2025 College Scholarship Winners
Summer 2025
Since its inception, the union’s scholarship program has awarded over $10.8 million in college scholarships to more than 1,255 of our members’ children.
On June 25, 2025, we joined the families of the 38 college scholarship winners at the at the Westin Times Square, to celebrate and honor the academic achievements of these outstanding students. Among this year’s recipients are future biologists, neuroscientists, nurses, economists, filmmakers, computer programmers, and engineers. We wish each of these college-bound students continued success on their academic journeys.
"Forty years ago, in the summer of 1985, hotel workers across New York City went on strike. After 26 days walking the picket line, they won a contract and a brand-new scholarship fund. I hope that you’re proud, like I am, to be a part of this history – of hotel workers who have worked hard and sacrificed to give their kids and the next generation a bright future."
– SAMANTHA KLEIN, HTC General Organizer
Special Thanks to the Gabelli Family
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Elisa Gabelli Wilson, Mario Gabelli, and their family foundation.
This year, the Gabelli family made another very generous contribution to our union’s scholarship fund.
2025 VITO J. PITTA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
AMASHI ARACHCHI
Deepani Alawaha Gamaralage | Hyatt Regency Times SquareAt Bethpage High School, Amashi is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, a member of the Robotics Club and is Treasurer of the Mock Trial Club. Her outside activities include working as a summer Camp Counselor, instructing STEM Workshops, working in her family’s business and interned in the Teaching Hospital at Ratnapura. Amashi is the overall winner of the 2023 and 2024 Annual HTC Writing Contest. She will attend Stony Brook University and major in Chemical Engineering.
VALERIE BUILES
Luis Builes | Sheraton New York Times Square HotelValerie attends Island Trees High School and is the Secretary of the National Honor Society, Co-President of the Brave Club, member of the Key Club, member of the Environmental Club, member of the Spanish Club, member of the Science Research Club, participated in the Science Olympiad and was a member of the Badminton Team. Her outside activities include working at the Scope Summer Program/Camp, volunteering at her Church’s soup kitchen, tutoring students in biology and participating in Brown University’s online Summer Program. Valerie will be attending the University of Miami majoring in Neuroscience.
RYAN CHAIN
Irene Chain | W New York Union SquareRyan attends the Bronx High School of Science and is the House Manager of the member of SING Program in charge of design and merchandising. His volunteer service includes working at the National Humanitarian Fundraising for Myanmar (NHFMM), working as an Assistant to a community Physician where he organizes and tracks electronic medical records/patient charts, updating databases and pro-vides overall support to the office. Ryan’s outside interests include community planning, playing basketball at the YMCA, an appreciation and love for music, streaming content online and playing video games. He will be attending New York University majoring in Civil Engineering.
MAGGIE CHEUNG
Tin-Sang Cheung | The PeninsulaAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Maggie is a member of the National Honor Society and the Secretary and former Treasurer of the Executive Club. Her outside activities include volunteering at the New York Hall of Science instructing on STEM topics. Maggie is a Mentor in the ACE Mentor Program for fostering professional skills, she volunteers virtually at the Southern Connecticut Chinese School teaching reading and writing, and she tutors English and Mathematics for elementary school age children. Maggie is also a NYSS-MA Level 4 Pianist and enjoys journaling. She will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology (RTI) and will major in Civil Engineering.
MOHAMMED ASIF CHOWDHURY
Mohammed Chowdhury | Thompson Central Park HotelMohammed attends the Trinity School and is a member of the Model Congress, President of the Urban Explorers Club, President of the Ping Pong Club, President of the Pickle Ball Club, member of the Varsity Soccer and Wrestling Teams, participant in the Science Olympiad and a member of the Green Team. His other activities include service as a volunteer at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, participating in the Science Research Mentoring Program, completing research at the Columbia Engineering Research Program (SHAPE), and working at Goddard Early Childhood Community Services. Mohammed is also an Advanced Bouldering enthusiast. Mohammed will attend Bowdoin and major in Computer Science.
OCEAN DEGRAAF
Nathan Mcfarlane | Resorts World NYCOcean attends Poly Prep and is Co-Founder of the Race Within Film Club, Co-Leader of the Mixed-Race Affinity Group, Community Service Helper in the Service-Learning Team, member of the Basketball Team and an Actor within all the school’s performances. His other activities include participating as a Cybersecurity student in the NYU/Poly Prep Computer Science Program and participating in the Actors Technique NY Acting Intensive. He has also worked as a Business Development Intern at TrustD Solutions. Ocean will attend New York University and major in Political Science.
