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 2008 high school seniors.
In the last 22 years, the NIASHF has awarded scholarships to more than 125 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 2009 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, 2010
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.
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.
Don Bacco Memorial Scholarship
Donald Joseph Bacco was born on December 14, 1929 in Lawrenceville, PA. He was the son of Joseph Guy and Alberta Emma Miller Bacco. After graduating from Schenley High School in June 1947, Don enlisted in the US Marine Corp during the Korean War. He served as a Corporal until his discharge in 1956.
He worked for Washington Trust Bank in uptown, where he met his wife of 51 years, Antoinette Nicastro. He later was co-owner of an auto wrecking business in Bethal Park and was currently owner of South Hill Vacuum Center. Don was father to Donald Joseph Bacco, Jr. and Lynn Marie Bacco-Laird. He and his family lived in South Oakland until mid 1962 when they moved to Greentree.
Don was an avid bowler and went on many annual bowling tournaments. He was also very involved with his children's sports and served as little league coach for his son's team and also helped coach his daughter's softball team, receiving a coaching award. He also assisted with the Morningside Bulldogs football team and served as chairman from 1971 � 1973 until the team was dismantled. Afterward he started publishing the Leash, a newsletter for former Bulldogs. He was actively involved with numerous Italian organizations in the Pittsburgh community, including serving on the board of directors for the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, Officer of the local chapter, Umberto DiNardo Council #116 of the Sons of Columbus and past President and Board Member of the Circus Saints and Sinners - Bob Prince Tent. His pride and joy over the past four years was his only grandchild, Joseph "Joey" Daniel Bacco, who was born in 2003. Don was a true family man.
Zia Rosa Scholarship
Ralph Cindrich established the Zia Rosa Scholarship in memory of his great aunt, Rose Scriva. Rose immigrated to the USA from Calabria, Italy and lived in Rochester Township, where she operated a small grocery store for many years. Known for her kindness to others and gentle spirit, this scholarship goes to a student from the Avella Area High School who emulates those qualities.
Dan Marino, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) established the Dan Marino, Sr. Memorial Scholarship in memory of the man who founded the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NIASHF over 23 years ago, and served as its President and then President Emeritus, until his death in December, 2008.
Dan Mario, Sr. a Pittsburgh native son, worked many years for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, trucking papers during the night for the morning deliveries, which enabled him to be available to coach and mentor his children during the day. He provided inspiration to everyone who knew him and was a friend to all he met.
Dan Marino, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of care and concern for others which will long be remembered.
Guy Buzzelli, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
The Guy Buzzelli, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of an amazing man who never took no for an answer. Undaunted by the muscular dystrophy that put him in a wheelchair during his teens, Mr. Buzzelli was the all-time leader of the Pirates Gold Club volunteer sales group.
He was also an active fund-raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, organizing the Guy Buzzelli Jr. Golf Classic. In addition, he worked for the Port Authority for 22 years, before leaving in 2003. Guy passed away on February 21, 2009, at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropic involvement.
Chapter Scholarship Recipients for 2008
DON BACCO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Megan DePrimio - Greensburg Central Catholic High School (Basketball/Track)
GUY BUZZELLI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
John Sigg, III - Seton LaSalle High School (Cross Country)
CORKY COST SCHOLARSHIP
Jordan Sirianni - Franklin Regional High School (Hockey)
JAMES DURATZ SCHOLARSHIP
Vincent Smith - Mars Area High School (Basketball)
DAN MARINO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Sidney Hale - Mars Area High School (Soccer/Track/Basketball)
FRANK SANTAMRIA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Nathan Barry - Butler Area High School (Diving/Basketball)
ZIA ROSA (RALPH CINRICH) SCHOLARSHIPS
Joelle Yamber - Avella High School (Basketball, Volleyball, Cheering Team)
Chapter Scholarships Awards
$4,000/year - 2007
- Kory Imbrescia
- Ashley Gill
- Steven Removick
- Kali Thesis
- Sadie Curtis
