THE WINNERS OF THE 2009 VITO J. PITTA AND FRANK E. SARIS SCHOLARSHIPS

Photo Not Available	KINGA ADAMAS, daughter of Malgorzata Adamas, Edison Hotel Kinga is the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and a member of the ARISTA National Honor Society. She received an Honorable Mention at a Health Professions and Recruitment Exposure Program that she attended at Cornell Medical School. Kinga participates in the school's Chamber Music Group, is a science and math peer tutor, and works part-time. She plans a career in medical research and will major in Toxicology at St. John's University.
	SYED ALI, son of Syed Ali (pictured), Waldorf Astoria Hotel Syed is the Publicist of the ARISTA National Honor Society at DeWitt Clinton High School, and he received Honorable Mention for his participation in the Model United Nations program. He is a Council Member of the Animal Rights Club and a member of the Student Leadership Council. At school Syed is a Teacher's Aide and in his community he tutors elementary school students. Syed will study Political Science at Wesleyan College. He plans a career in law and international relations.
	THAHMINA ALI, daughter of Latif Ali, Plaza Hotel At the High School for Medical Science & Dr. Mary E. Walker Medical Science Academy, Thahmina was recommended to participate in the accelerated Gauss Honors Program. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Math Club, through which she is a peer tutor. On the school newspaper she is the Graphic Coordinator, Managing Director, Interviewer and Editor. Thahmina was a Lab Intern with the Bronx Community College Harlem Children's Society Program in Science, Medicine, Technology & Allied Sciences. She also volunteers at a local day care center. She plans a career as an ophthalmologist and will major in Biology at Hunter College.
Photo Not Available	WALTER ANDRADE, son of Orlando Andrade, Metropolitan Club Walter will deliver the salutatory address at the Monroe Academy for Visual Arts & Design graduation ceremony. He is Vice President of the Senior Class Student Government, Captain of the Swim Team, and Manager of the Girls Softball Team. He also serves as Manager of the School Store. Walter volunteers outside of school through his membership with the school's Leadership Class. He will study Hospitality Management at the State University of NY Institute of Technology at Delhi.
	RAYMON ANG, son of Stephen Ang, Hudson Hotel Raymon is the Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Education High School 2009 Salutatorian. He is a member of the National Honor Society and co-founder and Vice President of the Asian Culture Club. His team won the Gracious Professionalism Award and a Safety Award at the N.Y. Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Raymon will study Computer Engineering at City University of New York.
	RISA AOCHI-BORDEN, daughter of Jose Bordon, Plaza Hotel Risa is a Class Delegate to the Tappan Zee High School Student Organization. She is a member of the French Club and the Concert Choir, and a violinist with the Concert Orchestra. She is a peer tutor and plays on the Varsity Lacrosse Team. She is interning at a New York City hotel and plans a career in hotel management. She will attend Pace University.
	EDDIE BEJARANO, son of Abraham Bejarano, Waldorf Astoria Hotel At Sachem Central School District at Holbrook, Eddie is Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team. He was chosen as one of Suffolk County's 2009 Top Fifty Soccer Players. Eddie works part-time and plans a career in international affairs. He will attend the State University of NY at Binghamton.
	JENNY CHEN, daughter of Jin A. Chen, Gordon Ramsay Restaurant at London Hotel and Pierre Hotel Jenny attends the Women in Science and Engineering Program at the Westover School where she is News Editor of the newspaper and Editor of the yearbook. She is also Head of the United Council's International Clubs, Head of Peer Support and the Asian Culture Club, and a member of Amnesty International. Through the school's Outdoor Program, Jenny became certified in wilderness first aid. She also sings with the Glee Club, the Chamber Choir and the a cappella group. Jenny volunteers in her community as a tutor and is a member of a local swim team. She will attend Bryn Mawr College.
Photo Not Available	WINNIE CHEN, daughter of Rui Chen, Pennsylvania Hotel Winnie has been named in Who's Who Among American High School Students and is a member of the National Honor Society at the Manhattan Center for Science and Math High School. She is also a member of the International Alliance and participates in the Annual Aspira Fashion Show. Winnie is a Mount Sinai Scholar and the recipient of a research grant from the Young Science Achievers Program. She interns as a laboratory research aide at Weill Cornell Medical College. Winnie will attend the State University of NY at Buffalo and plans a career as a general surgeon.
