2026 College Scholarship Winners
Summer 2026
For over 40 years, the union's scholarship program has provided over 1,000 of our members’ children with financial support to pursue their dreams of a college education. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded over $10.8 million.
On June 24, 2026, we joined the families of this year's college scholarship winners at the Westin Times Square to celebrate their achievements and the bright futures before them.
“I hope you are proud of your achievement. You worked hard, you studied hard, you dealt with the stress, you did all the college applications, and you succeeded,” HTC President Rich Maroko said to the room packed with college-bound high school graduates and their proud union parents.
“To the parents, I hope you're proud of yourselves too, because behind a student that succeeds is a home that encourages the pursuit of learning and, of course, a parent working hard every day so that your child could be eligible for this scholarship program.”
Special thanks to the Gabelli Family
Our union is very grateful 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!
2026 VITO J. PITTA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
ISABEL ANG
William Ang | Westin Times SquareAt Bronx High School of Science, Isabel is a member of the Marine Biology Club, Senior Leader in its Science Olympiad, a member of the Key Club, is the staff Photographer for the school’s literary magazine and a Teacher’s Assistant. Her outside activities include working as a Discovery Guide Leader for the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Queens Zoo, working as a Youth Environmental Advocate Intern and presents at the annual Youth Conservation Summit at the New York Aquarium. Isabel’s interests include Photography, Birdwatching, writing fantasy stories and playing Badminton. She will attend Cornell University and major in Environmental Sciences.
ILAYDA ATMACA
Yilmaz Atmaca | Waldorf AstoriaIlayda attends Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, President and Founder of the Physics Club, Captain and 4-year member of the Varsity Volleyball Team, Manager of the Boys Volleyball Team, Tutors fellow students in various subjects and Volunteers for the Annual Art Show. Her outside activities include being Captain of the Creole Big Apple 16th National Volleyball Team, Volunteers at community Art Shows in the City and has worked within the community providing communication on important issues. Ilayda will be attending Purdue University majoring in Civil Engineering.
IFAZ AYAAN
Ifjal Ahmed | The London, Luxury CollectionIfaz attends the Brooklyn Technical High School and is a member of the Afterschool Collective where he tutors students in Coding and Robotics. His volunteer service includes working at ACE Mentor Program of Greater NYC assisting in Construction Design, interned at SYEP working on Architecture and Construction Projects, interned at the SUST Alumni Association handling Logistics and Communications and has worked as a Youth Educator and Mentor at the Backyard tutoring subjects such as Grammer and Algebra. Ifaz’s outside interests include developing applications, participating in the Chinese New Year Parade and gardening. He will be attending Stony Brook University majoring in Data Science.
JANICE CHAN
Huan Tong Li | Ludlow HotelAt Stuyvesant High School, Janice is Vice President of the Spectrum, GSA Club. Her outside activities include volunteering at the Sadie Nash Summer Institute for Women & Gender Studies, tutoring at the Metis Project providing Math and SHSAT instruction to K-8 students and participates in community organizations and neighborhood outreach. Janice is the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council’s first place winner within its Narrative Category in its Annual Writing Contest. She will be attending Hunter College and will major in Human Biology.
JEREMIAH CHARIAH
Oral Chariah | Hyatt Grand CentralJeremiah attends Scholars Academy and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Senior Class Salutatorian, member of the Robotics Club, member of the Neurology Club, and a member of the Math and Chemistry Clubs. His other activities include service as a volunteer at the Faith Assembly Community Outreach, is an Audio/Visual Technician for Faith AV & Media Ministry and plays the Piano and Keyboard for community ministries. His interests include Photography, exploring and enjoying nature and being active in community and health services. Jeremiah will attend Hunter College’s Macaulay Honors Program and major in Biology.
CATHY CHEN
Mei Xin Li | Crowne Plaza HY36 MidtownCathy attends Brooklyn Technical High School and is the Event Coordinator for the Key Club, participates in the school’s Student Leadership Program, is a member of the Finance Club and volunteers in the Outreach Club. Her other activities include volunteering at Invest in Girls, working as a Teacher’s Aide at Excel Prep and participating in Exploring Finance and Futures and Options organizations. Her interests include Investing, Linguistics, Badminton, Table Tennis, Reading, Fashion, Drawing and Arts & Crafts. Cathy will attend the University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School of Business and major in Finance.
