2022 Scholarship Winners
This year’s 2022 scholarship winners include 32 bright and accomplished students that represent the best of what’s to come. Our Union’s scholarship recipients are athletes, artists, and scholars dedicated to their education and communities. We look forward to seeing the great things they do!
SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. MARIO GABELLI
Mr. Mario Gabelli, whose father, Joseph Gabelli, was a charter member of Local 6 at Luchow’s Restaurant, made another very generous gift to our Union’s scholarship fund this year. To date, Mr. Gabelli has donated over $650,000 to the scholarship fund.
“We are so grateful to Mr. Gabelli. His support for the scholarship fund is inspiring and deeply appreciated by myself and the 40,000 members of our Union,” said HTC President Rich Maroko.
OVER $9 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Including this year’s grants, a total of $9,668,000 has been awarded to 1,155 children of our Union’s members since 1987, when the scholarship program began.
2022 VITO J. PITTA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
NATHALIE ABREU
Parent: Carlos Abreu, The Dominick
Nathalie is a member of the National Honor Society and the Secretary of the Korean Honor Society at the Bronx Prep Charter High School - Democracy Prep. She is a Founder and Mediator of the School’s Civics Club, a member of the volleyball team and starting pitcher for the girls softball team. Her outside activities include working at Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s office, serving as a Lieutenant within the NYPD Law Enforcement Explorers Program and successfully completing the FBI Teen Academy Program. Nathalie is the recipient of the New York Yankees Youth Leadership Award for community service and will attend Barnard College to major in neuroscience and behavior.
LUCIANO AGUDELO
Parent: Allan Agudezo, Ritz Carlton – Central Park
At Brooklyn Friends School, Luciano serves as a representative at the National Association of Independent Schools Student-Lead Diversity Conference. An accomplished singer, he is a member of the Young People’s Chorus of NYC and has performed at many renowned venues within NYC such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and St. John the Divine. Also an avid squash player, Luciano was the MSquash College Showcase Tournament winner, and volunteers his time as an Assistant Coach working with 7 - 15 year olds. His interest in both environmental sustainability and construction has generated projects such as planning, designing and building fully responsible and resource-efficient structures/ cabins. Luciano will attend Bowdoin College, where he will major in civil engineering.
Zena Sharfa Ally
Parent: Manshur Ally, Manhattan at Times Square
At Hillcrest High School, Zena is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Government’s Senior Class President and a four-year member of the school’s intermediate/advanced bands, where she is the Trumpet Section Leader. She is the Student Delegate and Secretary-General to the Model United Nations, the Planning Coordinator for the Humanities Honors Academy and debates/competes in the school’s moot court & mock trials. Zena’s focus on music has led to her completing courses through NYU's Future Music Moguls programs, where she has composed and produced songs. Her interests include reading, public speaking, playing the guitar, cooking and working out. She will attend Baruch College and concentrate on entrepreneurship.
Anastasia Antzoulis
Parent: Konstantinos Antzoulis, The Plaza
Anastasia attends Evergreen Community Charter School, where she is the Co-President of the National Honors Society, Co-Secretary of the Alpha Helpers, a member of the Reading Competition/Olympics, Co-Chairperson of the Prom Committee and a member of the Poetry Club. She is also a member of the school’s Tutoring Committee, volunteers at her local library during the summer, and works in the TOMEC Food Pantry at Five Loaf House to serve the less fortunate. Anastasia’s interests include reading, painting, crochet, cross-stitching/embroidery and video games. She will be attending East Stroudsburg University to major in biology.
Soham Bandyopadhyay
Parent: Sujit Banyopadhyay, Thompson Central Park
Soham attends Brooklyn Technical High School and is the President of the Anatomy Club, Senior Event Coordinator of Outreach, Founder and Vice President of the school’s chapter of the National Organization of Rare Diseases, a member of the Model United Nations and starting Goalie of the Varsity Lacrosse Team. His work experience includes helping students in science and math as a Teaching Assistant at the New York Chinese School and volunteering at a number of local hospitals. Soham will be attending the University of Rochester to major in biochemistry.
Brianne Barredo
Parent: Danilo Barredo, Mark Hotel & Knickerbocker Club
Brianne attends Palisade Preparatory School and is a member of the National Honor Society, four-year Principal’s List member, winner of the NY State Senate Majority Leader’s Citizenship Award and ranks first in her class academically. She is a Mentor at Summer Reading Buddies, a Phoenix Cadet at the Empress Ambulance Service where she is certified in CPR and First Aid, a member of The Purpose Driven Scholars and is a caretaker and tutor for 4th grade students. Her interests include sewing, painting, cooking and baking. She will major in nursing at CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College.
