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John Ceretto is promoting education. |
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These lovely Italian American costumes will bring mirth and joy to Italians and non Italians alike. |
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The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators, a bipartisan organization of Assembly and Senate members of Italian descent, will award scholarships to four future or current college students.
Locally, Italian-American Assemblyman, John Ceretto (R,C,I-Lewiston), announced the allotment of the conference — totaling $10,000 statewide, $2,500 each to be handed to four students in New York State — two for academic accomplishments, and two for athletic and extracurricular endeavors.
"With college tuition costs rising, it's important that students take advantage of the countless scholarship opportunities our state offers. The Italian-American scholarship provides needed support for students facing heavy financial burdens after graduation," said Ceretto.
Students applying for the academic scholarship must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5, and students applying for the athletic scholarship must be involved in organized sports or participate in extracurricular activities in their community.
Scholarship eligibility will be based on the student's GPA, interest in pursuing a higher education, involvement in the local community, as well as individual financial need.
There is nothing on the scholarship application or in information released by the conference that requires the applicant to identify if he or she is of Italian-American descent, or how Italian-American descent is defined.
The Italian-American Conference's stated mission is to "work to elevate and highlight Italian-American contributions to the State of New York and beyond, in all aspects of society, including literature, the arts, architecture and politics. The conference also tries to dispel negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans."
Scholarships are scheduled to be awarded at the Conference's Annual Legislative Conference Day Italian Festival at the Capital, on June 8.
To request applications, contact Assemblyman, John Ceretto by email, cerettoj@assembly.state.ny.us, by phone at 716-282-6062; or pick up an application at Assemblyman Ceretto's district office 800 Main Street, Suite 2C, Niagara Falls, and once completed, return applications to Assemblyman Ceretto's district office no later than April 27.
The approximately 50 members of the Italian-American contingent in the state legislature comprises more than 20 percent of the 213 state legislators (150 assembly members, 63 senators).
This is higher than the percentage of Italian-Americans in New York State (15.8%).
The top ancestry groups in New York State are:
1. Italian-American (15.8%),
2. African-American (14.4%),
3. Hispanic (14.2%),
4. Irish (12.9%),
5. German (11.1%),
6. English (6%),
7. Polish (5.27%)
Among the members whose surnames represent a fine flowering of family names from Italy and Sicily are Senators Andrew Lanza, David Carlucci, Ken LaValle, Joseph A. Griffo, Diane Savino, and George Amedore.
Besides Ceretto, Assemblyman Matthew Titone, Joseph Borelli Anthony J. Brindisi, Donna Lupardo, Chad Lupinacci, Andrew Garbarino, Mike Spano, and Phil Palmesano are also members.