	ERICA CHEUNG, daughter of Patrick Cheung, Peninsula of New York Hotel Erica was selected to attend the Spence School through the Prep for Prep Program. She is Senior Co-Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, a Discussion Facilitator for Cultural Awareness for Everyone and a member of the Model United Nations. She also runs Varsity Track. Erica volunteers in her community and works part-time. She plans a career in biomedical engineering and will attend Dartmouth College.
Photo Not Available	ABID CHOUDHURY, son of Muazzam Choudhury, Essex House Hotel At the High School for Medical Science & Dr. Mary E. Walker Medical Science Academy, Abid is a member of the National Honor Society and was selected to participate in the accelerated Gauss Honors Program. He is Editor/Writer of the newspaper and a member of the Guitar Club, the English Club, the Math Club and the College Now Program. Abid volunteers at a local hospital. He will attend Hunter College and plans a career as a doctor.
	REBECCA CHOWDHURY, daughter of Manjoor Chowdhury, Westin Times Square Hotel Rebecca is Stuyvesant High School's Vice President of Global Education for the Building with Books Club. She is also the Committee Head of Advocacy for the Key Club and a member of the National Honor Society. She writes for both literary magazines at school and volunteers with Equality Now and a local youth organization. She will major in Creative Writing at Kenyon College and plans a career with non-profit services.
	SHILA CHOWDHURY, daughter of Shamuel Chowdhury, Carlyle Hotel Shila was selected into the Honor House Program at Herbert H. Lehman High School, where she is President of the Model United Nations, a member of the Arista National Honor Society and a Reach Scholar. She volunteers in her community through her memberships in the Build On Club and the summer Health Professions Academy. Shila will attend City University of New York and plans a career as a doctor.
	CYNTHIA D'ANDREA, daughter of Salvatore D'Andrea, Harry Cipriani Cynthia attends the Scholars Program at St. Vincent Ferrer High School. She is a member of the Global Concerns Club and the French Club. She is also a Peer Tutor and plays Varsity Volleyball. Cynthia works part time and volunteers as a lector and peer minister at her church. She will major in Applied Economics at Cornell University.
Photo Not Available	MARIUSZ GRABARZ, son of Ludmila Grabarz, Washington Jefferson Hotel Mariusz is the 2009 Valedictorian at Murray Bergtraum High School for Business Careers. He is also Editor of the newspaper. Mariusz is a member of the N.Y.C. Interscholastic Math League and the New York Road Runners Club. He holds an internship with a major insurance company and plans a career as an accountant. He will attend Baruch College.
	MARY GUERRON, daughter of Teodora M. Salas, New York Palace Hotel Mary is a member of Curtis High School's ASPIRA Club. She is also a member of the Law Club and has volunteered with the Foreign Language Departments fund raising event. She volunteers in her community and works part-time. Mary plans a career as an elementary school teacher. She will attend the State University of NY at Cortland.
	KEAH HORSFORD, daughter of Victoria Walcott, Millennium Broadway Hotel Keah is Vice President of the ARISTA National Honor Society and a Peer Tutor at the A. Philip Randolph Campus High School at City College. She also volunteers in her community and works part-time. Keah plans a career as an early childhood teacher and will attend Hunter College.
	JENNIFER HU, daughter of Mei Fang Zhu, Four Seasons Hotel At West Windsor-Plainboro High School, Jennifer plays violin with the orchestra and is a member of the Math Honor Society. She qualified for the American Invitational Math Examination. Through her membership with her local junior rowing club, Jennifer was invited to the National Junior Rowing Summer Camp. She volunteers with the National Rowing Team and works part-time. She will major in Chemical Engineering at Princeton University.
	AMANDA IBRAHIM, daughter of Wagdy Ibrahim, Intercontinental Hotel Amanda is Vice President of the Coptic Club at the Science Institute at Tottenville High School. She is also a member of the Red Cross Club, a Peer Tutor and a member of the Varsity Basketball team. Amanda volunteers in her community and works part-time. She will major in Pharmaceutical Science at Long Island University.
