Meet the winners of PEF’s Scacalossi scholarship

By DEBORAH A. MILES
The 2006 winners of PEF’s Joseph Scacalossi scholarship are a group of 10 outstanding students from across the state who share academic excellence and community spirit.

What put these students over the top from a pool of nearly 600 are volunteerism and an obvious desire to make a difference, according to Robert Harms, chair of the scholarship committee.

PEF created the scholarship in 1988 to honor the memory of Scacalossi, who was a leader in organizing PEF and Division 245 at the state Labor Department in New York City.

Each student will receive $4,000 during the next four years.

Harms, and the other committee members — Diane Hart, Maureen Hogle, Eric Lindemann and John Prince — congratulate the following winners for their achievements. They are all children of PEF members.

Nidhi K. Bagga will be entering a six-year doctor of pharmacy program at the University of Scientists in Philadelphia. Her sterling accomplishments include being an ambassador to Japan for the Marlboro, NJ township, founder of ASHA where she raised more than $5,000 for poor children, and numerous academic and talent awards. Parent: Sunny Bagga, section head at the state Department of Taxation and Finance, Manhattan	Timothy F. Bennett is pursuing a degree in computer systems engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Bennett is an Eagle Scout, RPI running back and has traveled to China, Italy, Canada and Mexico. He also participates in runs for cancer, Thanksgiving food projects, and won several leadership awards. Parent: Catherine Bennett, a tax law judge, Division of Tax Appeals, Albany.
Chad I. Brooker looks forward to starting his dual major — political science and policy studies at Syracuse University, where he will transfer 36 college credits, as he was attending college since he was a high school freshman. He also has exceptional leadership skills and enjoys orchestra and choir. Parent: Tina Brooker, senior accountant, Higher Education Services, Albany.	Carolyn A. Cronauer is studying to be a math teacher at SUNY Geneseo with a minor in music. She is an accomplished viola player, excels as a cross-country runner, won the NYS Lottery Leader of Tomorrow scholarship and is on the SUNY athletic conference all academic list. Parent: Maureen Cronauer, senior occupational therapist, Central NY DDSO.
Katerina G. Gross will be aiming for a law degree from Princeton University after studying undergraduate courses in social sciences and humanities. She received numerous awards including the Ivy Scholars Program from Yale University. As a gifted violist and soprano, she participated in the American Music Abroad program and performed overseas. Parent: Mery Rosendorn-Gross, associate public information specialist, Office of Children and Family Services, Albany.	Rose-Emma Lunderman is considering a major in political science at SUNY Binghamton. She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for academic excellence. Her varied interests include membership in Key Club, foreign language clubs and exchange programs, drama club where she had roles in nearly a dozen plays, soccer, basketball and many volunteer efforts. Parent: Margaret Lunderman, teaching and research center specialty nurse, HSC Syracuse Hospital PR.
Tiffany M. Petrosino heads for Yale University with an interest in political science and economics. She was valedictorian at Amsterdam High School and a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Her leadership roles include newspaper editor of the AHS Rampage and president of the National Honor Society. Tiffany’s other achievements include Key Club editor and public relations manager, math wiz, an avid tennis player and visiting Argentina with her Spanish class. Parent: Linda Petrosino, aging services representative, Office for the Aging, Albany.	Alexandra B. Roy looks forward to a liberal arts background and pre-law studies at Tufts University. She was president of her math team and received the U.S. Air Force Math & Science Award. The flute and ballet are some of her interests, and she devotes her time to several community related activities involving children and the elderly. She was listed in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” Parent: Bert Roy, civil engineer 3, DOT main office, Albany.
Colin R. Swider will study music recording at Finger Lakes Community College and plans on transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree to SUNY Fredonia or Columbia College in Chicago. He won several awards including a Chemistry Achievement Award, participates in charitable fundraisers and benefits, enjoys snowboarding, soccer and was the percussionist in the band “Stick Bom PAPA.” Parent: Judy Swider, habilitation specialist 2, Finger Lakes DDSO.	Zachary D. Vredenburgh aspires to be a part of the health care profession and is studying a pre-med program, Human Biology, Health & Society at Cornell University, where he is a Dean Scholar. He is an active member of PATCH (Pre-Professional Association Toward Careers in Health), earned a NYS Academic Excellence scholarship, and was captain of his high school varsity football and basketball teams. Parent: Pamela R. Vredenburgh, social worker supervisor 1, Binghamton Psychiatric Center.

The Communicator July/Aug. '06

Features
Brynien-Igoe ticket sweeps
Pataki signs Go Public bill
PEF wins on workplace violence

Departments
President's Message
You Said It - Member's Mailbag
Legislative Action
Member Mobilizer: Parole
Stronger Contract: NDRI pact
Health Notes
Retirees in Action
Member Highlights
Membership Benefits & Travel

Union Matters
PEF endorses Spitzer for gov.
OGS members fully mobilized
HCSAccount  debit card planned
OCFS wastes $26 million
Sunmount DDSO gets training
25/55 retirement bill passes
Scacalossi scholarship winners
Prison teacher helps students
PEF pushes bill to end Nurses OT
OMH & OMRDD needs help
DCAA can help you out
There's more to you vision care
Retirees turn to making ice cream

Other Links
Professional Directory
Members' Classified
Member Communicator Feedback
Prefer The Online Edition?
How To Advertise Here
The Communicator Staff

Questions on this site?
Email the Webmaster