Schools
Smithtown Schools Launch Scholarship, Volunteer Project In Honor Of Scott Martella
Martella, youngest trustee in the history of the Smithtown Board of Education, died last August at the age of 29.
SMITHTOWN, NY - Officials recently announced the launch of a new scholarship and volunteer project in memory of former Board of Education member Scott Martella.
Student volunteers, Smithtown Central School District administrators and board of education members, representatives of the United Way of Long Island, representatives of the United Veterans Beacon House and members of the Martella family all gathered at Smithtown High School East on Sept. 26 kick off the efforts to honor the Smithtown native who died last August at the age of 29.
He served as the director of communications for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and dedicated his life to public service.
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Martella was also the youngest trustee in the history of the Smithtown Board of Education, starting just one year after graduating from Boston University.
To honor his memory, five Smithtown High School East seniors – Brooke Berroyer, Caroline Loiodice, Sofia Palazzolo, Brianna Saggese and Isabelle Sicoli – will be working to benefit the United Veterans Beacon House as this year’s community service project.
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The students, who are all part of a leadership class, will work with Beacon House to help understand some of the housing issues facing veterans on Long Island.
They also plan to start the grassroots effort and anticipate their activities will grow as the year progresses.
In addition, working with the United Way of Long Island, the Scott Martella Scholarship Memorial Fund will provide scholarships to students who will be attending college whose studies may include international relations or public service.
United Way of Long Island’s president and CEO Theresa Regnante spoke about the connection between the
district and the United Way.
“Scott was a young man who made such an impact in such a short time,” she said. “We really hope the district takes hold of this project and it becomes a great opportunity for years to come.”
Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
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