	TIMOTHY KEANEY, son of Lawrence Keaney, Metropolitan Doubletree Hotel At Holy Cross High School, Timothy is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Youth Leadership Forum. He is the recipient of the Moreau Scholarship, and is also a Peer Tutor and a member of the Track Team. Timothy volunteers in his school and in his local community. He works part-time. Timothy plans a career in television production and will attend Hofstra University.
	MEHDI KHAN, son of Abdul Khan, Hilton NY Hotel & Towers Mehdi is a member of the Yearbook Committee and the Fundraising Committee at the High School of Hospitality Management. He also serves as a Teacher's Assistant. Mehdi volunteers in his community and works part-time. He plans a career in finance and will attend the State University of NY at Stony Brook.
	FIONA LAM, daughter of Wai Hung Lam, Pierre Hotel At Fort Hamilton High School's Honor Academy, Fiona is Senior Representative of the Academy of Finance and Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Design of the Virtual Enterprise Program. She is a member of the Girls' Track Team, the Medical Science Club, the Asian Culture Club, the Guitar Ensemble and the community service group. She also works part-time. Fiona will attend the State University of NY at Albany and will major in Marketing.
	KATARZYNA LESKO, daughter of Michal Lesko, Radisson Martinique Hotel At Linden High School Academy of Science and Technology, Katarzyna is an ROTC Company Executive Officer, the Public Affairs Officer, and a member of the Academic Team. She is President of the Spanish National Honor Society and Secretary of the Mock Trial Team. Katarzyna is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish International Exchange and the Allen, Tx Project. She is a Peer Tutor, volunteers in her community, and works part-time. She plans a career in publishing and will attend New York University.
	HUALY LI, daughter of Xiaoming Li, Doubletree Guest Suites, Times Square At Townsend Harris High School, Hualy is President of the ARISTA National Honor Society, and President and Co-Founder of the Chinese Language Club. She is a member of the Math Honor Society, the New York State Science Honor Society, the Key Club and the Community Service Honor Society. She is a Peer Tutor and volunteers at school and in her community. Hualy also works part-time. She plans a career as a doctor and will major in Biochemistry at New York University.
	PATRICIA MENSA, daughter of Margaret Nipaa, Intercontinental Hotel Patricia is Treasurer and Secretary of the National Honor Society, and Treasurer of the Future Business Leaders of America at the Frederick Douglass Academy III. She also participated in the Science Olympiad. Patricia volunteers in her community as a tutor and counselor and works part-time. She plans a career as a psychologist and will attend Union College.
Photo Not Available	CHRISTIAN MONSALVE, son of Rafael Monsalve, Hilton NY Hotel and Towers; Marriott Brooklyn Bridge Hotel; Sofitel Christian is President of the Spanish and Latin American Cultural Society at Regis High School. He is also a member of the Middle Eastern Club and plays Varsity Soccer. Christian received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. He volunteers in his community and works part-time. He plans a career in international business and will attend Fordham University.
	JUSTINA PIERRE, daughter of Jean Pierre, Waldorf=Astoria Hotel Justina is a member of the National Honor Society and was selected for the Peer Leadership Program at Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School. She sings with her church choir and volunteers in her community. Justina also works part-time. She will major in Biology at St. Joseph's College and plans a career as a doctor.
	MOISEY RAFAILOV, son of Emma Rafailova (pictured), Ritz Carlton Central Park Hotel At The Bronx High School of Science, Moisey is the Captain of the Wrestling Team, which placed second in the Mayor's Cup competition. He co-founded a cultural program for school age children at his synagogue. He also works part-time as a tutor. Moisey will study Pharmaceutical Science at St. John's University.
	NASHITA RAHMAN, daughter of Azimur Rahman, Algonquin Hotel At The Bronx High School of Science, Nashita is President of the Southeast Asian Cultural Club. She is also Program Designer for the Drama Club's bi-annual performances. Nashita also works part-time. She will attend the State University of NY at Stony Brook and plans a career in medicine.
	RACHEL RESNIK, daughter of Gershon Resnik, Rainbow Room by Cipriani Rachel is a member of the Speech Team at The Bronx High School of Science. She is also the Junior Varsity Novice Director and performs in the school musicals. Rachel also performs her own material professionally as a stand-up comedian. She will major in Liberal Arts at McGill University.
