2023 College Scholarship Winners

2023 VITO J. PITTA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

AWSAF AHMED

Hyatt Regency

Awsaf is an active member of the Tech community at Brooklyn Technical High School. He is the President of the Astrology Club, member of the Debate Club and Delegate leader in the Model United Nations. His outside activities include working as a Research Intern at the Human-Robot Interaction at Cornell, is a math and ELA Tutor for elementary school students and has interned at the New York Municipal Library and Archives. Awsaf has also worked as a Print Production Assistant handling day-to-day business. He will attend Skidmore College and major in History.

TAYBAH ALAM

The Lowell Hotel

At Bronx High School of Science, Taybah is a member of the National Honor Society, President of the DoSomething.Org Club, Vice President of Senior Council, Co-Captain of the Women’s Improvisation Team and Treasurer & Student Leader of the Student Organization Cabinet. She is also a Delegate leader in the Model United Nations, Curriculum Director of the Student Diversity Committee and an Ambassador for the System Thinkers in STEM & Medicine Program. Taybah is currently a Junior Intern at NYU School of Global Public Health, serves as the Student Editing Manager for the GPH journal and is a Big Sib Mentor to the new high school students. She will attend the Macaulay Honors Program-CCNY and major in Biochemistry.

QUETZAL ARAYA

Encore

At Westfield High School, Quetzal is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Rare Disease Club, the Environmental Conservation Club, the Esperanto & Italian Club and the Cycling Club. He is also the Captain of the Cross Country Team, member of the Ultimate Frisbee Team, member of the Indoor Track Team, Transition Leader mentoring new high school students, a Coach/Trainer at the YMCA coaching Track & Field and volunteers at the local animal shelter caring for senior aged dogs. He will attend Penn State University and major in Kinesiology.

KATHERINE ASANTE-TAGOE

The Pierre Hotel

Katherine attends St. George’s School and is on the Honor Roll, is the head of the school’s Commendation for Academic Excellence, is a Delegate leader in the Model United Nations and is a member of the Sadie Nash Leadership Program for Women of Color. She is a member of the Book Club, the Finance Club, sings in the Vocal Ensemble and female Acapella group, a contributing writer for the school newspaper and Editor of the Arts & Life magazine. Katherine volunteers in a Virtual Tutoring Program teaching reading and has worked at local parks aiding the environment. She will be attending Villanova University majoring in Biology.

NIREL AVERTEY

Dream Downtown

Nirel attends Yonkers High School and is a member of the Science National Honor Society, the Mathematics Honors Society, the Science Olympiad, the Secretary of the Key Club, the Secretary of the Gardening Club and a member of the Audio/Visual Club. Her volunteer service includes tutoring young children, working at the Salvation Army, mentoring new students through the orientation process and working in local gardens and parks. Nirel’s interests include singing, playing the piano, reading, chess and playing badminton. She will be attending Brown University majoring in Biology.

EMILY CHEUNG

Peninsula Hotel

At Forest Hills High School, Emily is the Secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of the Girl UP Club, a leader on the Senior Advisory Council, a member of the STEM Council, a supporter of the Green Team and member of the Double Up Club. Outside of school she mentors students at the Commonpoint Queens After-School Program, volunteers at the Queens Zoo Discovery Guide Program and interns at Care for Animals in Manhattan. Emily’s interests include biology, animals, caring for the environment and advocating for conservation and wildlife. She will be attending Stony Brook University she will major in Biology.

TENZIN CHOEZOM

Hyatt Centric Times Square

Tenzin attends Stuyvesant High School and is the External Outreach Director of Stuyvesant Medical Society, Founder and member of the Himalayan Culture Club and is a participant in the Youth Science Initiative at the high school. His other activities include being an academic Tutor at the Yindayin Coaching Internship, playing on the Stuyvesant Volleyball Team, participated in the Sing musical productions and contributed articles for the student-led organization Beachlex. Tenzin’s interests include playing the piano, computer coding, photography, playing tennis, poetry and singing. He will attend Fordham University and major in Biology.

ADRIANA CRENTSIL

NY Marriott @ Brooklyn Bridge

Adriana attends the North Star Academy Washington Park High School and is a member of the Sadie Nash Leadership Program for Women of Color, the Team Manager/Photographer of the Digital Media Team, Editor of the Yearbook Committee and a member of the Cooperman Scholars. She participated in the Rutgers SMART Program focusing on Medicine, participated in the Health Professions Scholars Project, is a student Tutor and interned at the Ghana Health Organization. Adriana will attend the University of Virginia majoring in Finance.

ANDREW FANG

Martinique Hotel

Andrew attends Benjamin Cardozo High School within its Davinci Biomedical Program, is a member of the National Honor Society and is an active participant of the Key Club. His other activities include volunteering weekly at a number of food distribution non-profits to better underserved communities. Outside of school he mentors students at the Commonpoint Queens After-School Program and volunteers at Soar-Over-Hate that works to heal the community after difficult times. He will attend Hunter College majoring in Biochemistry.

VANESSA HUANG

The Dominick

Vanessa attends Midwood High School within its Medical Science Program, is the Committee Head of the Key Club, Secretary of Midwood Unsolved organization, Entrance Design Leader of Asian Fest, participant of the Stage Crew for Midwood Theatre Productions and member of the Senior Merchandise Committee. She volunteers as a Camp Counselor and Events Team Coordinator at the Jewish Community Center supervising children and planning daily activities. Her interests include Computer Coding, Baking, Crocheting and Game Development. Vanessa will attend Buffalo University majoring in Computer Science.

ELIF KULAHILOGLU

The Carlyle Hotel

At Bronx High School of Science, Elif is a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Astronomy Club, Editor in Chief of The Science Survey, News Anchor for Wolverine TV, member of the Student Organization Advisory Board, Foil Fencer for the 2022 PSAL Varsity Fencing Champions and longtime member of the Dance Dynamics Dance School. She serves as a Spokesperson for the Math and Computer Science Research Program, is a Spanish Tutor for the LOTE organization, served as an Ambassador for the non-profit Letters for Rose and is the recipient of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars Award. Elif will attend Barnard College at Columbia University majoring in Economics.

CRYSTAL LING

The Beekman Hotel

At Brooklyn Technical High School, Crystal is a member of the Choir and the Ukulele/Guitar Club where she is involved in putting on concerts and shows. She works as a Tutor for elementary and middle school students, volunteers at the Infinity Educational Programs and as a Teaching Assistant in math and reading. Her interests include singing, computer programming, LGBTQIA+ advocacy and video games. Crystal will attend the New York Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science.

TYLER LOTA

The Pierre Hotel

Tyler attends Columbia High School and is a Leader in the Asian American Student Alliance, Treasurer of the Multicultural Club, Co-Leader of the Community Service Club, participant in the Model United Nations, member of the Marching Band and member of the Track and Field Team. Along with his activities at school, he also volunteers at local community cleanups and is a Production Technician at the Performers Theater Workshop (PTW) working on set design and construction. His interests include Computer Programming, Software Development and Data Sciences. Tyler will attend Northeastern University majoring in Computer Science.

ISABELLA MENDEZ

Metropolitan Club

At Archbishop Molloy High School, Isabella is a member of the Art Club, Co-Vice President of the Baking Club, member of the Spanish Club, participant in the Harvard Business School Case Method Project and member of the Photography Club. She is a Peer Tutor in Math, volunteers at the I A.M. GREEN organization engaging in environmentally conscious activities and volunteered at SOMOS Community Care logging patient records. Her interests are Digital Illustrations, Photography and Baking. Isabella will be attending Pratt Institute majoring in Graphic Design.

JOCELYN NG

Hyatt Andaz 5th Ave.

Jocelyn attends Francis Lewis High School and is a member of the National Honor Society and enrolled within its Forensics Academy, Editor in Chief of the Yearbook Committee, Manager of the Varsity Wrestling Team and member of the Dance Academy. She works in the Human Resources Department of Teach Children STEM, Tutored elementary students in English and Math, worked as a Library Aide at the Fresh Meadows Library and was a Laboratory Assistant at the Boro Park OB-GYN facility. Jocelyn will be attending Hofstra University and majoring in its 6-yr Physician’s Assistant Program.

LAWER NYAKO

The Washington NYC

Lawer attends Brooklyn Technical High School and is the Founder, President and Host of Tech’s improve games club, Brooklyn Improvical. He is also a contributing writer for the school’s paper, The Radish, Executive leader of the Video Editing & Processing Club and Tutors his peers in various subjects. His other activities include volunteering on the Teen Advisory Group at Kingsbridge Library, Interning as a computer aide at Con Edison and working at MMCC SONYC educating and organizing events. Lawer will be attending Tufts University and majoring in Computer Science and Humanities.

IRVIN OESTRICH

Resorts World Catskills

Irvin attends Monticello High School and is President of the Honor Society, Captain of the Varsity Wrestling Team, member of the Varsity Baseball Team and member of the Varsity Cross Country Team. He is also the winner of the school’s Student of Distinction and Scholar Athlete Awards, Creator and Operator of the Town of Bethal Youth Running Program, works as a Program Attendant at a Youth Camp and was a Farm Hand and Cashier at a local family farm. Irvin will attend Binghamton University and will major in Electrical Engineering.

SOFIJA ORTIZ

West 57th St. by Hilton Club

At Grover Cleveland High School, Sofija is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Student Council, President of the Science Olympiad, Science Editor of the Newspaper Club, President of Project Soapbox, member of the Key Club and member of the Varsity Volleyball Team. She is the Salutatorian of her graduating class, a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medalist and is a member of the Creative Writing Club. Her interests include Physics, Biology, reading the classics, listening to podcasts and playing soccer. Sofija will major in Physics at Williams College.

ALYSSA PAGCALIWAGAN

Mandarin Oriental

At Sachem North High School, Alyssa is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Science Honor Society, the Foreign Language Honor Society, the History Honor Society and the Math Honor society. She also works as Barista/Server at a local ice cream shop, volunteers at a local church and has worked at a restaurant as a hostess. Her interests include playing guitar/ukulele, photography, health & fitness, writing and reading. Alyssa will attend Binghamton University and will major in its 6-year Pharmacy Program.

KIMBERLY QUINTERO

Crowne Plaza Times Square & Beekman Tenants Corp.

Kimberly attends Hackensack High School and is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Secretary of the Drama Club, member of the Medical Club and member of the Track & Field Team. Her other activities include working backstage for school performances, volunteering on the Football team, preforming in Musicals and Singing in the Chorus. She will attend Ramapo College majoring in Psychology.

ISIS RODRIGUEZ

Ink 48 Hotel

At the Riverdale Country School, Isis is a Representative of the Student Faculty Council, a Leader in the Human Rights Now Club, a member of the Varsity Softball Team, a member of the Varsity Volleyball Team, an Affinity Group Leader in the Hispanic Organization for Latin Awareness and a DEIB Representative in the athletic department. Her outside activities include being a Research Intern at a Lisman Laboratory, volunteering for local political campaigns, working as a hostess at a restaurant and tutoring math. Isis will attend Harvard University majoring in Molecular Biology.

NICOLE RODRIGUEZ

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

Nicole attends Mott Haven Village Preparatory School and is a member of the SEO Scholars Program, a member of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute Program, a member of the Student Government Association, a Mentor for incoming 9th graders and a member of the Indoor Track Team. She was selected as Nation Student Advisor for the National Education Equity Lab Board and worked as a childcare provider throughout her high school years. Nicole will attend Baruch College majoring in International Business.

DAVID ROGALA

Beekman Tenants Corp.

At East Rockaway High School, David is a member of the National Honor Society, winner of the Presidential Education Award for Academic Excellence and a member of the Varsity Soccer Team. He works as a Customer Service Representative at a computer store and volunteers as a Front Desk Receptionist at St. Raymond’s Rectory. His interests include computer rogramming, software development and customer relations. David will attend New York Institute of Technology majoring in Electrical Engineering.

ANAF SHAH

The Plaza Hotel

Anaf attends Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences and is a Cabinet Member of Technology for the Senior Council, Webmaster for the Key Club, is the President of the South Asian Club and is leading in the creation of a chapter of the Thirst Project. His other activities include Creating and Managing a YouTube channel, being a member of the NYU Collegiate Seminar Program and volunteering for book drive at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Anaf will attend Macaulay Honors Program majoring in Computer Science.

TATIANA SZE

JW Marriott Essex House

At Mary Louis Academy, Tatiana is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the LOTE Honor Society, is a member of the Student Council, a member of the National Academy of American History and Civics, a member of the Ski Club, a member of the American Sign Language Club and a participant in the Future Leaders of America. Her outside activities include being a volunteer for numerous Political Campaigns, worked as a paid Deputy Organizer for the Queens Borough President’s campaign, is an Altar Service at Holy Name Church and works as a Hostess at a restaurant. Tatiana will attend Fordham University majoring in Political Science.

GABRIEL TINOCO

Gotham Concessions

Gabriel attends Bergen Catholic High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Math Honor Society and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. He is also a member of the Theater Club, a member of the Varsity Soccer Team and competes for the school’s Winter Indoor Track & Field Team. His other activities include volunteering at a community agency assisting immigrants, Coaching youth soccer and working within the hospitality industry at Gotham Concessions. Gabriel will attend Steven’s Institute of Technology majoring in Civil Engineering.

