Scholarships
Last March, 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 2011 high school seniors.
In the last 26 years, the NIASHF has awarded scholarships to more than 135 Western Pennsylvania high school seniors. Each year, the NIASHF awards several scholarships to deserving student/athletes. The requirements for the scholarships are as follows:
- High academic achievement
- Financial need
- Athletic ability at the Varsity level
- Anticipated June 2012 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. Feel free to make extra copies of the double-sided form, as needed.
Applications are being accepted
through January 31, 2012
Sincerely,
John Gaetano
Chairman, Scholarship Committee
- Students Scholarship Application Questionnaire Download PDF
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.
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.
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 alltime 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.
James Campolongo Scholarship
My father James F. Campolongo, was a teacher and a coach in the Clairton school district for 36 years. He dedicated his life to working with student athletes. Jim was head football coach at Clairton for 30 years, and athletic director for 15 of those years. I wanted to continue his legacy of helping student athletes, by making this scholarship available in his honor. As a coach myself I understand the dedication, hard work and commitment young people have to succeed in sports. This scholarship will help make the transition to the next level of education a bit easier. It is with great honor of my father, and respect for student athletes I provide the scholarship.
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.
Chapter Scholarship Recipients for 2011
Guy Buzzelli Memorial Scholarship
Dean Dinell
Beaver Falls High School
FOOTBALL
James F. Campolongo Scholarship
Alanna Beers
Yough High School
SOFTBALL
Dan Marino Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Laura Shute & Rebecca Shute
Beaver High School
TENNIS
James Duratz Scholarship
Jenna Gigliotti
Norwin High School
TRACK & CROSS COUNTRY
Don Bacco Memorial Scholarship
Andy Stefko
Montour High School
VOLLEYBALL
Zia Rosa Memorial Scholarship
Brianna Kidd
Avella High School
BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, TRACK
Stella Cindrich Memorial Scholarship
Amanda Jean Lowe
Avella High School
TRACK & VOLLEYBALL