FARHA CHOWDHURY
Mohammad Alam | Loews Regency HotelFarha attends Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and is Vice President of the National Honors Society, President of the Red Cross Club, member of the Alzheimer’s Association, a member of the Varsity Tennis Team and a Teen Leader at SOA’s Our World Neighborhood Charter School. Her outside activities include being a Canteen Volunteer at the New York Blood Center, working as a Discovery Guide for WCS – Central Park Zoo and working at Read Alliance tutoring elementary school students. Her interests include Photography and Film production, creating and maintaining a Cultural Social Media Platform, promoting the Sciences and Healthcare awareness and Problem-Solving. Farha will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Clinical Lab Science.
NDEYE DIENG
Cheikh Dieng | St. Regis HotelNdeye attends Mamaroneck High School and is a Co-President of the Sister’s Keeper Club and Co-Moderator of the Multicultural Student Union. Her other activities include volunteering at White Plains Hospital, volunteering with the Larchmont and Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force, worked as an Assistant Counselor for the CO-OP Summer Enrichment Camp and worked as a Medical Assistant at the Migrants Medical Check-up. Ndeye also has raised funds for Childhood Cancer Research, shadowed physicians at the Otolaryngology Clinic at Jacobi Hospital and Babysits children with Special Needs and Autism. She will attend Iona University majoring in Nursing.
CHRISTINA DOLKAR
Nancy L. Dolma | Hilton Club–The Quin New YorkAt Academy Finance and Enterprise High School, Christina is a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Asian American Club, Vice President of the Glamour Girls and a member of the National Business and Marketing Society. She volunteers at the Sunnyside Community Service Center, has interned at KNOPRO where she creates instructional videos for environmental issues and is a recipient of the 2025 Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certificate. Christina will attend Fordham University majoring in Business.
KELVIN DURAN
Arnoldo Duran | Residence Inn Times SquareKelvin attends Division Avenue High School where he volunteers assisting his instructors in posting daily homework assignments for his classmates in Google Classroom. His many outside activities include volunteering as a Sports Counselor at the Carousel Youth Summer Camp, working as a Teaching Assistant at a STEM Camp, working as a Crew Member at an international food establishment and interning as a Junior Counselor supervising various activities for its youth members. Kelvin will attend St. John’s University and major in History.
EMMA FERNANDEZ
Rafael Fernandez | Levy RestaurantsEmma attends St. Francis Prep High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the History Honor Society, the Science Honor Society and the Math Honor Society. At school, she is also Vice President of the Pre-Med Club, a Tutor for her classmates and is 1st Chair in the school Band where she plays the Flute. Along with her activities at school, she has interned at NY Presbyterian Hospital Queens, volunteers at the Ozone Park Block Association/Lions Club, volunteered at Jamaica Hospital and is certified in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED. Emma will attend New York University majoring in Nursing.
ALEXANDER GARCIA
Yolaida Garcia | The Chatwal HotelAt St. John’s Preparatory High School, Alexander is the President of the Spanish Club, Vice President of the Photography Club, Journalist for the Crescent Tower newspaper, a member and Resource Manager for the Youth Leadership Council and a member of the Campus Life Ministries Team. Outside of school, he serves on the NYPD 83rd Precinct Explorers Program where he ranks as a Corporal, is a member of the Columbia University Honors Program and volunteers his time and energy to various community organizations. Alexander will be attending Fordham University majoring in Psychology.
GABRIEL GATTI
Surisaday Salcedo | The Pierre New YorkGabriel attends The Scholar’s Academy and is a member of the Computer Science Club, a member of the Model United Nations delegation, a member of the Engineering Student Union and Treasurer for the Student Government. His other activities include being a member of the Explorers Program, working as a student Researcher in Physics at the Columbia University Science Honors Program and is a Designer and National Competitor at the Go Kart Engineering and Racing Association. Gabriel will be attending Brown University majoring in Physics.
DADEN GHISING
Penpa Tsering | The EmpireDaden attends Forest Hills High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Himalayan Student Association and Editor of the Yearbook Club. She volunteers assisting healthcare professionals at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, is the Founder of her community’s Youth STEM Sparkers program, is a Student Teacher tutoring at a Tibetan School, serves as an Instructor at a Taekwondo School, volunteers at her local libraries and is a member of Operation Smile nonprofit organization. Daden will be attending Rutgers University majoring in Biology.
