Italian American Scholarship Program

Last year, during a ceremony at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF), awarded scholarships of $4,000 each to five very deserving 2005 high school seniors.

In the last 19 years, the NIASHF has awarded scholarships to more than 100 Western Pennsylvania high school seniors.

Each year, the NIASHF awards several scholarships to deserving student/athletes. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

The NIASHF does not discriminate on the basis of sex, creed, ethnic background, national origin or physical disability.

Please share this application with qualified student/athletes who may be interested in applying for our scholarships.

Each year, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame offers scholarships to exceptional students. The following is a list of the scholarships presented offered by the organization.

Charles L. “Corky” Cost is a living testament to the benefits of education. Because of his God-given talents, hard work ethics and competitive spirit, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. Corky excelled not only on the field but in the classroom where he laid the foundation to become the state’s largest masonry contractor. Today, he is recognized city-wide for his contribution to the ongoing renaissance of Pittsburgh and his charitable givings. He recently had the distinct pleasure of being inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, an honor so special as it directly reflects his Italian heritage. Corky is a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a most respected member of the Italian American community.

James Duratz is a businessman who actively engages in many endeavors. He headed the Meadville Master Antenna company which was recognized as a pioneer in the development of cable television. In his “spare time”, Jim has held several positions in local and county government in Crawford County. He is a member of the Pitt Golden Panthers, and is and has been a big contributor to Pitt projects.

Ronald Pellegrini received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Jefferson College and his Doctor of Medicine from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at Mercy Hospital. Dr. Pellegrini became board certified in thoracic surgery and served as Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Mercy Hospital for 23 years.

Frank Santamaria was born in 1957 to Marie and Mario Santamaria. Frank met and married Regina Pecoraro in 1982. Together they have two daughters, Elisa and Cara.

He was a graduate of Penn Hills High School. He was the captain of the 1974 Indians football team. He later attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he majored in Landscape Architecture and graduated with honors. Frank was a member of the “Big Red Football Team” and received an Academic All-American. In 1981, Frank continued his education and received an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh.

While employed at PNC, Frank worked with many interns from the Cornell University football team. Frank was a Founding Father of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NIASHF and received the Founders Award in 1991 for his unyielding efforts to promote the organization and all of its charitable causes. At the time of his tragic death, Frank served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. Frank will always be remembered for his love of family and generous contributions to his community.

This scholarship is given by the Pittsburgh Chapter in memory of Christopher Seretti, son of Board Member John Seretti.

Chapter Honors

Man of the Year

Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr.,
1986
Richard S. Caligiuri,
1987
Stephen A. Zappala,
1988
Eugene J. Barone,
1989
Ernest D. Preate, Jr.,
1990
John V. Milantoni,
1992
Joseph LaQuatra,
1993
Lou Piconi,
1994
Joe Piccirilli,
1995
George Zambelli,
1996
Lou Coccoli,
1997
Armand Dellovade,
1999
Charles “Corky” Cost,
2000
Louis and Dennis Astorino,
2001
Anthony Bucci,
2002

Woman of the Year

Sister Joanne Marie Andiorio,
RSM, Dr.P.H.,
1991
Therese Rocco,
1998

Pro Athlete of the Year

Dan Marino,
1986
Tom Clements,
1987
Joe Montana,
1988
Jimbo Covert,
1990
Rocco Mediate,
1991
Missie Berteotti,
1993
John Mazza,
1996
Paul Spadafora,
1998
Philip Ameris,
2001

Dominic T. Roppa Memorial Award

Suzie McConnell Serio,
1988
Dan Marino,
1989
Roger Kingdom,
1990
Bruce Baumgartner, 1991
Fr. Domenic Olivieri,
1992
Frank Cignetti,
1993
Lanny Frattare,
1994
Kevin McClatchy,
1995
Kurt Angle,
1996
Jane Ferro,
1997
Jim Ricupero,
1998
Tony DiMarco,
1999
Gerard Sansosti,
2000
Louis Gaetano,
2001
Jules Melograne,
2002

Coach of the Year

John Cignetti,
1986
Pete Antimarino,
1986
Joseph Fusco,
1987
Lindy Lauro,
1987
Rudy Marisa,
1988
Don Yanessa,
1988
Gus Catanese,
1989
Greg Gattuso,
1990
Gus DeAugustino,
1992
John Calipari,
1993
Jim (Cerniglia) Rankin,
1994
Greg Gaffuso,
1995
Lou Falconi,
1996
Mike Mastroianni,
1997
Gene DeMarco,
1998
Mark Capuano,
1998
Gus Cantanese,
2000
Guy Montecalvo,
2001
Pat Tarquinio,
2001

