2024 College Scholarship Winners

2024 VITO J. PITTA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

JOANN AMOAKO 

Patrick Amoako The Time NY Hotel

At Central Park East High School, Joann is a member of the Student Government Association, Vice President/Ambassador of the Sponsors for Educational Opportunities, Treasurer of the Green Team, a member of Class of Consciousness, a member of the Crochet Club and a member of the Council on International Educational Exchange. Her outside activities include working as a Facilitator for the Hiring Corps Sponsors for Educational Opportunities and participates in the Futures and Options organization where she conceptualized and developed a mobile/online application. Joann is the recipient of the National College Match Scholarship and her school’s Scholar-Athlete Award. She will attend Princeton University and major in Chemical Engineering.

JOEL AMOAKO

Patrick Amoako The Time NY Hotel

At University Prep Public High School, Joel is a member of the Student Government, Scholar of the Sponsors for Educational Opportunities, Tech Flex Peer Mentor/Leader for America On Tech, a member of the Band Club where he plays the piano and guitar and is a member of the All Star Code organization. His outside activities include working as a Teaching Assistant Tutoring Algebra 2, volunteering as a middle school Media/Movie Club Aid and was a Digital Marketing Intern. Joel will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and major in Computer Science.

KEVIN ASANTE-TAGOE 

Shelia Asante-Tagoe -The Pierre Hotel

Kevin attends Girard College and is the President of the Student Government Association, Captain of the Varsity Debate Club, President of the World Affairs Club, member of ‘My Community and yours’ organization, member of the varsity Track & Field Team and a member of the Varsity Baseball Team. Kevin’s outside activities include working as an Intern at a Law Firm, working as a Crew member at Six Flags Great Adventure, being the Mission Operation Director at NASA Space Camp an volunteering at home and abroad. He will be attending Villanova University majoring in Psychology.

ANNIE BACANI 

Abraham Bacani - Mandarin Oriental & Knickerbocker Hotel 42nd St.

Annie attends Archbishop Molly High School and is a member of the Pre-Med Club, Secretary-Treasurer of the Biology Club, Vice President of the Molloy Health & Fitness Club, a Senior Leader of the Social Justice Club and is an Assistant to a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst aiding autistic children. Her volunteer service includes working at NY Presbyterian Hospital assisting nurses, working as a Youth Spiritual Leader for Campus Ministry and being an Assistant Instructor in Progressive Mixed Martial Arts. Annie is a Classically Trained Pianist and is a winner of the prestigious Posse Foundation Scholarship. She will be attending Brandeis University majoring in Health Sciences.

STACY BRAMBLE

Carrolyn Bramble - InterContinental NY Times Square

At Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, Stacy is a Student Ambassador, member of the College & Career Club, a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and a member of the Track & Field Team. Her outside activities include volunteering as  Facilitator and Crew member for the Rotary Club, working with elementary school children tutoring them in Reading and learning about Artificial Intelligence (AI) programming through various workshops. Stacy will be attending SUNY-Buffalo and will major in Biomedical Engineering.

BEA ROSE BUENAVENTURA

 Rodolfo Buenaventura - Links Club

Bea attends the Young Woman’s Leadership School and is President of the Computer Science Honors Society, Captain of the Varsity Table Tennis Team, member of th Bowling Team and Co-Founder of the Class of 2024 School Committee. Her othe activities include service as an Elite Altar Server and working as Office Secretary for her Church, being a long-standing member of the Girls Scouts and participating as a Tech Scholar with the NY Historical Society. Bea’s interests include Bullet Journaling, Sudoku, Coding and Gaming. She will attend Cornell and major in Computer Science.

FABIO CAMACHO

Ana Camacho - Sonesta White Plains

Fabio attends Harrison High School and is a member of the Math Team, Team Captain of the Track & Field Team and a member of the Varsity Discuss/Hammer Throw Team. Outside of school he coaches Track & Field at a youth Club, assists and serves at his Church, works as a Banquet Waiter at a beach and yacht club, is on the committee for Relay for Life and is the Founder of his own company, ‘FC Builds’, which designs, builds and provides computers for those in need in New York, Peru and the Dominican Republic. Fabio will attend New York University and major in Computer Science.

