Lewiston Kiwanis announces scholarship recipients

The Kiwanis Club of Lewiston announced the awarding of scholarships to Nicholas Passanese, Suhana Monsalve, Domenic Barile and Miguel Bautista. Lewiston Kiwanis awarded Passanese a $2,000 scholarship, while scholarships of $1,000 each were presented to Monsalve and Barile.

Kiwanis also announced Bautista as the recipient of its William and Joanne Roth Memorial Scholarship of $1,000.

All four students were chosen for their high academic achievement, leadership skills and community service involvement.

Passanese plans on attending the Rochester Institute of Technology to major in film and animation. He has been actively involved in many volunteer organizations and community service projects, including Heart of Niagara, the Stone’s Buddies Program at Oishei Children’s Hospital, Key Club, and Big Brother, Big Sister.

Passanese said these volunteer opportunities “instilled in me a drive to always try to make a difference, no matter how small, and do my part to help others.”

He plans to use his education in animation and film “to bolster support for community and charitable organizations by compiling videos, film, and animation to secure more knowledge and interaction by volunteers.”

Monsalve will be studying at the University at Buffalo Honors College, majoring in biochemistry with plans to pursue medical school and work in pediatrics. She has been volunteering since elementary school and discovered a love for community service through activities such as the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, Mount St. Mary’s Volunteer Program, and Key Club.

Monsalve plans on continuing her volunteer work to help youth because “they are the future of our world.”

Volunteering has given her a feeling of pride in being able to help others and in being part of something bigger than herself. Monsalve said, “I believe experiences in life are what make you discover your passions, and I owe my discovery to my years doing community service.”

Barile plans on attending Florida State University to major in statistics. He has enjoyed volunteering with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Peter’s R.C. Church and the Kiwanis Peach Festival. He said his community service and volunteer work helped influence his desire to further his education.

Barile plans on volunteering while attending FSU, commenting, “If I can improve just a single person’s life, I consider my volunteer work worthwhile.”

Bautista will attend the University at Buffalo and double major in computer science and engineering. He has enjoyed volunteering with Key Club, Leadership Youth of Niagara County, and being a mentor with the Big Brother, Big Sister Program.

He said, “My brief experiences as a mentor have convinced me to pursue a path where I can continue to shape the youth of today. Through my education, I hope to build a strong enough business or platform in order to give back to the very community that has shaped me into the person I am today.”

The Kiwanis Club of Lewiston extends its congratulations to this year’s winners.