This past Tuesday evening, the Tribute and Honor Foundation proudly presented the 2024 Ben Farnan Scholarships to Glen Cove High School graduates Mark LaRocca and Ruben Martinez. These outstanding individuals, who have committed to serving their country by joining the military, were each honored with a $1,000 scholarship from the Foundation in acknowledgment of their commitment and patriotism. The award ceremony, emphasizing the importance of community and service, was a touching event attended by many dignitaries and community leaders.
Korean War veteran Ben Farnan, after whom the scholarship is named, was a keynote speaker at the evening's event. Mr. Farnan shared inspiring stories of his service, fostering a strong sense of community and patriotism among the attendees.
"I am deeply impressed by Mark and Ruben, not only for their commitment to serve our nation but also for their outstanding character and achievements," remarked Ben Farnan, Korean War veteran and namesake of the scholarship. "The military is fortunate to have such dedicated and exemplary individuals joining its ranks."
"We were deeply honored to recognize Mark and Ruben's dedication to our nation," stated Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation. "Their choice to serve is a profound inspiration to everyone, and we are proud to support them as they begin this significant and noble journey."
Glen Cove High School Principal Allen Hudson shared in the celebration, stating, "Mark and Ruben exemplify the best of our student body. Their dedication to serving our country reflects the values we strive to instill in all our students. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and future endeavors."
Mark LaRocca, a high school senior graduating with the class of 2024 at Glen Cove High School and Nassau BOCES Barry Technical High School, distinguished himself as an honors student and a four-year, three-season scholar-athlete. He held leadership positions in DECA, Student Senate, Ski Club, TV Studio, and Bands. Mark is an active member of Shelter Rock Church in Syosset, participating in the youth group and Bible study. With the support of his family, Mark connected with a Navy recruiter during a college fair in his sophomore year and enlisted in the U.S. Navy via their Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in the summer of 2023.
Ruben Martinez, also a high school senior graduating with the class of 2024 at Glen Cove High School, excelled in sports as a member of the baseball, track, and basketball teams. He was involved in clubs such as Chess, Anime, Mindfulness, and DECA and completed over 900 hours of community service during high school. Inspired by a family friend who served in the Marines, Ruben decided in his sophomore year to join the Marines and will enter boot camp at Parris Island in August. His involvement with Glen Cove EOC, including the Summer Youth Program and various community initiatives, has been pivotal in fostering his dedication to service. Ruben credits his mom, Anna Perez, and teachers like Angela Hall and Principal Allen Hudson for their support and inspiration.
In addition to words shared by Mr. Farnan, President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, and the Foundation’s 1st Vice President, Connie Pinilla, Esq., there were other notable speakers including Glen Cove High School Principal Allen Hudson, Assistant Superintendent Andrew DiNapoli, and Glen Cove EOC Program Director Irma Jeanty. The opening blessing was led by Liaison Members Wayne and Lisa Cohen with Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc. The pledge was led by Veteran Liaison Members including VFW Post 347 Vice Commander Howard Stillwagon and Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336 Luke Whitting, and the closing blessing was led by Shelter Rock Church Pastor and friend of the LaRocca family, Jerry O’Sullivan. Other board members in attendance included Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, Treasurer Thomas Bunger, and Online and Media Content Officer Lydia Wen Rodgers. The Foundation was also pleased to have many of the organization’s Liaison Members in attendance.
During the evening, Tribute and Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews emphasized the Foundation's appreciation, stating, "Gratitude is extended to the sponsors of the annual Award Ceremony, the sustaining members, and all who partner with us in our mission to serve veterans, active military members, and their families."
The board expressed its thanks to Pastor Jerry Turner and the congregation of Salem Baptist Church for providing the venue, to Deacon Watson for coordinating the space, and to the volunteers who ensured the event's success, including Dean Mayreis, Jesse Mayreis, Jim Stevenson-Mathews, and Peter LaRocca.
For more information on the Tribute and Honor Foundation, including details on the Annual Awards Ceremony and Fundraising Gala, visit www.tributeandhonorfoundation.org.