ANNIE CHEN

Suzhen Chen - Hotel Beacon

Annie attends Eleanor Roosevelt High School and is the Editor of its Stargazer Magazine and Co-Leader of the Asian Culture Club. Annie’s other activities include interning a the Urban Barcode Research Program, working at the NY Aquarium as a Youth Ocean Advocate, serving as a Game Designer for Urban Arts and working as a Graphic Designer/Website Creator for Infinity Educational Programs. She will attend Cornell University majoring in Biology.

FARIHA CHOWDHURY

Mohammed Chowdhury - Thompson Central Park Hotel

Fariha attends Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts and is President of th Asian Alliance Club, a member of the Girls Who Code organization, Operations Teacher’s Assistant within her school and a member of Girls White Now. Her outside activities include being a Summer Experience Fellow, Tutoring 6th graders in various academic subjects, participating in the New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy & Global STEM Alliance and Assisting a PHD Fellow at AMNH: Herpetology Historical DNA. Fariha’s hobbies include reading, pottery making and going to the gym. She will attend Mount Holyoke College majoring in Environmental Science.

JOSEPH DARCOURT

Joseph Darcourt - Graduate Hotel Roosevelt Island

At Sanford H. Calhoun High School, Joseph is the Salutatorian of his class, a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Science National Honor Society and is the Founder and President of the school’s Open Heart Origami (OHO) Lab. He is an Intern at the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, volunteers at various hospitals providing Music & Meditation Workshops and is the Founder and Concert Organizer fo ‘Oneness’ concert series. An accomplished musician, Joseph is the First Chair Cellist a Julliard Pre-College Division and has won many prestigious music awards. He will attend Columbia University majoring in Neuroscience and Music.

DAVID DAVITT

David Davitt - Thompson Central Park Hotel

At Archbishop Stepinac High School, David is a member of the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society, Vice President of the Student Government Association, a member of the Political Club, serves as a Student Ambassador, plays Varsity Basebal and is the Captain of the Track & Field Team. He was an Intern at the NY State Office of the Inspector General, worked at ISA Management as an Assistant to an NFL Agent, teaches Basketball to elementary school children and works in the Restaurant and Catering Industry. His interests include the study of Law, researching his family’s Irish origins and writing. David will attend the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).

OLIVIA DOM TETE ADAYI

Kodjo and Akouay Dom Tete Adayi - Stewart Hotel NYC & ModernHaus SOHO

Olivia attends Bronx Center for Scientific Mathematics (BCSM) where she is an Hono student, Vice President of the Student Government/Council, Heckscher Scholar an accomplished athlete. She is the starting point guard for the Basketball Team, the Libero for the Volleyball Team, a member of the Softball Team, a 3D Designer for the Robotics Club and works as a Co-Op student supporting her school’s administration. Her outside activities include working as a Financial Adviser for her church, working as a designer with SHAPE at Columbia and volunteering as a Medicine Assistant with Light in the World Development Foundation in Lome, Togo. Olivia will attend Syracuse University and major in Biomedical Engineering.

SARAH FINGER

Steven Finger - New York Hilton Midtown Hotel

Sarah attends General Douglas MacArthur High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, the Math Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She participates in the Science Olympiad, is a member of Mathletes, serves as a Peer Leader and Role Model assisting incoming freshmen, is the First Chair Violinist of her School’s String Orchestra and is Captain of the Varsity Swim & Dive Team. Along with her activities at school, she also volunteers at her community’s Young Organizers United to Help (YOUTH) organization and works as a certified Red Cross Lifeguard & Water Safety Instructor. Sarah will attend Providence University majoring in Science and literature.

CARMEN FUNG

Sunny Fung - The Carlyle LLC

At Susan E. Wagner High School, Carmen is a member of the National Honor Society, Captain of the Varsity Gymnastics Team, member of the Asian Dance Club, Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad, member of the Science Olympiad Club, Captain of the Varsity Stunt Team and member of the Chinese Dance Team. She volunteers an Teaches at her local church, works as a Coach and Trainer at an Athletic Sports Cente and has worked for the United Activities Unlimited within the SYEP Program. She is CPR Certified, is a Level 8 Pianist and enjoys researching common cosmetic chemical ingredients. Carmen will be attending Stony Brook University majoring in Molecular Engineering.

