The Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame is proud to present 11 of Rhode Island’s best and
brightest recent high school graduates and college freshmen with scholarship awards.
Funded in part through the generosity of the families listed below, each student will receive $3,000 towards the college education they deserve. Tonight’s total of $33,000 brings the RIIAHF’S scholarship program to more than $400,000 awarded to exceptional students from all ethnic backgrounds since 1987.
Thank you to the scholarship sponsors and to all of you for your support!
Congratulations to the RIIAHF Class of 2024!
Amelio & Norma Ricci Memorial Scholarship
Emma Sherrod
Portsmouth High School
Florida Atlantic University
Sponsored by Sandy and John Petrarca
$2,000 contribution
“My father taught us to find joy and celebrate with family, food, and wine even in the difficult times. He was an immigrant whose hard work built many buildings in this state, but I remember him in a hula skirt dancing around his pool with family and friends.”
– Sandra Petrarca
Frank “Chick” Capuano Memorial Scholarship
Reese Hiller
Toll Gate High School
Bryant University
Sponsored by the Capuano Family
$1,000 contribution
“Frank was an all-around good guy, proud veteran, great family man and always willing to help someone out. All he wanted in return was a cup of coffee and some conversation.”
– Mike Capuano
Ann & Jim Pelleccione Memorial Scholarship
Peter Vachon
Cranston West High school
Brown University
Sponsored by The Pelleccione Family
$1,000 contribution
“My parents were typical of many first generation Italian Americans, hard-working, responsible and community minded who treasured family and friends. Although their formal educations were cut short by a Depression and a World War, they instilled in me and then my children, the value of studying hard and working to our potential.”
– The Family of Ann and Jim Pelleccione
Captain Tom Geremia Memorial Scholarship
Andrew Haggerty
South Kingstown High School
Savannah College of Art & Design
Sponsored by the Capuano Family
$1,000 contribution
“Tom was just an all-around great guy, great husband and father. He was well liked and a respected officer that his crew felt safe with. Even if you didn’t see him for a while he would greet you with a smile as if he saw you yesterday. Both of us being Italian, we shared countless laughs in the Academy. He is sorely missed by all.”
– Mike Capuano
Peter & Jina Petrarca Memorial Scholarship
Jake Kamborian
Lincoln High School
Liberty University
Sponsored by Sandy & John Petrarca
$2,000 contribution
“My father came to this country for the American Dream which he believed was an education. He always said, “A man can take the roof over your head, the shoes off your feet, and the shirt off your back, but he can never take your mind so get an education.”
– John Petrarca
Linette Tammelleo Memorial Scholarship
Olyvia Bendza
Mount Saint Charles Academy
Providence College
Sponsored by Sandy and John Petrarca
$1,000 contribution
“Linette was a maverick who drove herself to Cape Cod in the 1950s to teach when there were no jobs available in Rhode Island. She was a beloved teacher at Mount Pleasant High School for decades and was always a woman who inspired me to break through barriers with hard work and dedication.”
– Jina Petrarca
Julio & Edna Rodio Memorial Scholarship
Cassidy Dawkins
Lincoln High School
University of Vermont
Sponsored by Bob Rodio
$1,000 contribution
“Julio was a World War II veteran in Okinawa, a federal agent, loving father and a great person. Edna was a businesswoman ahead of her time, loving mother and loved by all.”
– Robert Rodio & Kate Hirsch
Rocca & Joseph Rotella Memorial Scholarship
Tyler Durang
Lincoln High School
Sacred Heart University
Sponsored by Angelo Rotella
$1,000 contribution
“My dad took care of everyone, my mom took care of my dad and they both taught their children the importance of respect, loyalty and family values.”
– The Rotella Family
Judge Vincent Ragosta Memorial Scholarships
Tyler Durang
North Kingstown High School
Assumption University
Sponsored by Ragosta Family
$2,000 contribution
Marco Ialongo
Bishop Hendricken High School
Brown University
Sponsored by Ragosta Family
$2,000 contribution
“A member of The Greatest Generation, our father exuded humble pride in the achievements of Italian Americans in all walks of life. He prized education, exalted the work ethic of Italian Americans, and admired their diligence and persistence, especially when faced with obstacles.”
– Vincent, Jr. & Paul Ragosta
Michael Integlia III Memorial Scholarship
Cameron Felici
Cranston East High School
Assumption University
Sponsored by Integlia Family
$1,000 contribution
“Mic” was a scholar, talented athlete and charismatic leader. He passed away suddenly at 31 years old shortly after he rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer of our famiily real estate development and construction company. Our family honors his memory and continues his legacy by supporting young scholar athletes with scholarships through the RI Italian American Hall of Fame.”
– Beth, Michael & Brendon Integlia
