The Department of Education center in Hicksville was red, green and white on Saturday at a ceremony awarding 25 students from Long Island Catholic schools scholarships from the Tri-State Italian-American Congress.
“The scholarships were designed to assist deserving families with the cost of their annual tuition to attend a Catholic elementary school or Catholic high school,” said Loue Velle, president of the Tri-State Italian-American Congress. “We are proud to be able to assist families of Italian heritage with the education of their children.”
The award ceremony was attended by Father Eric Fasano, vicar general of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Dr. Kathleen Walsh, superintendent of schools for the Diocese, members of the Department of Education and proud family members of the recipients. A total of $25,000 in awards were given to 25 families.
Students receiving the awards were from 17 different elementary schools and one high school. Each was nominated by the principal of their respective school. “We are grateful to the members of the Tri-State Italian-American Congress for their generosity and ongoing support,” stated Superintendent Walsh.
Formed in 1988, the Tri-State Italian-American Congress is a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for Italian-American children and supports organizations and charities benefiting Italian-Americans and other programs with similar goals.
The Department of Education of the Diocese of Rockville Centre oversees the operation of 39 elementary schools and two high schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
