Tribute & Honor Foundation Announces Ben Farnan Scholarship Recipients

The Tribute and Honor Foundation proudly awarded the 2024 Ben Farnan Scholarships to Glen Cove High School graduates Mark LaRocca and Ruben Martinez. These exemplary young men, who have chosen to serve the nation by entering the military, each received a $1,000 scholarship on behalf of the Tribute and Honor Foundation in recognition of their dedication and patriotism. The award ceremony, which highlighted the values of community and service, was a heartfelt celebration attended by numerous dignitaries and community members.

"It was our great honor and privilege to celebrate Mark and Ruben's commitment to our country," said Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation. "Their decision to serve is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to support them as they embark on this incredibly important and honorable path."

Glen Cove High School Principal Allen Hudson shared in the celebration, stating, "Mark and Ruben exemplify the best of our student body. Their dedication to serving our country reflects the values we strive to instill in all our students. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and future endeavors."

The evening was enriched by the presence of Korean War veteran Ben Farnan, after whom the scholarship is named. Mr. Farnan shared inspiring stories of service, fostering a deep sense of community and patriotism among the attendees.

"I am deeply impressed by Mark and Ruben, not only for their commitment to serve our nation but also for their outstanding character and achievements," remarked Ben Farnan, Korean War veteran and namesake of the scholarship. "The military is fortunate to have such dedicated and exemplary individuals joining its ranks."

Mark LaRocca, a high school senior graduating with the class of 2024 at Glen Cove High School and Nassau BOCES Barry Technical High School, distinguished himself as an honors student and a four-year, three-season scholar-athlete. He held leadership positions in DECA, Student Senate, Ski Club, TV Studio, and Bands. Mark is an active member of Shelter Rock Church in Syosset, participating in the youth group and Bible study. With the support of his family, Mark connected with a Navy recruiter during a college fair in his sophomore year and enlisted in the U.S. Navy via their Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in the summer of 2023.

Ruben Martinez, also a high school senior graduating with the class of 2024 at Glen Cove High School, excelled in sports as a member of the baseball, track, and basketball teams. He was involved in clubs such as Chess, Anime, Mindfulness, and DECA and completed over 900 hours of community service during high school. Inspired by a family friend who served in the Marines, Ruben decided in his sophomore year to join the Marines and will enter boot camp at Parris Island in August. His involvement with Glen Cove EOC, including the Summer Youth program and various community initiatives, has been pivotal in fostering his dedication to service. Ruben credits his mom, Anna Perez, and teachers like Angela Hall and Principal Allen Hudson for their support and inspiration.

The celebration was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Glen Cove High School Principal Allen Hudson, Assistant Superintendent Andrew DiNapoli, Glen Cove EOC Program Director Irma Jeanty, Shelter Rock Church Pastor Jerry O’Sullivan, and Liaison Members Vice Commander of VFW Post 347 Howard Stillwagon, Commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336 Luke Whitting, Senior Director of Patient and Customer Experience at Northwell Health Sue Rassekh, President and Founder of Heroes Among Us Virginia Cervasio, President of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce Dr. Maxine Mayreis, and Wayne and Lisa Cohen representing Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc.

The event was made possible through the unwavering support of the community and the dedicated members of the Tribute and Honor Foundation board, the Co-Founder and Member Emeritus, and the Liaison Members.

The board includes Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews (President), Connie Pinilla, Esq. (1st Vice President), Harold Bollaci, Esq. (2nd Vice President), Angelina Stanco-Stone (Secretary), Thomas Bunger (Treasurer), Mike Gadaleta (Community Engagement Officer), and Lydia Wen Rodgers (Online and Media Content Officer). The Co-Founder and Member Emeritus is Jeanine DiMenna.

Liaison Members are John Blazich and John Sullivan (Glen Cove Boy Scout Troop 6), Eva Casale (Team E.V.A.), Virginia Gaudio Cervasio (Heroes Among Us), Wayne and Lisa Cohen (Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc.), Fred DiMenna, PhD (Community Support), Roger Kilfoil (Honor Flight Long Island), Dr. Maxine Mayreis (Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce), Andrea Nordquist (Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14), Susan Rassekh (Glen Cove Hospital Northwell Health), Howard Stillwagon (VFW Post 347), Mary Suddell (Glen Cove and Emerge Centers for Nursing and Rehabilitation), and Luke Whitting (Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336).

During the evening, Tribute and Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews emphasized the Foundation's appreciation, stating, "Gratitude is extended to the sponsors of the annual Award Ceremony, the sustaining members, and all who partner with us in our mission to serve veterans, active military members, and their families."

The board expressed its thanks to Pastor Jerry Turner and the congregation of Salem Baptist Church for providing the venue, to Deacon Watson for coordinating the space, and to the volunteers who ensured the event's success, including Dean Mayreis, Jesse Mayreis, Jim Stevenson-Mathews, and Peter LaRocca.

For more information on the Tribute and Honor Foundation, including details on the Annual Awards Ceremony and Fundraising Gala, visit www.tributeandhonorfoundation.org.