2023 Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship winner, Jason Ciurleo!

Our son, Vincent Gagliardi, was killed in a tragic car accident on October 8th, 2021.  He was only 17 years old and a Senior at SHS.  We truly miss his laugh, his hugs, his gorgeous blue eyes and his funny easy-going personality, but most of all we miss Vincent’s special gift of making everyone feel important and loved.

To keep Vincent’s memory alive and celebrate a SHS student, we decided to start a foundation in his name.

The Vincent R. Gagliardi Foundation will present a yearly scholarship to a deserving SHS Senior and will help spread teen driver safety awareness.

This year the foundation held its 1st 5K fundraiser – Vincent’s Run.  The event outcome was amazing and far exceeded any expectations.  Because of our incredible community’s generosity, we are thrilled to present a $5,000 scholarship to Jason Ciurleo.

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Jason, but from what I have been told, he is a genuine, kind, outgoing, and welcoming young man.  In addition to his impressive character, Jason is a Peer Leader, Track and Field Captain, Pioneer Pack Leader, he won “Most School Spirit” and works at Wegman’s as a “Helping Hand” with carts.

The foundation board and close family members reviewed all the scholarship essays and Jason’s was the clear choice.  He wrote about his rewarding experience as a respite care volunteer for his friend, Robert, who has Downs Syndrome.  Jason said this experience had a positive impact on his own life and taught Jason patience, empathy, compassion and to appreciate the simple things in life.

What resonated with me the most (and reminded me of my Vincent) was Jason said, “The little things, like a smile or a kind word can make a difference in someone’s day.”  I did a little bit of research on kindness and studies show being kind to others fills you with self-confidence and happiness, boosts your self-esteem, improves your health and well-being and attributes to success.  I hope we all can show some kindness throughout our lives because quite frankly being kind is a win-win.

Congratulations to Jason and the Class of 2023