Amateur Athlete of the Year

John Congemi,
1986
A.J. Pagano,
1987
Mickey Morandini,
1988
Pat Santoro,
1989

Lifetime Achievement

Mario Andretti,
1990
Sonny Vaccaro,
1991
Jim Valvano,
1992
Angelo Dundee,
1993
Frank Santamaria,
1994
Joe D’Andrea,
1995
Joe Massaro, Jr.,
1996
Tommy Lasorda,
1997
Carmen Basilio,
1998
Chip Ganassi,
1999
James Duratz,
2000
Jerry Colangelo,
2001
Bruno Sammartino,
2002

High School Athlete of the Year

Tony Aliucci,
1986
Al Lardo,
1987
Beth Natale,
1987
John Dasta,
1988
Cathy Torchia,
1988
Pamela Pitchok,
1989
Pia Pitchok,
1989
Paul Failla,
1990
Dante Calabria,
1991
Gina Nacarrato,
1995
Mike Vernillo,
1998
Mike Vernillo,
1999
Dino DiNardo,
2000
Bruce Gradkowski,
2000
Bob Tudi,
2001
Adam DiMichelle,
2002

Chapter Scholarship Awards

$1,500/year
1986

Lisa Abdoe
Larry Carinci
Lisa Marie Lorenzo
David Pfaff
Andrew Puglise
Mike Stratos
Anthony Tridico
Karen Zeglinski

$2,000/year
1987

Fran Bellante
Bob DeLisio
Angela Mavrich
Susan Pofi
David Conn
Michael Gambone
Beth Natale
Robert Pupi

$2,000/year
1988

Jeff Borroni
David Colangelo
Jeff DeLisio
Tricia Fabian
Scott Kozar
Christina Palik
Leslie Palmieri
Jeff Rupert

$1,500/year
1989

Melanie Antonio
Michael Germani
Michael Lena
Cynthia Marko
Kristy Nace
Edward Payne
Lewis Prenni
Ivy Turner
Richard Vaccaro

$1,500/year
1990

Constantine Hnarus
Amy Jankowski
Michael Killian
Jeanine Megahan
John Muza
James Natale
Thaddeus Wilson

$1,500/year
1991

Robert Casey
Michael Cipoletti
Robert Milacci
Kevin Pechulis
Aaron Riccitelli
Steve Sharkady
Victoria Terza
Jennifer Torkish

$1,500/year
1992

Kim Brozinski
Adam Dunlap
Shannon George
Robbi Vignone

$1,500/year
1993

Lesley Brown
Emily Dorean
Samuel Unglo
Joseph Zipay

$4,000
1994

Chad Breindal
Shannon Cairns
Matthew Heirenon
Tom Palko
L. Antonio Stillings

$4,000
1995

Kelly Carvallis
April Laviere
Kevin Masci
Amie O’Neal

$4,000
1996

Jill Herzberger
Jennifer Dallmus
Cynthia Lowe
Sarah Miller
Nicole Palmer

$4,000
1997

Denise Mueller
Jeffrey Florian
Timothy Krofchik
Daniel Moran

$4,000
1998

Nicholas Cecchini
Sarah Haynes
Ashley Koliscak
Matt Onufrak

$4,000
1999

Alessia Essig
Joseph Grosky
Joshua Lamberto
Christy Gustas

$4,000
2000

Stacey Demento
Jaime Cyprowski
Chris Lohr
Timothy Wharton
Casey Peters

$4,000
2001

Joe DiRenzo
Amanda Schachter
Marko Fonzi
Joseph Trott

$4,000
2002

Lauren Bean
Marissa Toma
Channah Zapotoczny
Jaime Linder
Anthony DiNardo

$4000
2003

Boris Mezhinsky
Karl Shaginaw
Brad Yates
Cassandra Boni
Brett Turk
Jaime Pirillo
Jeffrey Tamaino

