Kinnelon H.S. Student Honored with UNICO Scholarship

On Tuesday at Montville UNICO’s General Meeting at the Columbia Inn, four students attending , Parsippany and Kinnelon High Schools each received a college scholarship, along with honorary junior membership to the organization.

“We’ve been doing this for 19 years," said Tutti Giordano, who serves on the scholarship committee. "Students apply for grants through their high school guidance departments. We analyze each application by applying a rating to academics, financials, and many other factors.”

“We had a large number of applicants," committee member Pat Barone said. "This award will provide each student with $2,000 to help them achieve their goals.

The recipients and their parents were honorary guests at a dinner ceremony. Each student was called up to receive a certificate. Later during the general meeting that continued throughout the evening, the students participated in a swearing-in ceremony to become junior members of Montville UNICO.

The following students received scholarships:

Brady Caputo, Kinnelon High School–Will attend Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. She plans to major in biology, and then attend medical school to become a dermatologist. Caputo has worked two jobs since freshman year at a pizzeria and a dermatology practice. As a junior, she joined , which delivers turkeys to the needy during the holiday season. She currently serves as vice president and secretary of that organization. Her ultimate goal after completing her postgraduate schooling and medical internship is to become qualified in Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer.

Elena Marmo, Parsippany High School–Will attend Pace University in New York, with a major in theater arts and political science. Marmo is president of her Italian Honor Society, secretary of the Italian Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. She received her Girl Scout Gold Award for a program called, “Relief through Reading,” which sent more than 1,000 books to the Louisiana Recovery Project to help revamp their library. Marmo studies theater, dance, acting and voice at Gateway to the Arts in Boonton, where she also teaches dance.  

“We’re very proud that the sacrifices we made for 17 years have helped to make such a great human being," Marmo’s father, John, said. "There are so many temptations in this world, and it is wonderful to be able to help her navigate her future." 

Ashley Suppa, Montville Township High School–Will attend Monmouth University in West Long Branch, majoring in elementary education with a minor in special education. She has been a cheerleader since her freshman year of high school, is very active with the football team and played softball. 

Michael Malanga, Montville Township High School–Will attend Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania to become an accountant. He has played football for the past 11 years, and excels in mathematics. Malanga’s mother, Debra, said their family has been very active in UNICO for many years.

Following the awards, Caputo’s father, Steve, got up to speak to the members about how grateful he was for the warm welcome he received from Montville UNICO.

“I came in feeling like a stranger," the elder Caputo said. "On behalf of my family, I can’t thank you enough. The cost of college is extreme, and every dollar helps. I thank you for your generosity.” 

Mickey D’Addato, president of Montville UNICO, said he believes furthering the mission through future generations is important.

“We’re an aging membership," he said. "Everything we do, we give away. We need some youth in our membership.”