The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club awarded two scholarships this year as part of its high school essay contest. Mamaroneck High School senior Lorena Marron and Rye Neck High School senior Ethan Chin were the winners of the essay contest and were presented with a $1,000 award to help cover college expenses. Ava Delaney and Alexander Yuji Kono of Mamaroneck High School and Sofia Palacios Ferrer and Gabriel Miller from Rye Neck High School 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 Joyce Callahan, Theresa Colyar, Carolyn Gallaher, Bertha Gallo, Margaret Käufer, Lauringle Mitchell, Gina Proia and Emmanuel Rawlings. All personal information was removed so essays were reviewed anonymously. 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 submissions, Margaret Käufer, Committee Leader, said “The essays demonstrated a deep commitment to service and creativity by the students to apply their time and talents to help solve a need in the community. From advancing literacy to helping to bridge technology gaps during the pandemic, these students are an inspiration.”
In all 15 essays were submitted. In addition to the winners and runners up, the LM Lions acknowledged the dedication of the other applicants as well: Mamaroneck High School: Isaac Elias and Daniel Wilson; Rye Neck High School: Benaelle Benoit, Kaci Harris, Ivan Kapustin, Lily Muller, Anna Murphy, Andrew Ricci and Eulalia Tisnovsky.
Recognition also went to the students’ counselors and school staff for their support: Mamaroneck High School: Robert Adams, Marcia Burkett, Greg Cuddy, Marsha Genwright, Ashley Martinez and Rob Schwartz; Rye Neck High School: Susan Hannon, Leslie Kane, Amanda Mahncke and Evan Miller.
The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions are part of the International Lions Clubs, the largest service organization in the world. LM Lions President Phil Oldham further encouraged the winners to find a local Lions organization wherever they go and continue their service under the Lions motto, “We Serve.”
