Ray Lapolla Scholarship

Walter Panas senior Jessica Allen received the 2005 Ray Lapolla Scholarship during a June meeting of the Peekskill Rotary Club. Rotarians Floyd Miller (left) and Club President Keith Bobolia presented the award to her.

Jessica Allen, a 2005 graduate of Walter Panas High School, was recently awarded the Rotary Club of Peekskill’s 2005 Ray Lapolla Scholarship. Established in 1983, the scholarship is a lasting memorial to Raymond Lapolla who epitomized the Rotary Motto, “Service Above Self.”

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Allen of Cortlandt Manor, Jessica will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. where she will pursue studies in biochemistry. Her ambition is to become a forensic scientist.

Lapolla Scholars receive $1,000 each year for a maximum of four years.

Ranking 7 th in her class with a 94 average, Jessica was named to the National Honor Society and received many academic awards including the Air Force Recruiting Service Math and Science Award; the Clarkson University High School Achievement Award; the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Math and Science Award and the United States Achievement Academy National English Merit Award.

Jessica was captain of the Panas swimming team, played basketball and softball, and was active in student government and Students Against Drunk Driving. Among her other activities, she coordinated fund raising for her athletic team, was a Sunday School volunteer, a life guard and assistant coach for the Cortlandt Manor Swim Team. Her hobbies include oil painting, reading, ceramics and refinishing furniture.

The Ray Lapolla Scholarship -- a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the youth of the area – emphasizes the development of young people. 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.

Information and scholarship applications are available during March each year from the guidance departments of each school.

» Ray Lapolla Scholarship Applications