Mamaroneck-Larchmont Student Aid Fund Awards 49 Scholarships to MHS Seniors

"I am here as a testament to the generous souls who invest in children's dreams," said Samantha Reid, MHS class of 2012, as she returned to her alma mater to deliver the key note address at the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Student Aid Fund (SAF) Awards Ceremony on Monday, June13. Reid, the recipient of the SAF Mamaroneck Teachers Association Award in 2012 because of her interest in teaching, graduated in May from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in secondary school education with a focus on social studies. "I feel that I've come full circle," said Reid.

MHS Principal Elizabeth Clain introduced Reid saying how proud she was to see her former student become a colleague. Clain also announced the creation of a new SAF scholarship by the teachers and administrators of the Mamaroneck School District in honor of Assistant Superintendent Anthony Minotti who is retiring. According to Clain, "There was no question that this was the way to honor someone who worked tirelessly to make sure every student had an opportunity." The scholarship was awarded to Christina Reale.

Outgoing School Board member Nancy Pierson, who is now joining the SAF board, also spoke. "Just as the school board was behind you, supporting you in high school," she told the students, "the Student Aid Fund is behind you as you take the next step in college." Pierson is one of five past School Board members on the SAF board.

The Mamaroneck Larchmont Student Aid Fund was established in 1937 to provide need-based scholarships to Mamaroneck High School students. According to Marcia Burkett, the MHS Financial Aid Advisor, "The award night is such a lovely celebration of these students and what they've accomplished. The high school does a great job preparing its students for college. The SAF makes it possible to do it financially."

Forty-nine members of the MHS class of 2016 were awarded two-year scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,600 per year for two years. These scholarships can help reduce student debt or hours needed for work-study and help cover costs for books, housing and transportation. The total amount awarded was $290,000.

Among those receiving SAF awards was Xiomara Cunduri who received the Ruth S. and Eugene M. Parter Scholarship. According to the Parters' son, Alan, who was in attendance, "This award was set up to recognize a student for his or her community service. We are thrilled Xiomara received this scholarship because of her work with the Community Resource Center."

"I was involved in a number of programs at the CRC," said Xiomara, "but the most meaningful to me was the program teaching people who never completed elementary school in their home country. We helped them learn to read, write, add, multiply and to use a laptop. It made me appreciate what I have. I got an education and now I am able to go to college. I'm the first generation in my family to go to college."

For more stories like Xiomara's and information on the Mamaroneck Larchmont Student Aid Fund, please visit mlsaf.org