From left: Darrell Walsh, Pelham Civic Awards Co-Chair & VP Finance,
Nicasia Mangiafridda, Sophia Riviello, Charlotte Cohn, Eloise McGibbon, Kelvin Shehu, Taya Senerchia, Emma Sclumbom,
Tim Case, Pelham Civics President, Jayden T. Alvarez, Richard Davidian, Pelham Civics VP Community Programs, Diego D. Solis

They say that the sign of good leaders is not how many followers they have, but rather how many leaders they create. Pelham is blessed with remarkable schools and exceptional teachers. The result? Great students. To celebrate their greatness, at the PMHS Senior Awards event on June 3, the Pelham Civic Association once again presented nine scholarship and community awards totaling $38,000 to exemplary Pelham students.

Pelham Civic Awards Co-Chairmen were Chris Michailoff and Darrell Walsh. According to Mr. Walsh, “These awards recognize students who are committed to excel academically… and also, who have chosen to invest their time and talent in causes that enhance the lives of our community.”

The recipients and their awards:

WINNER: Taya Senerchia. The VINCENT LOPARDI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham and who best exemplifies outstanding civic pride and community spirit. Recipient will demonstrate active participation in facing community real life problems and issues by offering his or her skills to the needs of the community.

WINNER: Sophia Riviello. The CAMILLO D’URSO CHARITABLE SUPPORT AWARD  is presented to either a high school, college or graduate student who resides in Pelham and who best exemplifies leadership and support in charitable work. Recipient will demonstrate generous actions, donation of time, money, service or help to persons less fortunate or organizations that provide for those in need.

WINNER: Charolette Cohn. The JOSEPH L. NUNZIATA AWARD FOR CREATIVITY AND SERVICE is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham who best represents her or his outstanding creative talents for the benefit of others. This may include creative disciplines such as writing, art, graphic design, photography, and creative and strategic concepts that enhance the lives of others.

WINNER: Emma Sclumborn.  The HILDA MONAGHAN PORTER , RN, PHD, FNB-BC SUPPORT AWARD is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham who desires to apply their talents to the study of disciplines within health and sciences.  This may include medical care, nursing, medicine or dental studies wherein they would benefit others and give back to their community in the future.

WINNER: Eloise McGibbon. The ANTHONY SENERCHIA MEMORIAL SERVICE AWARD is presented to a graduating high school senior residing in Pelham who demonstrates strong community service by giving back to the community. Such actions would be best represented by helping the next generation of students reach their full potential whether through teaching/assisting younger students with after school programs, activities, or studies.

WINNER: Kelvin Shehu. The JUDGE RICHARD DARONCO CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD is awarded to a graduating high school senior who resides in Pelham and who has made a meaningful contribution to civic leadership either through involvement or advocacy. This includes working with federal, state, or local governments, governmental organizations, the courts, civic advocacy, communication and journalism.

WINNER: Nicasia Mangiafridda. The PHILIP J. COLICCHIO LEADERSHIP AWARD, presented each year to the incoming Pelham Memorial High School President of the Student Association, allows for the recipient to attend a leadership conference of her choice.

WINNERS: Jayden T. Alvarez and  Diego D. Solis. The HEART OF A CHAMPION AWARD  These special awards recognize students who go above and beyond in their pursuit of an enriched education.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Civic Association. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.