2 Seniors Earn Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Scholarships For Service

LARCHMONT/MAMARONECK, NY — Two high school seniors earned help defraying the cost of college, thanks to their community service work, their way with words and the Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club.

The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club awarded two scholarships as part of the organization's high school community service essay contest. Mamaroneck High School senior Justin Solis and Rye Neck High School senior Marc Seemer were this year's winners of the contest and were presented with a $1000 award to help cover college expenses.

For over two decades, the annual scholarship had been awarded to a Larchmont/Mamaroneck graduating senior who performed meaningful local community service. However, in 2021, the decision was made to expand to two awards, to a senior from both Mamaroneck and Rye Neck High Schools.

Contestants submitted an essay describing their charitable work as well as the impact it had on the community and oneself. LM Lions VP Lina Pasquale was the Committee Chair and the panel of judges included Carey Federspiel, Peggy Rao, Jag Rao, Marie Moreno and Michael Nicoletta. All essays were reviewed anonymously with any identifying information redacted and were rated using a quantitative scoring measure. The essays were judged on both the applicant's breadth and depth of service and how that service embodied the Lions' motto "We Serve."

"The power of youth-led community service is alive and well in Larchmont and Mamaroneck," Pasquale said, based on the submissions she read. "The youth who applied showcased how they are truly invested in their community, and that’s a gift to all of us. Marc and Justin demonstrated areas of influence across a wide spectrum of service including supporting local residents during the Covid pandemic, advocating for civil rights and educational equity and wildlife conservation, just to name a few. They inspire hope and prove that community service is mutually impactful."

The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions are part of the International Lions Clubs, the largest service organization worldwide. LM Lions President Phil Oldham encouraged the winners to find a local Lions organization wherever they go and continue their service under the Lions motto, “We Serve.”