Peekskill Rotary Club Foundation — Scholarships
and Awards
Walter
Panas senior Robert Puff (second from right) received the
2004 Ray Lapolla Scholarship from Kay Lapolla during a Peekskill
Rotary Club meeting. Joining Mrs. Lapolla were Dr.
Floyd Miller (left) and former club President Howard
Copeland. |
Robert
Puff Wins Lapolla Scholarship
Robert Puff, Jr., a 2004 graduate of Walter Panas High School, was recently
awarded the Rotary Club of Peekskill’s 2004 Ray Lapolla Scholarship.
Established in 1983, the scholarship is a lasting memorial to Raymond
Lapolla, who epitomized the Rotary Motto, “Service Above Self.”
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Puff of Cortlandt Manor, Robert will
attend the University of Connecticut where he will study Business Administration
and Political Science. Lapolla scholarship recipients receive $1,000
each year for a maximum of four years.
Ranking 17th in his class with a 92.3 average, Robert served as president
of his class for three years, was vice president of the National Honor
Society and a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council.
Robert’s sports interests included soccer, and winter and spring
track. He excelled in both and became captain of each team. Robert is
employed by the Town of Cortlandt as an in-house and travel soccer official,
as well as the director of the peewee soccer clinic. A young man of outstanding
character, he volunteered to train a 3rd and 4th grade boys soccer
team rather than being a paid official.
The Ray Lapolla Scholarship — a fitting tribute to a man who gave so
much to the youth of the area — emphasizes young people and their
development. Graduating seniors from Peekskill, Hendrick Hudson and Walter
Panas high schools are eligible. The award must be used to further the
student’s education in a vocational school, college or university.
Selection is based on academic standing, school participation, community
involvement and financial need.
The selection committee this year included Barbara Kerasiotes representing
Walter Panas High School, Richard Zangrilli from Hendrick Hudson and
Frank Columbini from Peekskill High School. Drs. Floyd Miller and Donald
Horton represented the Peekskill Rotary Club.
Information and scholarship applications are available during March
from the guidance departments of each school.
» Ray Lapolla Scholarship Applications
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