ALDANE GRUBB
Elenor Bennett-Porter | EVEN Midtown EastAldane attends Clara Barton High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Track and Field Team, an Office Aide for the school’s Health Professions Office, a member and Decorator for the Changemaker Club and participates in the Career Exploration Pilot program. His outside activities include being a Peer Mentor at the Brooklyn Excelsior Charter School, an Activities Aide at the Crown Heights Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation and has completed College Now courses at Medger Evers College. Aldane will be attending SUNY Buffalo and majoring in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
HANNAH HERNANDEZ
Abraham Hernandez | Hyatt Regency Times Sq.At The Nightingale-Bamford School, Hannah is an Elected Representative of the Global Planning Committee, Co-Founder of the Nightingale Reads & Scenes organization, member of the Ladies of Color Stand, Player and Manager of the Varsity Softball Team, Tour Guide for the school’s Admission Office and Choreographer for the Dance Collective. Her other activities include interning at the LISC Americorps Cashin Fellow serving as a Media Specialist, cooking at the Brick Street Church, volunteering at the Grand Street Guild NAAC and is a member of the Aviator Figure Skating Club as a sanctioned USFSA skater. Hannah will major in Political Science at Williams College.
FERRIS IBRAHIM
Maher Ibrahim | New York Hilton MidtownAt High Tech High School, Ferris is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Debate & Mock Trial Team, serves as a Liaison & Class Representative for the Student Council and is a member of the Welding Lab. His outside activities include being a certified Black Belt in Taekwondo, working as an Assistant Coach at a Martial Arts Institute, working as a Construction Assistant for a Renovation Business and volunteering as a Nurse’s Assistant at Holy Name Medical Center. Ferris will attend Seton Hall-Stevens Institute and major in Physics and Mechanical Engineering.
MELANIE JASTRZEBSKI
Krzysztof Jastrzebski | St. Regis HotelMelanie attends West Babylon High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, is a participant of the Science Olympiad, is a member of the Math Club, a member of the Chess Club, a member of the Math Honor Society, plays for the Varsity Soccer and Track & Field Club and is a Level 7 Gymnast. Her other activities include working at a store in the Retail Industry, works as a Teaching Assistant at a Polish Supplementary school and volunteers at Athletes Helping Athletes. Melanie will attend Rutgers University-Honors and major in Accounting.
RYAN LAI
Sherry Lai | Pod Times SquareAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Ryan is Vice President of Business Management and Administration for the Distributive Education Club of America, Lead of Operations for the Robotics Club, represents his school at the DECA’s International Business competition and leads the Mock Trial And Moot Court Teams. His outside activities include interning for the Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Program, working as the Head of Financials at the Youth Charitable Investment Corp., being the CEO and Divisional Director of EZ Esports and serving as an Intern/Paralegal for several law firms. Ryan will attend Vanderbilt University and major in Economics.
SYEDA LAIBA
Syed Laiba | St. Regis HotelAt The Young Woman’s Leadership School of Astoria, Syeda is a member of the Computer Science Honor Society, the Outreach & Design Lead of the Mechatronics Robotics Team and is Co-President of the Astronomy Club. She also works as a Coding Peer Tutor, assists in Tutoring middle schoolers in technical coding and hackathons and enjoys developing services and medical applications to assist people in locating more affordable groceries and medical care. Syeda will attend Queens College Honors Program and major in Computer Science.
MARY LEMA
Pascual Lema | Warwick HotelMary attends Aviation High School and is a member of the Parson’s Scholar Program and is an accomplished Designer having built and finished a fully formed Aileron, which is used in airplane wings to control the aircraft in rolling and banking. She is a Hybrid Student Coder for America on Tech, interned at LI International, is certified in IBM UX Fundamentals, was a Design and Content Intern at SYEP, is a Youth Mentor at Our Lady of Sorrows and is a Pianist. Her skills and interests include Sheet Metal fabrication, welding, coding and Graphic Design. Mary will attend CCNY Macaulay Honors Program majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
XIN LU
Jiahong Lu | Bowery HotelAt Midwood High School, Xin is a member of the Green Team, an organization aimed at making her school eco-friendlier. She is currently an Intern at Health Scholars at Maimonides Hospital, interned at the NY Historical Society, volunteers at DOROT sharing her time with the elderly, was a Student Researcher at Brooklyn College, interned at Tribeca Pediatrics, was a Fellow at the Climate Change Leaders, was an Intern for the Women in Science organization and has worked within the SYEP as well as for a local creamery establishment. Xin will attend Binghamton University majoring in Biochemistry.
