Approximately 200 participants will take to the tennis courts at Pearl River High School Sunday the Thomas Scognamiglio Memorial Scholarship Fund's first fundraiser.
The fund was set up to honor the memory of Thomas Scongamiglio, a 15-year-old Pearl River High School student who passed away from cancer Oct. 17, 2012. There are 40 teams signed up, with five players each, to compete in a Volley-Tennis tournament, which begins at 9 a.m. and should run through 3 p.m.
"The kids play it in gym lass," said Joe Scognamiglio, Thomas's father. "It's like volleyball on a tennis court. I'm on a team myself, but I don't know how to play. It takes about three minutes to learn.
"We started thinking of doing something for Tommy, maybe a run or a walk. Missy (Thomas's sister) said everybody loves volley tennis. They get a big turnout every year for the ping-pong tournament (at Pearl River High School). Missy said they'd love volley tennis."
The teams are made up mostly of students, though some teacher and parents will play. Scognamiglio said they are no longer taking registrations, but he hopes ore people will come out to support the event. There will be refreshments available.
Scognamiglio said the fund will give out its first scholarships at the PearlRiver High School Senior Varsity Athletic Awards Dinner June 5 at the Pearl River Elks Club.
"We've raised about $2,500 so far," Scognamiglio said. "We are going to give out a couple of scholarships in June at the varsity dinner. We have other fundraisers on the way. We are looking at one for the fall."
Donations can be mailed to the Thomas Scognamiglio Memorial Scholarship Fund at 21 W. O. Bauer Lane, Orangeburg, NY 10962. For more information, contact Joe Scognamiglio at (845) 642-6790.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