Vincent Chang
Parent: Lieping Zhang, Sofitel New York & Penn Club
At Stuyvesant High School, Vincent is a member of the National Honor Society, a peer tutor in select subjects and specialized exams, a member of the wrestling team, a member of the Scienceholic Magazine and a Novice Director for the Extemporaneous Speaking Team. Outside of school he volunteers at Elmhurst Hospital, is a member of the PEN America Free Speech Advocacy Institute and is a Taekwondo Instructor with a 3rd degree black belt. His interests include China & US relations, geographic inequality and philosophy. Vincent will be attending the University of Michigan where he will major in political science.
Jacky Chen
Parent: Hui Zheng, Peninsula New York Hotel
Jacky attends Stuyvesant High School and is the Director of Documentation and Head of Engineering for the Robotics Team, Opinions Writer for The Stuyvesant Spectator, a member of the Yearbook Committee and a member of the Props Department for performances. His other activities include being an academic tutor at a nonprofit, a volunteer Gardener in the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council and working within the hotel industry during the summer. His interests include basketball, playing violin in the symphonic orchestra, computer science, video games and traveling. Jacky will attend Boston University to major in computer engineering.
Ricky Chen
Parent: Meng Chen, Crowne Plaza Times Square
Ricky attends New Dorp High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Union, the Math Club, the Physics Club and is also Valedictorian of his graduating class. He is also a member of the Asian Culture Club, the Chess Club, Ping Pong Club, Finance Club and Key Club. He volunteers as a Peer Support Counselor at 7-CUPS Foundation, works with special needs members at Person Centered Care Services (PCCS), volunteered and interned at SYEP and works as an Administrative Assistant at a local company. Ricky will attend New York University to major in economics.
Justin Chow
Parents: Hao Chong Chow and Li Xia Hu, West 57th Street by Hilton Club & Hilton Times Square
Justin attends Brooklyn Technical High School and tutors his classmates in various subjects. His other activities include being a Volunteer Teaching Assistant at Angel Advantage Center for the past two years, working as a Custodial Assistant at a local public school and supervising classes in the absence of teachers. Justin’s interests include playing a number of musical instruments, researching, traveling and riding all types of trains. He will attend Binghamton University to major in applied mathematics.
Aniqa Chowdhury
Parent: Mohammed Chowdhury, Thompson Central Park NY
Aniqa attends Trinity School and is the Treasurer of the Rocketry Club, Captain and Treasurer of the Math Club, and President of the Muslim Affinity Group. She is also a member of the track team, Science Olympiad Club, and AMNH Science & Research Mentorship Program. She volunteers at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, tutors at Breakthrough New York, interned under a physician specializing in advanced cardiovascular interventions and participated in the Girls Who Code Immersion Program. Her interests include computer coding, cooking, knitting and learning about other cultures. She will attend Bowdoin College to major in pre-med.
Katera Dobson
Parent: Sirkka Dobson, Harvard Club
At Francis Lewis High School, Katera is a member of the Model United Nations, a Speaker/Presenter for the International Relations Orientation Program, a participant in the Bronx Science Annual SciMUNC Conference, a member of the Fashion Club, a member of the Green Team and is a leader in the Summer Community-School Clean-Up Volunteers Program. She also serves as a volunteer and usher at her local church, is a feral cat caretaker assisting in TNR programs and works at a local animal shelter to ensure the welfare of its occupants. Her interests include boxing, baking and journaling. Katera will attend St. John’s University to major in hospitality management.
Ashleigh Elden
Parent: Kevin Elden, St. Regis Hotel
At Mamaroneck High School, Ashleigh is the President of the School’s Literary Magazine, the Calliope; a winner of the American Literature Award, a clarinet player for the concert band and a published author of poems in the Cathartic Literary Magazine. She is a volunteer at the Mamaroneck Public Library, works at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force and tutors middle school children at the Larchmont Public Library. Ashleigh will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in creative writing.
Erica Lynda Fredes
Parent: Brian Fredes, Lotte New York
Erica attends the High School for Art and Design and is a leader and paid intern in the Student Advertising Agency, a teaching assistant/personal tutor to her peers and a member of the softball, volleyball and basketball teams. Along with her activities at school, she is also a Counselor in Training at Camp Fiver, a Cashier/Creator at Cold Stone Ice Cream, worked as a Seasonal Associate in a fashion store and teaches math and science to middle school students. Her interests include painting, photography and architectural design. Erica will attend the University of Buffalo – SUNY to major in architecture.
Ivy Gomes
Parent: David Gomes, W New York Union
At the Baccalaureate School for Global Education (BSGE), Ivy is the Creative Concepts Writer for the BaccRag newspaper, a member of the UNICEF Club, Founder and Coordinator of the South Asian Coalition, member of the Economics Club and participant in the RED Club. Her other activities include teaching at the Reading Partners NYC, interning at a local law firm, editing articles at the Borgen Project, working at Visions Volunteering, working for various political campaigns and interning at the Young Woman’s Christian Association. Ivy will be attending Fordham University to major in business administration and marketing.