AMANDA LUO
Ying Xian Luo | The New Yorker HotelAmanda attends Staten Island Technical High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Rainbow Vision Club, President of the Arts and Crafts Club, a Teacher’s Assistant in the subject of Chemistry, Manager of the Girls Tennis Team and member of the Girls Bowling Team. Her other activities include volunteering at the New York Blood Center, interning at the Summer Design Institute, being named the 2025 ACTR Russian Scholar Laureate and is certified in First Aid CPR/AED Training. Amanda will attend Tufts University majoring in Biology.
ANGELINA MALLA
Punam Rana Magar | Courtyard by Marriott U.E.S.At the Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, Angelina is a member of the Fencing Team, Manager of the Tennis Team and Manager of the Track and Field Team. Her outside activities include working as a Retailer for a large Retail/Clothing store, volunteering as a Community Service Coordinator at the Greater Jersey Nepali Samaj, working as a Researcher for an Independent Project and enjoys Journaling. Angelina will attend Rutgers University majoring in Psychology.
GABRIELA MCGRUE
Kelvin Mcgrue | The Baccarat HotelGabriela attends Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science & Engineering and is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Green Team Environmental Club, a 3-year member of the Volleyball Team, Manager of the Black Student Union and Choreographer/Editor of the school’s Showcase Dance Team. Her other activities include working as an Intern for the Bronx River Alliance’s Environmental Enrichment Program, volunteering as a Crafter for children in a hospital, being an active member of the Girl Scouts, volunteering as a Tutor for various subjects at an elementary school and preforming at Carnegie Hall playing the Piano. Gabriela will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Biology.
CODY MO
Jing Yan Guan | Park Central Hotel New YorkAt The Bronx High School of Science, Cody is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Varsity Swimming Team, a Discussion Leader for the Guidance Department, serves as a Photographer for the Noteworthy publication and is a participant of the Pre-Medical and Pharmaceutical Clubs. His outside activities include mentoring at the Institute for Basic Research, lifeguarding for the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, acting as a Program Coordinator for the Chinatown Literacy Program, tutoring Math and serves as a Youth Coordinator for the Hotel Chinese Association of USA. Cody will attend Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Science.
BRENDA MORENO-ARIAS
Fatnori Arias Galvez | Courtyard by Marriott Newark ElizabethBrenda attends Hanover Park High School North and is First Chair in the Jazz Band/Brass Ensemble, Drum Major in the Marching Band and a Core Executive Board Leader in the Mock Trial Team. Her other activities include volunteering as a First Aid Squad member, having completed her EMT training and working as a Shift Supervisor for a large retail chain. Brenda’s interests include playing numerous musical instruments, playing video games, exploring and Stich Collecting. She will attend Northeastern University majoring in Biochemistry.
STEPHANIE OTENG-DAMOAH
Maxwell Damoah | New York Hilton MidtownAt The Calhoun School, Stephanie is a Student Ambassador for the Cougar Society, a member of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, a Facilitator for the Black Affinity Group, a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, a member of the Varsity Basketball Team and a member of the Varsity Track Team. Her outside activities include working as a Basketball Coach for young children, serving as an Academic Mentor to the youth community through Breakthrough New York and interning as a Finance Researcher for the Macquarie Investment Group. Stephanie will attend Duke University majoring in Global Health.
LORENZO PENNOLINO
Larry Pennolino | Beekman Tenant CorporationAt Archbishop Molloy High School, Lorenzo is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Chess Club and Programming, Computer Graphics and 3D Design Leader of the STEAM Club. His other activities include tutoring elementary school students in various subjects, working as a Cashier/Crew Member at a local food establishment and working as a Front Desk Receptionist at a local funeral home. Lorenzo will attend St. John’s University majoring in Accounting.
ASHTON RAMTAHAL
Rosa B. Dominguez | Lowell HotelAt Christ The King High School, Ashton is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Speech & Debate Team, Leader of Programming for the Robotics Club, member of the Theatre Program, participant of the Annual Poetry Slam and member of the Varsity Bowling Team. His other activities and interests include Peer-to-Peer tutoring, being certified in American Sign Language and volunteering for numerous community groups. Ashton will attend Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology majoring in Computer Science.
MIA SALVADOR
Jon M. Salvador | New York Hilton MidtownAt East Rockaway High School, Mia is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Key Club, Vice President of the Student Council, Secretary of the Health Occupations Students of America, President of the Peer Leaders, Anchor for the Morning Announcement Crew and member of the Volleyball Team. Her other activities include being a Leader of Peer-to-Peer tutoring, playing for a collective Inter-School Lacrosse League and playing/coaching CYO Volleyball. Mia will be attending Binghamton University and major in Biology.
SAMUEL STARK
Adriana Gorska | EVEN Hotel Times SquareAt the John F. Kennedy High School, Samuel is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish Honor Society, member of the Varsity Football Team, 4-year member of the Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, member of the Key Club, member of the Culture Club, member of the Spring Track Team, member of the Esports Team and a member of the Iron & Steel Club. Outside of school, he has participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Walks and Fundraising and Leads a Peer-to-Peer Virtual Enterprise Corporation. Samuel will attend SUNY Buffalo majoring in Marketing.
TIMALY XU
Nongfang Xu | Pod Times Square HotelAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Timaly is Executive Art Director of the Darwish Fanatics Literary Club, member of the Greenthumb Club, member of the Youth Oceanic Initiative Club, an Instrumentalist in the Ohana Lion Dance/Dragon Boat Club and a participant in the Organic Chemistry Lab organization. She is a Tutor at Mustard Seed Tutoring and is interested in Drawing and Flipping Coins. Timaly will attend Stony Brook University-Honors majoring in Chemistry.
NICOLE ZHANG
Christine Cheung | 1 Hotel Brooklyn BridgeAt The Brooklyn Latin School, Nicole is a member of the Asian Student Alliance, member of the Crochet and Calligraphy Club and is a member of the Finance Club. Outside of school, she volunteers at the Creator’s Voice assisting students with Math and English, volunteers at the Korean American Association of Greater New York and works as an Independent Seller for Mercari. Her interests include 3D Modeling, Photography, Painting and creating Dioramas. Nicole will attend Binghamton University and major in Nursing.
MICHELLE ZHOU
Shi Qiao Zhou & Ming Hua Zou | The New Yorker Hotel & Modern Haus SohoAt Edward R. Murrow High School, Michelle is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Key Club, member of the Math Club, member of the Journalism Club, Band Leader for SING!, performer in the Theatre Productions Club, is a member of the PYT Orchestra where she plays the Clarinet for music ensembles and is Lead Music Librarian, training incoming staff in event procedures and cataloging. She also volunteers at the YouCan Tutoring Center teaching elementary school children. Michelle will attend Stony Brook University majoring in Biology.
2026 FRANK E. SARIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER
SOFIA ARANGO
Jhon L. Tejada Cabreja | The Harvard ClubAt Saunders Trades and Technical High School, Sofia is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Newspaper Club, member of the Art Club, a Mentor for incoming Freshman, participant in Club 90, Class Representative within the Architecture Program, is a member of the Music Club and plays on the Softball Team. Her outside activities include teaching at the Alvin Ike Youth 4 Christ Mission, volunteering at the Homeless Coat Drive, volunteering to Clean Houses for the disabled, working as an Assistant Teacher in a NYC Public School and creating and selling Flower Arrangements. Sofia will attend The City College of New York (CCNY) and major in Architecture.
2026 DIVISION A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
KATE HUJSA
Robert Edward Hujsa Jr | Arthouse HotelAt Immaculate Heart Academy, Kate is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a member of the Art Honor Society, a member of the International Thespians Honor Society, is a Representative on the Student Council, is a member of the Varsity Swim Team and is a member of the Varsity Flag Football Team. Her other activities include working as a Beach & Pool Lifeguard, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Altar Server at her house of worship, volunteering as a Leader in the C.A.R.E. Outreach organization, serving as a member of the Christian Service Board and working as a Swim Instructor for young children. Kate will attend Siena College majoring in Nursing.
MELANIE KACZOR
Margaret Kaczor | Concorde HotelAt Brooklyn Technical High School, Melanie is the Founder and Project Leader for the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam, President and Biology Captain for the Science Olympiad, Co-President of the Biotech Club and is a STEM Club Representative at MIT’s EurekaFest. Her other activities include volunteering at the NY Hall of Science, serving as Engagement Lead for the Alzheimer’s Association, acting as a Student Researcher for the Weston Research Scholars Program and interning within the Bioinformatics area of NASA GeneLab. Melanie will attend Syracuse University majoring in Science.
OLAF TUR
Tomasz Tur | 6 Columbus Central Park HotelAt Sachem East High School, Olaf is a 3-year member of the Varsity Swim Team and is a Peer-to-Peer Tutor for SAT courses and additional subjects. His other activities and interests include volunteering at the Public Library, being a Level 5 NYSSMA Pianist and working as a Lifeguard. Olaf will attend Purdue University majoring in Actuary Studies.