ABRAHAM HERNANDEZ
Abraham Hernandez | Hya Regency Times SquareAbraham attends Collegiate School and is Editor in Chief of its history publication 1628, Vice President of the Law Club, performs in the Upper School Chorus, is a Peer Leader mentoring underclassman, is a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, a founding member of the Volleyball Team and a member of the Science Olympiad. His outside activities include interning at a Community Development Corporation, being awarded the LISC AmeriCorp’s Cashin Fellowship and working as a Workforce Development and Media Specialist at Program and volunteering at a Group Family Daycare organization. His interests include history, law, politics, government, sports and fitness. Abraham will attend Williams College majoring in Economics.
ARIANA HERNANDEZ
Claudia Hernandez | Sheraton New York Times Square HotelAriana attends Immaculate Heart Academy and is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the World Language Honor Society, a Peer Mentor, a member of the Baking Club and a member of the Varsity Soball Team. Ariana’s other activities include volunteering at Hackensack Meridan Hospital, volunteering with Camp Acorns helping differently abled community members live enriched and purposeful lives, and providing training lessons for young softball players. Ariana enjoys poetry, music and books and participates in weightliing and fitness training. She will attend the University of Hartford majoring in Psychology.
OLIVIA LANGTON
James Langton | The Dominick Hotel & Conrad NY DowntownAt Montclair High School, Olivia is the Founder and President of the Fiber Arts Club, Founder and President of the American Sign Language Club, a Varsity member of the Rowing Team, and a member of the school’s Tech Crew. She volunteers as a Camp Counselor, is a Small Business Owner and Social Media Influencer focusing on the Fiber Arts, and has attended the Rutgers University Pre-College Screen-writing Program and the Montclair State University Pre-College Film Academy. Olivia will attend Tufts University majoring in Film and Media.
MINYINTA LEMANE
Dora Suraju | InterContinental Barclay New YorkMinyinta attends Bronx Preparatory High School where she is the Secretary of the Korean Honor Society, Founder and Treasurer of the Muslim Students Association, Class Representative in Student Government/Council, a member of the Chess Club, a member of the Coding Club, Co-Captain of the Soccer Team and member of the Softball Team. Her outside activities include interning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, volunteering as a Counselor at a Youth Employment Program, participating in community park clean-ups and being a member of the Girls Who Code organization. Minyinta will attend Bentley University and major in Economics.
ALICE LEUNG
Chung Leung | Dream Downtown, by HyattAlice attends the Bronx High School of Science and is a member of the National Honor Society, Founder and President of the 3D Modeling Club, Programming Department Committee member of the Atom-Hacks Hackathon and Chief of Operations for the Academic Math Journal. Along with her activities at school, she has interned at the Floating Hospital as the Finance and Community Outreach member, volunteers as a Research Assistant with the St. Bonaventure University Chair of Chemistry, and volunteered at the Queens Library. Alice is currently a Scholarship Participant at Columbia University’s Science Honors Program. Alice will attend Princeton University majoring in Electrical Engineering.
CELISE LIN
Chung Min Hung | The BeekmanAt Stuyvesant High School, Celise is the Co-Founder and President of the Taiwanese Club, Secretary General of Administration for the Model United Nations, and is the Co-Leader and Teacher for the Cope With Crochet Club. She interns as a Youth Insights Leader at the Whitney Museum of American Arts, is the Assistant Concertmaster and First Vice Student Body President for the CYCNY Youth Orchestra within the violin section, and works as a Graphic Designer within the textile and merchandising field. Celise will be attending Georgetown University majoring in Business.
SIMON LIU
Gui Fen Lin | POD Times SquareSimon attends Brooklyn Technical High School and is a member of the Chess Club, a member of the Wellness Club and organizes and leads workshops emphasizing mental and physical well-being. His other activities include working as a Campaign Intern for a candidate running for Congress, volunteering as a Community Engagement Leader and a Field Volunteer for two New York State Assembly candidates, volunteering at the Friends of MacDonald Park and working at JAPAN Fes assisting in logistics. Simon’s hobbies include competitive badminton, reading nonfiction, soccer, long-distance running and chess. He will be attending Case Western Reserve University majoring in Political Science.
STEPHANIE LIU
Jian Liu | Park Lane HotelStephanie attends Staten Island Technical High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, a Chemistry Teacher’s Assistant and Demonstration Leader and the Co-President of the Protecting Animals Welfare Club. She volunteers assisting healthcare professionals at Maimonides Medical Center, works at the New York Public Library, tutors various subjects to students in need of academic assistance, has worked at the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HIPREP). She performs in a Chamber Orchestra participating in an ensemble and plays both the Violin and Piano. Stephanie will be attending Hunter College’s Macaulay Honors Program majoring in Biochemistry.
DAMIAN MAZEWSKI
Mariusz Mazewski | W New York Union SquareDamian attends Roselle Park High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, Founder of the Roselle Park Book Club, Founder and Fundraising Co-ordinator of the Honor Society Mentorship Program, is a member of the STEM and Robotic Club, is a member of the Garden Club and is a member of the Soccer Team. His outside activities include interning for the Roselle Park School District as a Tech Assistant, being involved in his church as an Alter Server, participating in the Polish Cub Scouts and volunteering and working on his community’s Arts Festivals. He will be attending Kean University and majoring in Data Analytics.
TAMAR MCPHERSON
Marlon McPherson | Hasbrouck Heights HiltonAt Sussex County Technical School, Tamar is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Spanish National Honor Society, President of the Key Club, member of the Varsity Soccer Team, Peer Mentor for middle school students and a member of the Varsity Track Team. Tamar’s other activities include working as a Math Tutor, being a Referee and Coach in a recreational soccer league, working as a Cashier in a local store and serving as a Youth Employment Trainee with the Sussex County Community College. She will major in Mechanical Engineering at Bucknell University.
NAHOM MENGISTU
Mengistu Mergia | Harvard ClubAt the Manhaan Center for Science and Mathematics, Nahom is the Founder and Lead Mentor of the Tutoring Program, volunteers to teach beginner level coding to his classmates and is involved in the Math and Science Clubs. His outside activities include working as a Research Intern at the American Museum of Natural History, volunteering at his local church, creating applications as an App Designer in the Personal/Congressional App Challenge, volunteering as the Lead educator/Social Worker under the NYC Department of Education and working as an Engineering Apprentice under the Harlem Launch Alliance. Nahom will attend Cornell University and major in Computer Science.
LUBINA NEUPANE
Babu Neupane | The Plaza HotelLubina attends Stuyvesant High School and is a member of the school’s Board of Election, serves as a member of the Tech Crew within its Theatre Community, is a member of the Big Sib organization and is a player and manager of the Varsity Volleyball Team. Her other activities include working as a Youth Leader in the Nepali-speaking community and tutoring at the Scholar Studio teaching Math. Lubina has also interned at a law firm and is an instructor teaching English language courses. Lubina will attend Cornell University and major in Political Science.
ASHLEY PADILLA
Klaudia Molina | Hya Regency MorristownAt Morristown High School, Ashley is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the French Honor Society, President of the Key Club, a member of the French Club, a Peer Group Connections (PGC) Leader, a member of the Health professions Club, and a mentor in the Big Brother-Big Sister organization. She participates in the Latinos United in North America (LUNA) Club, is a four-year member of the Varsity Volleyball Team and a member for the Track & Field Team. Ashley will attend American University and major in Business.
JOSHUA RIVERA
Hector Rivera | Hotel Seville NoMadAt Briarcliff High School, Joshua is a member of the National Honor Society, the Treasurer of the school’s Ensemble Chorus, the founder and manager of the Volleyball Club and is a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field Team. He also works as the Assistant Manager of a local food establishment, provides private tutoring on various subjects, is the Co-Founder of a local moving company business and serves as a Sempai supporting the Sensei at his Karate school. His outside interests include running, reading and cooking. Joshua will attend North Carolina State University and major in Construction Engineering.
JETT ROSADO-TRAN
Tran Trang | St. Regis HotelJett attends NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies and is the Secretary-General of the Model United Nations, a member of the Basketball Team and a member of the Cross Country Team. He was a Research Intern at the CCNY Stem Institute of Research, volunteered as a Child Supervisor at the Midtown West Elementary School, was the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winner for designing an application of exceptional functionality and led a Research Project that was showcased at the American Museum of Natural History. Jett will attend Northeastern University majoring in Computer Science.
