The Natick Sons and Daughters of Italy has announced the 2023 recipients of its robust scholarship program that includes four separate categories of awards. Scholarships totaling $11,000 were granted to eleven local senior high graduates.
Francis J. Cristofori Memorial Scholarship Award
Sarah Mirzaee—Northeastern University, biology
Noa Weinhaus—Emory University, biology
Gloria Cullati Memorial Scholarship Award
Neha Kotturu—UMass Amherst, computer science
Arianna Morese—Bridgewater State University, marketing and communications
Louis (Louie) Linton—UMass Amherst, communications
Jessica Pfahler—Northeastern University, computer science
Francesco DeFrancesco DeSanctis Lodge #1411 Scholarship Award
Sinead Keyes—Bentley University, finance
Rebecca Justiniano—Emmanuel College, neuroscience
Gabriella Loftus—Roger Williams University, business law
Mary Dempsey—UMass Amherst, social and behavioral sciences
Anthony Ferlazzo Memorial Scholarship Award
Hayden Brown—Stonehill College, early childhood/elementary education
So if you’ve ever wondered why the social organization works so hard dishing up pasta every Wednesday night, among other fundraisers, it’s to support local students as they further their eduction.
Inspired? The 2023 application form is now available.
Walnut Hill School student takes top prize in piano competition
Accomplished pianist Seokyoung Hong has taken the top prize and Audience Award at The Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition in Dallas, Texas. The 15-year old Walnut Hill School for the Arts and New England Conservatory Preparatory School student won the $15,000 Bernice Gressman Meyerson First Prize and a $500 Audience Award in the competition, with an additional $2,500 to apply toward furthering musical achievement, securing cash awards totaling $18,000.
Seokyoung Hong began his studies at NEC’s Preparatory School in 2022 with HaeSun Paik, co-chair of the College’s piano department and Prep faculty member. He has had several first or second-place finishes at international competitions in Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. Following two years at the Yewon School in his native Seoul, he moved to Boston to study piano at NEC Prep while also attending Natick’s Walnut Hill School for the Arts.
HaeSun Paik teaches at both the Preparatory and College levels at NEC and also teaches 2023 Wellesley High School graduate Katherine Liu, who will matriculate at Harvard in the fall.
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