DANYALE HARPER

Darron Harper - The Plaza Hotel

Danyale attends Washingtonville High School and is the Treasurer of the National Honor Society, member of the National English Honor Society, member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, serves as a Safe School Ambassador and a member of the Wizards against Cancer Club. She volunteers as a Program Leader for the Best Buddies Club, works within the private childcare industry Caring for and Supervising children, is a Dance Instructor for over 10 years at the NY Performing Art Center and Assists in Organizing events for the Special Olympics Program. Danyale will be attending East Stroudsburg University majoring in Business.

ERIK HOXHAJ

Elez and Kimete Hoxhaj - Westin Times Square & InterContinental Barclay

Erik attends Nutley High School and is the Vice President of the Auto Club, member of the Italian Honor Society, Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team and volunteers servicing patrons and prospective students at the school’s open houses and sporting events. His other activities include working as an Executive Assistant for Trust Equity Partners and serving as Vice President of the Essex Auto Works. Erik’s hobbies include fitness science, nutrition, cooking, math, soccer and tennis. He will be attending Stevens Institute and majoring in Computer Science.

SHAHD IBRAHIM

Taher Ibrahim - Sheraton Hotel

Shahd attends Cliffside Park High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, President and Founder of the Muslim Student Association, Secretary of the Debate Club, member of the Math Honor Society, President of the Spanish Honor Society, member of the Science Honor Society and member of the Wonder Girls Organization. She is also a member of the Caring Cooks Club, member of the STEM Academy and the Photographer for all the school’s events. Shahd is an Information Technology Intern at Englewood Hospital and enjoys computer programming and baking. She will be attending Stevens Institute and majoring in Computer Science.

JUSTIN JASTRZEBSKI

Krzysztof Jastrzebski - St. Regis Hotel

At West Babylon Senior High School, Justin is a member of the National Honor Society member of the National Tri-M Music Honor Society, member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, President of the Math Club, President of the Chess Club and Section Leader of the Marching Band. He is also a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, member of the Science Olympiad, holds a Black Belt in Kempo Martial Arts and is a member of the Varsity Track & Field Team. Justin plays both the Piano and Alto Saxophone and has completed all levels for NYSSMA for both instruments. He will major in Computer Science at Rutgers University.

PENUELA KUMI-DAMOAH

Maxwell Kumi-Damoah - New York Hilton Midtown Hotel

At the Calhoun School, Penuela is a Representative for the Student Government Association, Facilitator for the Black Affinity Group, Copy Editor for the school’s newspaper, member of the Students in Action Club, a Peer Leader and Ambassador t underclassmen, a member of the Diversity and Accountability Board and a member of the Volleyball Team. Her outside activities include working at a Youth Day Camp and being employed at HackBac where she works to promote Health Equity in communities by addressing social determinants of Health. Penuela will attend Yale University an major in Neuroscience.

NYLA LESTER

Seth Lester - Resorts World Casino NYC

Nyla attends Wantagh High School and is President of the Student Governmen Association, President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the National Business Honor Society, President of the Future Business Leaders of America, President for the Class of 2024 Club and Captain of the Varsity Winter Track Team. Her other activities include working as a Private Event Hostess, volunteering as Student Truste for the Board of Education and Assisting residents at a local nursing home. Nyla will attend Pace University majoring in Business Administration.

ANDREW LI

Zhengui Li - Andaz 5TH AVE

At Townsend Harris High School, Andrew is a member of the National Honor Societ and a member of the Badminton Team. He participates as Programmer & Lead of the Electrical Sub-team for ‘Steel Hawks’, an organization comprising of diverse students working towards the design and building machines for a Robotics Competition. Andre also works as a Technical Aid & Data Clerk for a Financial Services company and was a Data Analyst & Program Assistant for the Department of Youth and Community Development. His outside interests include coding, game design, science and tech development and doing logic puzzle and strategy games. Andrew will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and major in Computer Science.

SALINA LI

Manqing Li - InterContinental NY Times Square

Salina attends Stuyvesant High School and is Captain and Event Leader for the Science Olympiad and the Founder and President of the Biology Research Group. She was a Research Intern at the Peng Neurobiology Laboratory of Columbia University, a Health Intern at Maimonides Emergency Department, and Academi Coach and Teacher at Lea Education and is a published Author, Editor and Designer of a Neuroscience book. She is a Top 10 winner in the International Neuroethics Society IYNA competition and Runner-up in the 2023 NY Times International STEM Competition. Salina will attend Johns Hopkins majoring in Neuroscience.

YI LIN LI

Chong Li - Prince Kitano New York

At Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, Yi Lin is a member of the National Honor Society, a Tutor to students in all Science-related topics, is a member of the INSPIRES Club and is a Photographer for school events. She has worked as a Content Writer for the Urban Yoga Foundation and Volunteered as a Re-stocker & Food handler at a local Farmers Market. Yi Lin’s interests include writing short stories, reading, cooking and exploring NYC. She will attend New York University majoring in Biochemistry.

YI NING LI

Chong Li - Prince Kitano New York

Yi Ning attends Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics and is a member of the National Honor Society, Board Member of the Model United Nations and a member of the Unikey Club. She has worked as a Research Analyst for the Urban Yoga Foundation Interned at the Summer Youth Employment Program and  Volunteered as a Re-stocker & Food handler at a local Farmers Market. Yi Ning’s interests include video games, music and crocheting. She will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Biochemistry.

ELSA LIANG

Xiao Yan Liang - POD 39

At NYC Lab High School, Elsa is a Co-Leader of the Asian Culture Club, a member of the Black Student Union and is a member of the Big Sib Program. Her outside activities include being an After-School Program Aide for the Immigrant Social Services, serving as a Youth Worker at the Chinese American Planning Council, working as a Cashier for a health food restaurant and volunteering for Political Campaigns. Her interests include computer science, psychology and medicine. Elsa will attend Michigan Universit majoring in Nursing.

MERLIN OESTRICH

Rosanne Oestrich - Resorts World Catskills

Merlin attends Monticello High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, a member of the Varsity Baseball Team and a member of the Varsity Cross Country Team. His other activities include service as Volunteer Fire Fighter, volunteering on the Youth Committee in his community, working as a Lifeguard at various locations and working as a Water Safety Instructor for the community Youth Summer Camps. Merlin’s interests include snowboarding, computer engineering and computer science. He will attend SUNY-Oswego majoring in Computer Science.

HALEY PLUMMER

Luke Plummer - Park Lane Hotel

At Bronx High School of Science, Haley is a member of the National Honor Society and Senior Editor of the Dynamo Literary Magazine. Her outside activities include Interning as a Youth Organizer and Leader of the Public Education Committee for the NY Civil Liberties Union, working at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, being a member of the Sophie Davis Health Professions Mentorship Program and participating as a Tech Scholar for the NY Historical Society. Haley will attend Emory University majoring in International Affairs.

JANA REYNOLDS

Martin Reynolds - Encore Group LLC

Jana attends Long Beach High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the National Tri-M Music Honor Society, member of the World Language Honor Society, President of the National Art Honors Society and Treasurer of the HOPE Environmental Club. Co-Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team and plays the Piccolo and Flute for both the Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. Her other activities include volunteering at the VFW, Interning at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, working as a Part-Time Barista at local food establishments and being a Campaign Organizer for the ‘We Help Two Foundation’. Jana will attend Washington & Lee majoring in Geology.

ISABELLA ROBERTSON

Scott Robertson - New York Hilton Midtown Hotel

At The Nightingale-Bamford School, Isabella is the Class Co-President, Editor of the Pulse Journal, the Photo Editor of the Yearbook, member of Prep for Prep, member of the Ladies of Color (LOCS), member of the Latine Club, Founder and Leader of the school’s Artistic Magazine, Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team and member of the Varsity Basketball Team. Her outside activities and experience include having her Photography and Art Work displayed at various exhibitions throughout NYC and being certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA). Isabella will attend Wesleyan University majoring in Visual Arts.