AISHA SAID
Adiza Aglonu | The Luxury Collection HotelAt the High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Aisha serves as a Student Equity Ambassador, leads efforts to improve the school’s social justice climate and inclusivity and is the Captain of the Cheerleading Team. She is currently an Intern at the ICAHN School of Medicine’s Center for Excellence in Youth Education programs in the field of biotechnology, has volunteered as a Teacher’s Assistant for the East Harlem Tutorial Program and has interned as a teen volunteer at DOROT, working and connecting with elderly members of the community. Aisha will attend Case Western Reserve University majoring in Nursing.
ANIYA SHAH
Mahmud Shah | The Plaza HotelAniya attends Fort Hamilton High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Senior Council, President of the Board Games Club, Vice President of the Make a Difference Club, member of the Drama Publicity Crew, Manager of the Jewelry Club and member of the Varsity Handball Team. She interned at the NYPD Midtown South Police Precinct accompanying officers on operation, interned at the Women’s Empowerment Coalition of NYC and exhibited her artwork at the local Public Library. Aniya will attend Hunter College majoring in Biology.
MARCO SPANEDDA
Ivo Spanedda | The Four Seasons New York DowntownAt Brooklyn Technical School, Marco is Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Neurodiversity Club, a member of the Jewish Student Union, a member of the Model United Nations and a member of the Varsity Soccer Team. His outside activities include working as a Counselor-in-Training at a boy’s summer camp, volunteering as a Community Service Collaborator, being the Captain of multiple club soccer teams in the community and working weekly as a Child Care Coordinator for three different families. Marco will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara majoring in Economics.
MARISSA TALUSHLLARI
Defrim Talushllari | The Manhattan ClubMarissa aends The Bronx High School of Science and is a Copy Chief and Editor of the school’s newspaper The Science Survey, is a member of the Girls Who Code Club and a volunteer for many school activities. Her other activities include working as a Teaching Assistant at a learning institute, being a self-employed tutor for middle school children for SHSAT preparation and volunteering as a tutor for reading and writing subjects at an educational organization. Marissa’s interests include reading, cooking, baking and writing. She will attend Fordham majoring in English.
TENZIN TENPHEL
Rinzen Wangmo | Loews Regency HotelAt Forest Hills High School, Tenzin is a member of the National Honor Society, Co-President of the Society of Engineering Club, a member of the Robotics Club and Captain of the Track and Field Team specializing in the Sprinting and Pole Vault groups. His outside activities include interning as an Explainer at the NY Hall of Science, lifeguarding at a community pool and delivering Public Speaking presentations at Socratic seminars. Tenzin will attend Northeastern University majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
SAMANTHA TICOL
Samuel Ticol | Thompson Central Park HotelSamantha attends Sachem High School North and is a member of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Business and Marketing Honor Society, member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, member of the Math Honor Society, member of the Science Honor Society and Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team. Her other activities include volunteering at the community Public Library, volunteering for the Leos Club and working at her Church reaching out to communities in need. Samantha will attend Binghamton University majoring in Accounting.
ALFRED WONG
Bill Weisheng | The Pierre HotelAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Alfred is a member of the Aerospace Engineering Club, member of the Math Club and a member of the Asian Diversity Inspired Club. His outside activities and experience include working at the Chinese-American Planning Council, tutoring elementary school children in academics, volunteering at a food pantry, participating in a Swim Club, playing the piano and being a certified lifeguard. Alfred will attend the University of Virginia majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
FANNY WU
Ai Hua Chen | Thompson Central Park HotelAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Fanny is the Executive of the Finance Club, member of Girls Who Code, member of the Interact Club, member of the Varsity Handball Team and Manager of the Boys’ Soccer Team. Fanny’s other activities include being a Marketing Intern at the Summer Design Institute, volunteering at a community Pharmacy, interning at the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, working at an Optical Boutique and volunteering as a Design Marketing Intern at the Cultured Kids Cuisine. Fanny will attend Binghamton University majoring in Accounting.
