Rockland Student Wins Italian-American State Legislators Scholarship

New City resident Alana Kurtti, a model student and member of her community, was chosen as this year’s winner of the Italian-American State Legislators Scholarship Program.

New York State Sen. David Carlucci recently presented the Clarkstown South High School student with a $1,500 scholarship from the Italian-American State Legislators Conference for her dedication as a student.

“I am absolutely thrilled that this year's award recipient hails from Rockland County and that Alana will be able to use this money towards paying for her books and tuition expenses," said Carlucci.

The Italian-American State Legislators Conference is a bipartisan group of New York State Assembly and Senate members who celebrate the contributions of the Italian-American community and aim to squash negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans.

Kurtti earned a 4.56 grade point average while engaging in various extracurricular activities. She is the captain of the Varsity Softball Team, President of the Greenhouse Club and volunteers for fundraising events for Operation Smile and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Those who are chosen for the award were selected based on their grade point average, interest in pursuing higher education, financial need and community involvement.

“I would like to thank the Italian-American State Legislators Conference for continuing to pick top-notch students that excel and have a bright future ahead,” said Carlucci.

Kurtti plans to attend Georgetown University to major in the Biology of Global health. She hopes to attend medical school and pursue her passion of math and science.