New City Chamber Of Commerce Awards Two Scholarships

New City Chamber of Commerce President Steve Weissblatt presented $2,000 scholarships to Clarkstown graduating seniors Deanna Tocco of Congers and William Badinelli of West Nyack on Wednesday.  The two were selected based on their commitment to community service and were required to have volunteered at least 40 hours over the past two years.

Tocco, who graduates from Clarkstown North on Friday, is president of the Helping Hands Club and Rachel’s Challenge. She is a member of SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) and was the school’s representative to the Rotary Leadership Conference.

Tocco participated in two mission trips. One was to New Orleans to renovate a bowling alley into a community center and the other to the Bahamas to help people with AIDS who were living in poverty. She will attend Palm Beach Atlantic University and major in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood.

Badinelli, who graduates from Clarkstown South today, is a member of JSA, DECA and the school’s track and field team. He is an Eagle Scout and active with Boy Scout Troop 97.  For his Eagle Scout project, Badinelli built two picnic tables and a mounting ramp for disabled riders at the Senator Thomas Morahan - Ken Freson Therapeutic Equestrian Center at Camp Venture. Badinelli will attend the University of Albany and study Political Science and Accounting.