ANGELA YAN
Yue Hua Rong | Public HotelAt New Dorp High School, Angela is a member of the National Honor Society, Co-President of the Algebr Club, Content Media Manager of the Pre-Drivers Club, member of the Asian Culture Club and a member of the Girls Who Code club. Her other activities include working as a Data Analyst Aide, volunteering as a Teaching Assistant, interning as a Graphic Designer, working as a tutor at a local music center and participating in the SEM Program at Columbia University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Angela will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Bio-chemistry.
RYAN YANG
Xue Li | The Westin New York at Times SquareAt Fort Hamilton High School, Ryan is the Assistant Advisor of the Historical Debate Club, member of the Make a Difference Club, member of the Chess Club and member of the Track and Field Team. His other activities include being an Assistant Instructor teaching elementary school children, serving as an Assistant Counselor for the United East Athletics Association, volunteering at the Chinese-American Planning Council and working as a self-employed childcare coordinator. Ryan will be attending George Washington University and is majoring in Business.
JIAYI YU
Rui Yan Yu | The Dominick HotelAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Jiayi is a member of the Outreach Club, the Vice-President of the Mahjong Club and a member of the Paw Patrol. Outside of school, she is a volunteer tutor helping elementary school children, a paid teacher at the Elite Learning Goup, Inc. and is a Student Community Volunteer for the SYEP NYCID Younger Youth Program. Her interests include crocheting, sewing, reading, writing, volleyball, photography and jewelry making. Jiayi will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Biochemistry.
SARAH ZEKRIKHANFRI
Mohamed Larbi Zekrikhanfri | St. RegisAt Cliffside Park High School, Sarah is a member of the Psychology National Honor Society, member of the Science National Honor Society, Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team, member of the Varsity Spring & Indoor Track Team and is a member of the Wonder Girls Society. She is a Camp Counselor for Children with Special Needs, volunteers at the Humanities Academy and is the recipient of the 2025 NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Award and Scholarship. Sarah will attend Rutgers University majoring in Finance.
WEN ZHANG
Chun Huan Wu | The Bowery HotelAt Stuyvesant High School, Wen is a member of the Competitive Coding Club and Captain of the Track and Field Team. Outside of school, he manages a local food outlet, is a mentor at the Google Research Program, is a Coordinator at the NYC Teens for 9 million Reasons coordinating food distribution, and participates in Columbia’s Engineering Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE). Wen will attend Cornell and major in Computer Science.
OLIVIA ZHOU
Yizheng Zhou | Yotel New YorkAt Staples High School, Olivia is a member of the Model United Nations, Captain of the Fencing Team and member of the Culinary Club. Her other activities include interning at the Queens Botanical Garden, volunteering as a Teacher’s Assistant tutoring academics, and focusing on environmental studies and urban planning. Her hobbies include drawing, arts and crafts, and filling sketchbooks. Olivia will attend North Carolina State University majoring in Horticulture.
2025 DIVISION A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
DANNY LI
Hui Ying Che & Jian Yua Li | Arthouse HotelAt the NYC Lab School, Danny is the Founder and Leader of the Mahjong Club. His other activities include being the Lead Game Developer at Roblox, interning as an Athletics Coordinator at Apex for Youth-Athletics, being an e-commerce Business Owner where he creates and sells digital merchandise, working on coding games/apps and working at the Summer Youth Employment Program instructing elementary school children. Danny will attend New York University majoring in Computer Science in Engineering.
ABRIL TREJO ROCHA
Eduardo Trejo | Arthouse HotelAt Lynbrook High School, Abril is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice-President and Secretary of the American Sign Language (ALS) Club, writer for the school newspaper The Horizon, member of the Culture Club and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Her other activities and interests include volunteering for community service, mentoring students, writing stories, drawing and singing. Abril will attend Hofstra University majoring in Biology with a specialization in Neuroscience.
2025 FRANK E. SARIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER
ASHRAF ASIM
Ashrafuz Zaman | Metropolitan ClubAt Queens High School for Sciences at York College, Ashraf is a member of the ARISTA Honors Roll and has been a Peer Mentor in math and science over the course of his four years. His outside activities include working as Manager and Head Tutor at a community tutoring center, Organizer of a Geocaching Group, working as a Graphic Designer, teaching chess at a Youth Employment Program and being a Food Reviewer where he writes detailed reviews across NYC. Ashraf will attend Cornell and major in Mathematics.