MADISON RODRIGUEZ

Dagoberto Rodriguez - INK 48

At Beacon High School, Madison is the President of the Art Activism Club, Social Media Assistant of the Black Student Union, a member of the Photography Club, a member of the Varsity Softball Team and a Public Address Announcer for the School Spirit Squad. Her other activities include Volunteering at a Home Rehabilitation Facility, working as a Camp Counselor at the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program and working as a Hostess at a local food establishment. Madison will attend Baruch College majoring in Communications.

ALEX RODRIGUEZ

Juan Rodriguez - Harvard Club of NYC

At Saddle River Day School, Alex is a member of the Robotics Club and Plays the Saxophone as a member of the Performing Arts. He’s a member of his Community’s Soccer League, Teaches Catechism for his House of Worship and Volunteers as an Event Manager for “Jesus Walkers”, visiting hospitals, retirement homes and shelters to help those in need. His interests include biking, cooking and reading. Alex will attend Villanova University majoring in Civil Engineering.

YENYBEL RODRIGUEZ

Danielle Rodriguez - Millennium Hilton

At Robert H. Goddard High School of Communication Arts and Technology, Yenybel i a member of the National Honor Society, Secretary for the Council of Student Activities, Captain of the Cheerleading Team and a member of the Soccer Team. Her other activities include being the Teen Ministry Social Media Manager and Senior Altar Server at her Church and volunteering within her community. Her interests include traveling, sports, learning foreign languages and playing multiple instruments; the guitar, piano and violin. Yenybel will be attending Molloy College and major in Nursing.

RONALD SZETO

Ka Kwong Szeto - Gotham Concessions Inc.

At the High School for math, Science and Engineering at City College, Ronald is a member of the ECHO Newspaper Club, the Founder and Head Editor of the Satire Section of the school’s publication, a member of the All Star Code, a member of the Meta Code Nation Fellowship, a participant of Engineering Tomorrow Summer Camp and plays in the Jazz Band. He has also Interned in the EPIC Internship at Teachers College-Columbia University and worked as an Office Assistant at a construction firm. Ronald will attend New York University majoring in Computer Science.

JUSTIN WILLENBACHER

Douglas Willenbacher - Ritz Tower

At St. John’s Preparatory High School, Justin is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Chess Club and a member of the Golf Team. Outside of school, he is a Taekwondo Instructor and 3rd Degree Black Belt and competitive Martial Artist and enrolled at the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology obtaining his Remote Pilot Certification (sUAS). Justin will attend Stevens Institute and major in Mechanical Engineering.

YUNQI WU

Vincent Wu - Hyatt Centric Times Square

At Townsend Harris High School, Yunqi is a member of the key Club, a member of the Orchestra playing both the Violin and the Piano and is involved in the Art Department providing drawings and paintings for the school. She has worked as a Camp Counselor and enjoys helping to care for elementary school children. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, playing sports and doing arts & crafts. Yunqi will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Asian American Studies.

2023 FRANK E. SARIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER

SOFIA LAMDICHI

Hicham Lamdichi - New York Athletic Club

Sofia attends Midwood High School and is the Senior Class President, Captain of the Varsity Basketball Team, member of the Varsity Soccer Team, a member of the Lawyer Connection Club and a paid member of the Student Leadership Team. She is an Intern for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and volunteers Teaching English to Spanish- speaking teenagers. Her interests include reading, knitting, baking, basketball, soccer, sewing and making jewelry. Sofia will major in Political Science at SUNY-Albany.

2023 DIVISION A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER

SAMTEN TENZIN

Ngawang Samten - Shoreham Hotel

At Bronx High School of Science, Samten is the Stage Manager of the school’s Stage Crew, a member of the Book Club and the Editor/News Anchor/Social Media Manager of Wolverine TV. Her other activities include being the Producer & Media Director of Latin Women in Action Podcast, was an Education Intern at the Museum of the City of New York Education Department and was a RTYC NYNJ Speaker on youth involvement in the Free Tibet movement. Her hobbies include reading, crocheting, publishing a Youtube channel and co-owning a Book Instagram. Samten will attend University College London majoring in English Literature.