Brooklyn Education: Fort Hamilton students bowl for scholarship

On April 1, the Fort Hamilton High School National Honor Society chapter held its annual Bowling Night to raise funds for the Joseph Graffagnino scholarships. Graffagnino, a FHHS alumnus, perished in the line of duty as a New York City firefighter.

Over 150 people participated in the event held at Melody Lanes. Students, faculty, parents and friends were joined by the Graffagnino family and fellow FDNY firefighters.

The scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated character, strength, perseverance and dedication despite hardships or obstacles. The event generated over $2,500 in scholarship funds. Awards will be announced during the school’s annual Senior Awards Night on June 11.

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Congratulations to the St. Saviour High School Gaelic Society, which was selected as the Best School Unit for the 2014 Brooklyn Irish-American Parade. Kiera Fitzgibbon, president of St. Saviour High School’s Gaelic Society, proudly accepted the school’s trophy from parade organizers Kathleen and James McDonough.

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On April 10, Bishop Kearney High School hosted its annual blood drive under the direction of Maureen Moses, school nurse. Seventy-five people volunteered to donate, and ultimately 60 pints of blood were collected from students, faculty members and parents.

As always, the blood drive was a success because of the donors, the staff of the New York Blood Center, and those who volunteered their time to help, including Mrs. Santomauro. It truly showed the Kearney spirit of giving.

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Congratulations to the 40 members of the junior class at Fontbonne Hall Academy who were inducted into the Mother St. John Fontbonne Chapter of the National Honor Society on April 15. The honor society recognizes students who excel in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character as demonstrated by the students’ activities and teacher evaluations.

The induction ceremony was held in the Fontbonne gymnasium, which was filled with teachers, family and friends. Ms. Laura Izzo, ’07, who is pursuing a career in dentistry, addressed the group. She challenged the students to be true to the values of the National Honor Society as they move on to college and careers.

Ms. Mary Ann Spicijaric, principal, congratulated the new members and described their commitment to academic excellence and service to others as being unique in today’s society.

These women who sit in front of me right now are countercultural, she said. We are honored and happy to have them be a part of our student body. We are thrilled to have them serve as role models for all of our students.

Ms. Spicijaric also named the impressive college scholarships earned by the 31 senior members. To date, the senior class at Fontbonne has earned over $10,000,000 in scholarships.