NCCC Foundation to recognize Distinguished Student scholars

Five new Distinguished Student Scholarship recipients from Niagara County Community College will be showcased at the annual NCCC Foundation Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

This award is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the NCCC Foundation to incoming freshmen. It provides two years of tuition-free education to deserving students. The individuals were selected based on their academic excellence, service to the community, and loyalty to Niagara County.

"It means a lot to me to know that people care and are willing to help me do my best in life. Keep extending your hands out to those around you because the satisfying feeling you get from doing so compares to no other," said Maria Zupa, 2013 NCCC Distinguished Student Scholarship recipient, from Wilson High School.

Niagara-Wheatfield's Christopher Galvano also is a 2013 scholarship recipient and will be studying business administration.

During the 2012-13 academic year, more than 230 scholarships totaling nearly $128,000 was awarded to deserving students. Visit the NCCC website at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships for a full listing of scholarships. The deadline to apply for the spring 2014 semester is Friday, Oct. 4.

The annual NCCC Foundation Scholarship Gala is the single largest fundraiser for student scholarships. The event will take place at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Tickets to the gala are $125 per person. To purchase tickets and make reservations, visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/ or call 716-614-5910.