	JENISSA REYNOSO, daughter of Santos Reynoso, Times Square Hotel At East Orange Campus High School, Jenissa is a member of the Culinary Arts Club, the Science Club, the Latin American Club and the Dance Club. She is also a Peer Tutor. Jenissa works part-time. She will major in Mathematics at Kean University and plans a career as a teacher.
	ERIKA RODAS, daughter of Mary Rueda, Intercontinental Hotel Erika is President of the Spanish Honor Society at Nutley High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Key Club, and she sings with the Concert Choir. Erika also volunteers in her community. She will attend Johnson & Wales University and plans a career in international hotel management.
	STEVEN SAFA, son of Sameh Safa, Waldorf Astoria Hotel; NY Helmsley Hotel Steven attends Tottenville High School. He is Captain of his church's Basketball Team, tutors school age children and volunteers in his community. Steven will study Pharmaceutical Science at the State University of NY at Albany.
	PAWEL SIERADZY, son of Marek Sieradzy, Affinia Manhattan Hotel Pawel is Vice President of Colonia High School's National Honor Society and Treasurer of the French Honor Society. He is a member of Student Government and a Peer Tutor. He is Captain of the Men's Volleyball Team and a member of both the Track and Field Team and the Cross Country Team. His project placed first in the Physics and Earth Science category at the North Jersey Regional Science Fair. Pawel volunteers in his community and works part-time. He will major in Psychology at Rutgers University.
	MARY SITU, daughter of Gary Situ, Mandarin Oriental Hotel At Francis Lewis High School Mary is Vice President of Organization for the ARISTA National Honor Society, Captain of Patriot Battalion JROTC and Secretary of the Seekers Christian Fellowship Club. She is also a member of the Science Research Team and the Pre-Med Association Club. She received the Proficiency Award for Leadership from JROTC and the USAA National Science Merit Award. Mary also volunteers in her community. She will attend St. John's University and plans a career in medicine.
	ANGIE SIU, daughter of Hon Siu (pictured), Pierre Hotel Angie is a member of the Anime Club and the Optimum Challenge Team at Midwood High School. She worked with the Summer Youth Employment Program. Angie plans a career as an architect and will major in Architecture at Pratt Institute.
	TREMAYNE STEWART, son of Donald U. Stewart, Omni Berkshire Hotel (Fireside Rest.) As Head Coach of the Pocono Mountain East High School's Basketball Team, Tremayne led his team to the championship. He is also a member of the Track and Field Team and a Peer Tutor. He volunteers as a web programmer for his church. Tremayne plans a career as a software engineer and will major in Computer Science at East Stroudsberg University.
	AMY TSE, daughter of Kwok Tung Tse, Hilton NY Hotel & Towers At Brooklyn Technical High School, Amy is Co-Captain of the Debate Team, Vice President of the International Human Rights Club, a Senior Committee member of Student Government and a member of the Student Council. She is a Brooklyn/Queens Division Lincoln-Douglass Debater. Amy studies classical piano, volunteers at a local seniors' center and works part-time. She will major in Sociology at New York University.
	T'KEYAH TURNBULL, daughter of Charles Turnbull, Beacon Hotel As Co-Director and Treasurer of the Teaneck High School non-profit outreach organization, T'Keyah took part in a mission trip to Ghana, West Africa. She received the National Youth Leadership Conference's Humanitarian Award. T'Keyah is Head Coach of the Track and Field Team and volunteers with the Junior Track and Field Camp. At her church she volunteers as a treasurer, camera operator and a singer. She also volunteers at a local hospital. T'Keyah will attend St. John's University and plans a career as a nurse.
	LINA WU, daughter of Min Wu, Sheraton NY & Towers At the Benjamin N. Cardozo High School DaVinci Math and Science Institute, Lina is a member of the ARISTA National Honor Society. Her senior thesis paper was awarded Best in Class. She received the Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry from the International Library of Poetry. Lina also volunteers in her community. She will attend the State University of NY at Stony Brook and plans a career in medicine.
	ERIKA YANG, daughter of Michael Yang, St. Regis Hotel At Benedictine Academy, Erika is a member of the National Honor Society and the Peer Mentoring Group. She is also a member of the Drama Club, the Ecology Club, the French Club, the Spanish Club and the Library Circle. She volunteers at school and in her community. Erika plans a career as a pediatrician and will major in Biochemistry at Rutgers University.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners!