On Monday, Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello joined his colleagues in welcoming the students who were awarded the New York State Conference of Italian-American Legislators' academic and athletic scholarships. "I congratulate the winners of these awards for their hard work in both the classroom and on the athletic field," Morinello said. "With the rising cost of higher education, these scholarships will go a long way toward helping these individuals and their families as they further their education.

The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators has done a wonderful job giving back to the state's Italian-American community, and I am proud to be a part of this group of legislators." Student award winners included (academic achievement) Matthew Palesano and John Spensieri, and (athletic achievement) John Tevese and Micaela Fontanetta.