Jamyang Gyamtso
Parent: Chimi Lhamo, W Times Square
Jamyang attends Midwood High School where she is a member of Arista, the Red Cross, the Art Club and the winner of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. She manages blog-style websites as the Founder of WEUNITE, participates in the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush, works as a Sales Associate at a merchandise store and has interned at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the past three years, where she does public speaking engagements and teaches teens. Jamyang will be attending Baruch College to major in biological sciences.
Jonathon Han
Parent: Young Ae Han, Manhattan Club
Jonathon attends The Beacon School, where he is an SEO Scholar, a Board Member of the Student Admissions Board, Club Leader of Integrate Beacon, a Teaching Assistant for Algebra II and geometry courses and participates in Upperline Coding within the Scholars Organization. His other activities and accolades include volunteering as an Assistant Librarian, interning within the Futures & Options Department of a major financial organization and winning the top prize in the Suit Up Business Competition. Jonathon will be attending Baruch College and majoring in finance.
Saima Hoque
Parent: Mohammed Hoque, Westin NY at Times Square
Saima attends Deer Park High School, where she is the Salutatorian of her senior class, as well as Vice President of the French Honor Society, President of the Student Council, Treasurer of S.A.D.D. and of the Science Olympiad and a member of the National Honor Society and the Math and Science Honor Society. She is also President of the Red Cross, Co-President and VP of Finance for DECA—an organization that prepares leaders and entrepreneurs in finance and business—works as a hostess at a local eatery and volunteers as an Event Organizer for the French Dinner Committee. Saima will attend Harvard University where she will major in molecular biology.
Kai Hua Liu
Parent: Shirley Liu, Intercontinental NY Barclay
At Brooklyn Technical High School, Kai is Vice President and Co-Captain of the Math Team, Founder and Chief Officer of the Robotics & Automation Club, and a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the Student Council, the Science Olympiad and the Red Cross. He is also the Co-Captain of the varsity tennis team and a member of the Tennis Club. Kai’s outside activities include being Assistant Manager at Reaching Out Community Services, volunteering at ICare Health, being the Founder and Chief Officer of the Chinese Language Arts and Liberal Arts Association and playing the piano. He will attend the University of Rochester to major in biomedical engineering.
Abbie Jobe
Parent: Haja Jobe, INK 48
Abbie attends Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where she is a Leader and Organizer of Teens Take Charge, Co-Founder and President of the Equity Club, Co-Founder and President of the Black African Student Union, and is the school’s Student Representative on the Department of Education’s Equity Team. Her other activities include working as a trainer and barista at Starbucks, interning at The Renovated House, organizing at the Youth Alliance for Housing and volunteering for various political and government campaigns. She will attend Cornell University to major in agricultural engineering.
Marc Katsovich
Parent: Oleg Katsovich, St. Giles Tuscany Hotel
At Brooklyn Technical High School, Marc serves as Communications Director of the Aerospace Engineering Club, tutors his classmates in math and science, and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Varsity Lacrosse Team, the Israeli Culture Club and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His outside activities include being an Engineering Intern at X-tend Robotics, Inc., working as a Legal Assistant at a law firm, being a member of a non-profit entrepreneurship program and achieving Level III Certification as a USA Hockey Referee. He will attend Worchester Polytechnic Institute to major in robotic engineering.
Ameera Omar
Parent: Khalid Omar, Omni Berkshire Place
Ameera attends Leman Manhattan Preparatory School, where she is Founder and Manager of the Students for Students organization, Founder of the Muslim Student Union, Representative on the Leadership Council, a soprano in the women’s choir, and a member of the National Honor Society, of Model United Nations and of the Black Student Union. Her other activities include interning at Imagine Works Youth Theater, tutoring middle school students and volunteering at the Community Kitchen in West Harlem. Ameera will attend Cornell University to major in women’s studies.
Ramisha Parvez
Parent: Mohammed Parvez, Lotte New York Palace Hotel
At Townsend Harris High School, Ramisha is the Vice President of the Muslim Student Association, News Editor for The Classic, Research Assistant for the Science Research Program and Co-Executive Director of The Links Scholars. Her outside activities include being an Intern at Movement Labs, a Council Member at the Advocates for Youth-Muslim Youth Leadership Council, Logistics Director at Generation Ratify, Editor-in-Chief of the Middle Ground Initiative and a Media Intern at The Paley Center for Media. Ramisha will attend Hunter College to major in biological sciences.