SCHOLARSHIPS

Chapter Honors

Chapter Scholarship Awards

Chapter Scholarship Recipients for 2004






	SCHOLARSHIPS Last year, during a ceremony at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF), awarded scholarships of $4,000 each to five very deserving 2005 high school seniors. In the last 19 years, the NIASHF has awarded scholarships to more than 100 Western Pennsylvania high school seniors. Each year, the NIASHF awards several scholarships to deserving student/athletes. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows: High academic achievement Financial need Athletic ability at the Varsity level Anticipated June 2006 graduation The NIASHF does not discriminate on the basis of sex, creed, ethnic background, national origin or physical disability. Please share this application with qualified student/athletes who may be interested in applying for our scholarships. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS JANUARY 31ST, 2006 Thank you for your continued support, time and cooperation. Parents Scholarship Application Questionnaire (PDF - 1.3MB ) Students Scholarship Application Questionnaire (PDF - 749KB) Each year, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame offers scholarships to exceptional students. The following is a list of the scholarships presented offered by the organization. Charles L. Cost Scholarship Charles L. “Corky” Cost is a living testament to the benefits of education. Because of his God-given talents, hard work ethics and competitive spirit, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. Corky excelled not only on the field but in the classroom where he laid the foundation to become the state’s largest masonry contractor. Today, he is recognized city-wide for his contribution to the ongoing renaissance of Pittsburgh and his charitable givings. He recently had the distinct pleasure of being inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, an honor so special as it directly reflects his Italian heritage. Corky is a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a most respected member of the Italian American community. James Duratz Scholarship James Duratz is a businessman who actively engages in many endeavors. He headed the Meadville Master Antenna company which was recognized as a pioneer in the development of cable television. In his “spare time”, Jim has held several positions in local and county government in Crawford County. He is a member of the Pitt Golden Panthers, and is and has been a big contributor to Pitt projects. Dr. Ronald Pellegrini Scholarship Ronald Pellegrini received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Jefferson College and his Doctor of Medicine from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at Mercy Hospital. Dr. Pellegrini became board certified in thoracic surgery and served as Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Mercy Hospital for 23 years. Pittsburgh Chapter Frank A. Santamaria Memorial Scholarship Frank Santamaria was born in 1957 to Marie and Mario Santamaria. Frank met and married Regina Pecoraro in 1982. Together they have two daughters, Elisa and Cara. He was a graduate of Penn Hills High School. He was the captain of the 1974 Indians football team. He later attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he majored in Landscape Architecture and graduated with honors. Frank was a member of the “Big Red Football Team” and received an Academic All-American. In 1981, Frank continued his education and received an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. While employed at PNC, Frank worked with many interns from the Cornell University football team. Frank was a Founding Father of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NIASHF and received the Founders Award in 1991 for his unyielding efforts to promote the organization and all of its charitable causes. At the time of his tragic death, Frank served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. Frank will always be remembered for his love of family and generous contributions to his community. Christopher Seretti Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is given by the Pittsburgh Chapter in memory of Christopher Seretti, son of Board Member John Seretti. Chapter Honors Man of the Year Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., 