Mamaroneck High School senior Anashelvy Maldonado was the winner of The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club High School scholarship essay contest and presented with the $1,000 award to help cover college expenses. Jonathan Marcuse of Rye Neck HS and Madeline Silverstein of Mamaroneck HS received honorable mentions.
For over 20 years this annual scholarship has been awarded to a Larchmont/Mamaroneck graduating senior who has performed meaningful local community service.
Candidates submitted an essay describing their charitable work and the impact it had on the community. The panel of judges, made up of LM Lions and local community members, included Lauringle Mitchell, Meg Kaufer, Carey Federspiel, Nora McMillan, and Jhonasttan Regalado. All personal information was removed so essays were in effect anonymous. Essays were judged on the applicant’s breadth and depth of service and how that service embodied the Lions’ motto “We Serve.”
In reflecting on the review of the essays, Margaret Käufer, Committee Leader, said “What our committee really saw in these essays was the incredible dedication of so many teens in our community. Many people can give things to help others. But they gave of their time, extensively. It is just so impressive. We applaud all of them and encourage them to keep at it.”
In all 15 essays were submitted. In addition to the winner and two runners up, we would like to acknowledge the other entries: Mamaroneck HS: Keiry Lopez, Sophia Autorino, Lisa Toudic, Madison Leira, Maximus Perez, Matt Segal, Kaitline Spiridellis, Cristina Costin; Rye Neck HS: Lisa Engelen, Sonia Finkenberg, Adesuwa Carlton, Grace West
We would also like to thank the counselors of the students for their support: Mamaroneck HS: Ashley Martinez, Cathy Quackenbush, Jennifer Lichtman, Lanie Lichtenstein, Laura Kearon, Marsha Genwright, Rob Schwartz; Rye Neck HS: Amanda Mahncke, Frank Gizzo, Susan Hannon.
The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions are part of the International Lions Clubs, the largest service organization in the world.
The Lions motto is “We Serve”.