Gabriel Rodriguez
Parent: Juan Rodriguez, Harvard Club
Gabriel attends North Bergen High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, a select member of the STEM Academy, a member of the Math Club, Treasurer of the Environmental Club, a member of the Indoor & Outdoor Track Team and has served as Co-Captain of the Soccer Team. His other activities include volunteering at various food pantries and senior care homes, teaching CCD at his church, being a member of the Mini-Med program at Rutgers University and investigating facets of environmental science in Saint Peter’s research program. Gabriel will attend Steven’s Institute of Technology to major in biomedical engineering.
Chyonika Roy
Parent: Chiranjib Roy, Park Central Hotel
At Queens High School of Teaching, Chyonika is the Founder and Leader of the Green Team, a Representative of the Student Government Association, a member of the Global Citizens Club, a Teacher’s Assistant in algebra and a member of the golf team. Her outside activities include being an Intern at Herstory Writers Group, a Speaker and Artist at the Climate Museum, a Social Science Researcher at the International Socio-Economics Laboratory, a Journalist and Lobbying Officer at Finxerunt and a Team Leader and Director at Voters Choose. Chyonika will attend Columbia University to major in sociology and statistics.
Abigail Russ
Parent: Kate Mensah, Hotel Pennsylvania
Abigail attends Old Bridge High School and is the Junior Executive of the National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the English Honor Society, History Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Science Honor Society. She is also a member of the President’s Council, a member of the African American Club, the Key Club, the Health Occupations Students of America, the volleyball and spring track teams. Her other activities include being the Secretary of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, Vice President of the Methodist Girls Fellowship, working as a Crew Member in the Food Service Industry and being an entrepreneur. Abigail will attend Emory University to major in human health and economics.
Michelle Sandy
Parent: Paola Sandy, The Benjamin Hotel
At Townsend Harris High School, Michelle is the Chief News Editor for The Classic, the Critiquing Editor of the award-winning publication The Phoenix, the Assistant Director & Editor of the yearbook, a Student Advocate at New Voices New York and a Teen Reviewer and Critic at ArtsConnection. Her outside activities include being an Ambassador at the Office of Veterans Affairs, being a Language Partner at Dream Scholarship and working as a Data Fellow at #DegreesNYC. Michelle will attend Northwestern University to major in journalism and political science.
Afua Yeboah
Parent: Peter Yeboah, Conrad Midtown NYC
Afua attends Peekskill High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, the President of the Student Council, Treasurer of the Yearbook, President of the Black Culture Club, Captain of the Varsity Basketball Team, Captain of the Volleyball Team, a member of the Track Team, Coordinator and Volunteer of the Special Olympics, a member of the Superintendent Advisory Council and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Her other activities include working at a fashion outlet store, interning as a Youth Health Promoter at Hudson River Health Care, tutoring math and volunteering at her church. Afua will attend University of North Carolina and major in human development and family studies.
Darren Zhao
Parent: Qiu Ping Wu, Trump International Hotel & Tower
At Staten Island Technical High School, Darreo is the Co-Captain and Designer of the Virtual Reality & BIM Projects Team, co-Captain of the Handball Team and a member of the indoor track and cross country team. His outside activities include being an Engineering Mentee at the ACE Mentorship Program of Greater NY, being certified in the use of AutoCAD and tutoring english and math. Darreo will attend Stony Brook University to major in civil engineering.
2022 FRANK E. SARIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER
Angelina Baicu
Parent: Iosana Baicu, Metropolitan Club
At Townsend Harris High School, Angelina is the Editor and Journalist for GenZ Times, the Communications Liaison for the Uplift Club and the Vice President of the Yoga Club. Her extracurricular activities include working as an Instructor at Kumon, founding Tutors4Yemen, interning in the Southwestern Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas, being the Head of Partnership Coordinators at State of Mind and holding a 2nd degree black belt in taekwondo. Angelina will major in psychology at Fordham University.
2022 DIVISION A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Cristina Calice
Parent: Nicole Louis, Life Hotel
At The High School of Fashion Industries, Christina is a member of the Arista Honor Society and the Intersectional Feminist Club, a Mentor in the SEL Youth Leader program, a tutor in math and science classes and an ambassador for incoming freshman and sophomores. Her hobbies and interests include learning about a wide range of art and culinary cultures, learning about different societal environments and film/photography. She also volunteers her time feeding the hungry and serving the less fortunate in her community. Christina will attend Brooklyn College, where she will major in fine arts.
Omar Liriano
Parent: Cesar Liriano Mejia, Arthouse
Omar attends All City Leadership Secondary School and is a member of the Debate Team, a member of the Student Council, a participant on the School Leadership Team, a member and manager of the varsity basketball team and a volunteer PTA Assistant. His other accomplishments and activities include being a POSSE Finalist, providing educational support to others and being a member of the ROTC Cadets Program. Omar will attend Queens College to major in liberal arts.