NADIM ULLAH

Park Lane Hotel

At Bronx High School of Science, Nadim is the Secretary of the Engineering Club, is a member of the Pre-Med Club and participates in a non-profit organization called Luv Michael, raising awareness for people with autism. His outside activities include Creating and Managing a YouTube channel called EverythingMath&Science, being a member of the 4-H Club, Tutoring neighborhood students and participating in community sports. His interests include Medicine, Chemistry, Chess and Video Games. Nadim will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Biochemistry.

MICHAEL WIAFE

M-Social Hotel Times Square

Michael attends Bard High School and is a Posse Scholar Award Winner, Leader of the Black Student Union, a member of the Track Team and an Organizer and member at the Teen Activist Project. His other activities include volunteering at the South Asian Youth Action Center, Coaching children of various ages in sports and activities and working at an elementary after-school program. Michael will attend Lafayette College majoring in Computational Neuroscience.

SOFIA WYSE

New York Hilton Midtown

At The Nightingale-Bamford School, Sofia is a member of the Psychology Club, the Robotics Club, the Comedy Club, a member of Chamber Chorus, a Leader in the Peer Mentorship Program and a member of the Work of Art Club. Her outside activities and experience include working at the Summer Camp for the Arts, Interning at NBCUniversal Experienceship, being selected as a member of Prep for Prep academic program and being a Business Development Intern at a market research firm. Sofia will attend Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Animation.

DANIELLE YEBOAH

Renaissance Hotel

At Yonkers High School, Danielle is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Italian Honor Society, Vice President of the Key Club and a Representative on the Student Council. Her other activities include Interning at Sarah Lawrence College, Working at the Y-Zone internet company performing research and analysis, participating at the Yonkers Partners in Education and Teaching Sunday School at her church. Her interests include Choreography, Poetry, Psychology and the Visual Arts. Danielle will attend Boston University majoring in Molecular Biology.

CELESTE ZAGORIN

West 57th St. by Hilton Club

At Old Bridge High School, Celeste is a member of the National Honor Society, the Co-President of the Spanish Honor Society, member of the Math Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the History Honor Society and the English Honor Society. She is also the President of the Key Club, member of the Environmental Club, Co-President of the Latin American Studies Club, member of the Future Medical Professionals Club and President of the Mental Health Awareness organization. Her interests include hiking, reading classic literature and watching science fiction movies. Celeste will attend Northeastern University Honors Program majoring in Cell Biology.

OLIVIA ZHOU

New Yorker Hotel

At Edward R. Murrow High School, Olivia is a member of the National Honor Society, Public Relations Officer of the Math Team, member of the Band and member of the Key Club. Her other activities include volunteering at the YouCan Tutoring Center, Interning at a Peer Leadership organization and volunteering and Organizing local food drives. Her interests include Physics, Origami, Crocheting and Playing the Clarinet. Olivia will be attending Binghamton University and majoring in Mathematics.

SAMANTHA ZHU

Courtyard Midtown East

At Staten Island Technical High School, Samantha is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, member of the Marching Band, President of the Dance Club and President of the Asian American Club. Outside of school, she also volunteers at the Music Unity Program, is an ISP Prep Participant at Grant Associates and participates in a non-profit organization called Luv Michael, raising awareness for people with autism. Samantha will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Biology.

2023 FRANK E. SARIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER

ALLYSON BARRERA

Metropolitan Club

Allyson attends Manhattan Hunter Science High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, four-year member of the Academic Honor Roll, member of the Key Club, Representative of the Student Council, Co-founder of the Film/Drama Club, member of the LatinX Student Union and participant on the School Leadership Team. She volunteers at local food banks, pledges her time and talents at Zion NYC community church and is the Social Media Manager at the non-profit NYLaughs, Inc. Her interests include debate, communication, advocacy, computer science and programming. She will major in History at Hunter College - CUNY.

2023 DIVISION A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER

RYAN TURNER

Parc Coliseum

At Salesian High School, Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Debate Team, Tutors underclassmen in multiple subjects, participates in the school’s Youth Ministry and is in the Weight Lifting Club. His other activities and hobbies include Organizing Food and Clothing drives, worked at Camp Echo Bay as an Advisor/Counselor, volunteers as an Alter Server at Church, plays community sports and plays video games. Ryan will attend Iona University majoring in Business/Finance.