connector leader helping freshmen students transition to high school life. She is an accomplished flutist, enjoys snowboarding, reading, painting and hiking in the Adirondacks. Parent: Kevin Koktowski at the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Cara Mooney heads to Marist College,


where she will minor in music and decide her major. She graduated with honors from Bethlehem Central High School and was inducted into the National Honors Society. She was selected for the Empire State Youth Orchestra and has played the guitar and violin at several venues including Barns and Noble Booksellers. Through church youth programs, Mooney has collected shoes for Appalachia, assisted at food pantries and homeless shelters and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. Mooney likes to travel, enjoys art in traditional and digital media and photography. Parent: Judith Mooney at DOH. Terence Parker received an


International Baccalaureate diploma which means he has the qualifications necessary for acceptance in universities worldwide. He is an Albany High School graduate, National Honor Society member, and


received the Albany Board of Education Award for Science. Terence plans on majoring in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburg. He was the treasurer of the Albany High Key Club, worked with Habitat for Humanity, tutored non-English speaking students, and volunteered on a post-surgical ward at St. Peter’s Hospital. He enjoys soccer, snowboarding and science. Parent: Christopher Parker at DOH. Brian Picente graduated from


Whitesboro High School, receiving the highest honors in several advanced courses. He is on the National Honor Roll and was the Whitestown Optimist Student of the Month in January 2010. He received the Utica Symphony Orchestra High School Music Acknowledgement Award and has been on the Dean’s List during his first two semesters of college. He is attending the College of St. Rose and is studying music education. Picente has participated in numerous bands and ensembles, plays the trumpet, and also ran and walked for charitable organizations. Parent: David Picente at DOCCS. Sarah Wazenkewitz is seeking a degree


in chemistry with adolescent education certification at Nazareth College, where she has already made the Dean’s List. She


graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School and was inducted into the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society. Currently, she is involved in a research program to develop new chemistry and organic/biochemistry curriculums at Nazareth College. Wazenkewitz was named “Rookie of the Year” on the college’s field hockey team. She plays trumpet and participates in several charity events for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Parent: David Wazenkewitz at DEC. Matthew Young has selected


geology/environmental science as his major at SUNY Plattsburgh. He graduated fifth in his class of 250 at Monticello High School, where he became a member of the National Honor Society. He is also the recipient of two Scholar Athlete Awards for soccer. An accomplished singer and guitar player, Young has performed at local nursing homes and at several fundraisers such as the Haiti Refief Benefit and the Pink Ribbon Riders. He enjoys hiking, biking, exploring national parks, and is devoted to keeping the environment pristine for future generations. Parent: Henry Young at the state Office of Mental Health.


By DEBORAH A. MILES During a time when college tuition has skyrocketed, children of PEF members have applied for union


scholarships to help ease the financial crunch. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) selected 33 students from dozens of applications for one-time, non-renewable awards of $1,500. Among the recipients were children of three PEF members. The students are: Thomas A. Hornauer attends SUNY Cobleskill studying business administration. He is a


graduate of Sharon-Springs Central High School where he received the Greenlieghs Award for academic achievement. He has participated as a runner to benefit multiple charities such as the American Cancer Society and the Children’s Miracle Network. He has worked throughout high school and college to help pay his tuition, and has earned an employee appreciation award for high-efficiency work at Walmart. Parent: Mark Hornauer at the state Department of Taxation


and Finance. Elisa Hoyos is a pre-med student at the University of Rochester and plans on earning her


bachelor’s degree in May 2014. She attended Hornell Senior High School (HHS) where she was chapter secretary for the National Honor Society, president of the Library Club and color guard captain of the HHS marching band. She has worked as a dance assistant and as an English/Spanish translator. She volunteered to help organize a library, and enjoys playing the piano, cooking and photography. Parent: Hector Hoyos at the state Department of


Transportation (DOT). Charles G. Rappazzo is entering his sophomore year at Cornell University where he is


studying biological and environmental engineering. During his freshman year, he earned the prestigious National Society of Collegiate Scholars award for his commitment to leadership and service. In high school, Rappazzo founded Literacy Education for All People, and collected and distributed more than 200,000 books to schools and libraries in Nigeria. He was also a PEF Scacalossi Scholarship winner in 2010. Parent: Charles J. Rappazzo at DOT.


Terence Parker was among 15 students to receive a $1,000 award, renewable for an additional three Winners of other scholarships


years from SEIU. Parker is also a PEF Scacalossi Scholarship recipient this year. (See above story.) Nevin Daniel received a $2,000 award from the AFT Union MasterCard Scholarship sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Privilege program.


Daniel is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a prospective pre-med student, most likely majoring in chemistry. He is a graduate of Ward Melville High School and won the Siemens State Science AP Award, took second place in the National Siemens Competition and earned perfect SATs. His academic interests include science research, chemistry and math problem-solving. He also enjoys running, non- fiction writing, reading, playing the viola and outdoor activities. Daniel has been a hospital volunteer for four years and has won two Presidential Service Gold medals for his combined service. Parent: Pappachan Daniel at the state Department of Environmental Conservation,


www.pef.org The Communicator September 2011—Page 9


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