1986 Richard S. Caligiuri, 1987 Stephen A. Zappala, 1988 Eugene J. Barone, 1989 Ernest D. Preate, Jr., 1990 John V. Milantoni, 1992 Joseph LaQuatra, 1993 Lou Piconi, 1994 Joe Piccirilli, 1995 George Zambelli, 1996 Lou Coccoli, 1997 Armand Dellovade, 1999 Charles “Corky” Cost, 2000 Louis and Dennis Astorino, 2001 Anthony Bucci, 2002 Woman of the Year Sister Joanne Marie Andiorio, RSM, Dr.P.H., 1991 Therese Rocco, 1998 Pro Athlete of the Year Dan Marino, 1986 Tom Clements, 1987 Joe Montana, 1988 Jimbo Covert, 1990 Rocco Mediate, 1991 Missie Berteotti, 1993 John Mazza, 1996 Paul Spadafora, 1998 Philip Ameris, 2001 Dominic T. Roppa Memorial Award Suzie McConnell Serio, 1988 Dan Marino, 1989 Roger Kingdom, 1990 Bruce Baumgartner, 1991 Fr. Domenic Olivieri, 1992 Frank Cignetti, 1993 Lanny Frattare, 1994 Kevin McClatchy, 1995 Kurt Angle, 1996 Jane Ferro, 1997 Jim Ricupero, 1998 Tony DiMarco, 1999 Gerard Sansosti, 2000 Louis Gaetano, 2001 Jules Melograne, 2002 Coach of the Year John Cignetti, 1986 Pete Antimarino, 1986 Joseph Fusco, 1987 Lindy Lauro, 1987 Rudy Marisa, 1988 Don Yanessa, 1988 Gus Catanese, 1989 Greg Gattuso, 1990 Gus DeAugustino, 1992 John Calipari, 1993 Jim (Cerniglia) Rankin, 1994 Greg Gaffuso, 1995 Lou Falconi, 1996 Mike Mastroianni, 1997 Gene DeMarco, 1998 Mark Capuano, 1998 Gus Cantanese, 2000 Guy Montecalvo, 2001 Pat Tarquinio, 2001 Amateur Athlete of the Year John Congemi, 1986 A.J. Pagano, 1987 Mickey Morandini, 1988 Pat Santoro, 1989 Lifetime Achievement Mario Andretti, 1990 Sonny Vaccaro, 1991 Jim Valvano, 1992 Angelo Dundee, 1993 Frank Santamaria, 1994 Joe D’Andrea, 1995 Joe Massaro, Jr., 1996 Tommy Lasorda, 1997 Carmen Basilio, 1998 Chip Ganassi, 1999 James Duratz, 2000 Jerry Colangelo, 2001 Bruno Sammartino, 2002 High School Athlete of the Year Tony Aliucci, 1986 Al Lardo, 1987 Beth Natale, 1987 John Dasta, 1988 Cathy Torchia, 1988 Pamela Pitchok, 1989 Pia Pitchok, 1989 Paul Failla, 1990 Dante Calabria, 1991 Gina Nacarrato, 1995 Mike Vernillo, 1998 Mike Vernillo, 1999 Dino DiNardo, 2000 Bruce Gradkowski, 2000 Bob Tudi, 2001 Adam DiMichelle, 2002 Chapter Scholarship Awards $1,500/year 1986 Lisa Abdoe Larry Carinci Lisa Marie Lorenzo David Pfaff Andrew Puglise Mike Stratos Anthony Tridico Karen Zeglinski $2,000/year 1987 Fran Bellante Bob DeLisio Angela Mavrich Susan Pofi David Conn Michael Gambone Beth Natale Robert Pupi $2,000/year 1988 Jeff Borroni David Colangelo Jeff DeLisio Tricia Fabian Scott Kozar Christina Palik Leslie Palmieri Jeff Rupert $1,500/year 1989 Melanie Antonio Michael Germani Michael Lena Cynthia Marko Kristy Nace Edward Payne Lewis Prenni Ivy Turner Richard Vaccaro $1,500/year 1990 Constantine Hnarus Amy Jankowski Michael Killian Jeanine Megahan John Muza James Natale Thaddeus Wilson $1,500/year 1991 Robert Casey Michael Cipoletti Robert Milacci Kevin Pechulis Aaron Riccitelli Steve Sharkady Victoria Terza Jennifer Torkish $1,500/year 1992 Kim Brozinski Adam Dunlap Shannon George Robbi Vignone $1,500/year 1993 Lesley Brown Emily Dorean Samuel Unglo Joseph Zipay $4,000 1994 Chad Breindal Shannon Cairns Matthew Heirenon Tom Palko L. Antonio Stillings $4,000 1995 Kelly Carvallis April Laviere Kevin Masci Amie O’Neal $4,000 1996 Jill Herzberger Jennifer Dallmus Cynthia Lowe Sarah Miller Nicole Palmer $4,000 1997 Denise Mueller Jeffrey Florian Timothy Krofchik Daniel Moran $4,000 1998 Nicholas Cecchini Sarah Haynes Ashley Koliscak Matt Onufrak $4,000 1999 Alessia Essig Joseph Grosky Joshua Lamberto Christy Gustas $4,000 2000 Stacey Demento Jaime Cyprowski Chris Lohr Timothy Wharton Casey Peters $4,000 2001 Joe DiRenzo Amanda Schachter Marko Fonzi Joseph Trott $4,000 2002 Lauren Bean Marissa Toma Channah Zapotoczny Jaime Linder Anthony DiNardo $4000 2003 Boris Mezhinsky Karl Shaginaw Brad Yates Cassandra Boni Brett Turk Jaime Pirillo Jeffrey Tamaino Chapter Scholarship Recipients for 2004 Charles L. Cost Scholarship Boris Mezhinsky, Baldwin-Whitehall Pittsburgh Chapter Frank. A. Santamaria Memorial Scholarship Karl Shaginaw, Ambridge James Duratz Scholarship Brad Yates, Belle Vernon Dr. Ronald Pellegrini Scholarship Cassandra Boni, Burgettstown Christopher Seretti Memorial Scholarship Brett Turk, Union Zia Rosa (Ralph Cinrich) Scholarship Jaime Pirillo, Avella Second Wind Award Jeffrey Tomaino, Central Catholic