorable Richard J. Daronco award is presented to a Pelham High School junior class student who best personifies civic leadership and responsibility along with the ideals and principals of the late Judge. The award includes an expense-paid trip to serve as the Pelham representative to the Model Congress or Model United Nations program, or similar program.
The Philip J. Colicchio Award for Leadership is also named for a current member. Mr. Colicchio is a man who personifies the virtues of effective leadership. He devotes boundless energy and time to the community and inspires those who work with him to give their best efforts. The Pelham Civic Association honored him in 1995 by naming him Man of the Year and in 2003 the United Way of Pelham named him as their Man of the Year. The Philip J. Colicchio award for leadership is presented each year to the incoming PMHS president of the student association.
For applications simply log onto www.pelhamcivics.org. For further information, contact Pelham Civic Community Awards Committee Chairman Michael Ming: communityawards@pelhamcivics.org. All applications may be mailed to: Michael Ming, 1279 Manor Circle, Pelham Manor, NY 10803
