On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, South Windsor High School hosted its annual Senior Scholarship Awards Night, celebrating the achievements, hard work, and bright futures of the graduating class.
Family members, staff, and students gathered to recognize seniors who earned scholarships for their academics, leadership, community involvement, and more. The event marked one of the final milestones for the Class of 2025 as they prepare to take their next steps beyond high school.
The awards presented were graciously donated by local organizations and families within South Windsor. Seniors applied through South Windsor’s chapter of Scholarship America’s Dollars for Scholars program.
Isabella Giammarino received the Charles A. Manzella scholarship, which is awarded to a senior who is planning on entering into the field of education. Charles Manzella was a life-long educator of 40 years. He was a special education teacher, director of special education, administrator, and university supervisor of teachers. Charles believed in giving back to the community in every way possible and believed in teachers. The award was presented by his beloved wife, Carol Manzella and his daughter Cara Quinn.
“I’m very grateful for generous donors and the opportunity to continue my education,” Isabella Giammarino commented.
Over 70 scholarships were awarded to Class of 2025 seniors, with more than $500,000 gifted. Some of the scholarships awarded included The Alva Ross Memorial Scholarship, The “Bombara Strong” Scholarship in memory of Michael Bombara and The South Windsor Community Woman’s Club Scholarship.
Including these family and organization scholarships, students had the opportunity to apply for scholarships from their elementary school’s PTO: Orchard Hill, Eli Terry, Pleasant Valley, Phillip R. Smith and Wapping.
I received the “PRS success for ‘Averyone’” scholarship,” senior Brooke Stapleton stated. “I was really surprised that I got it because there were so many applicants. I was very grateful to receive it and it will help me greatly in the future.”
Senior Brooke Stapleton was awarded the ‘PRS success for Everyone’ scholarship.
“I was really surprised that I got it because there were so many applicants. I was very grateful to receive it, and it will help me greatly in the future.”
Lauren Graham received the Friends of SWPL Scholarship in honor of Mary J Etter.
“It was interesting to see which one I’d be receiving since it was a complete surprise to all of us there that night,” Graham said. “I’m honored to have gotten this scholarship because as a kid I was a frequent visitor at our local library and loved spending my time there. This scholarship feels very full circle to my younger self.”
This event recognized students for their academic achievements, community involvement, and future aspirations, with dozens of scholarships presented by families, local organizations, and memorial funds.
Smrithi Rajan, a senior of SWHS, who was awarded the South Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, reflected on the moment, stated “I’m incredibly honored to receive this scholarship. It means so much to me to be recognized by my community as I take the next step toward my future.”
To apply for a scholarship, students must first create a profile and enter information about themselves, such as extracurricular activities, work experience, and academic performance. Based on their GPA and other details, like which elementary school they attended, they are matched with scholarships for which they are eligible. Most scholarships also require a short essay as part of the application.
“I received the Knights of Columbus Scholarship for being a committed member of the Saint Junipero Serra Parish,” senior Christine Vnuk said.
These scholarships reflect not only the achievements of the seniors but also the support of a community that believes in their success. As they leave the halls of SWHS, they carry with them both recognition and responsibility.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to turn the page to their next chapter, these scholarships stand as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and bright futures ahead. Congratulations to all the recipients-your journey is just beginning.
Students who would like to apply for scholarships should go to the South Windsor Dollars for Scholars website.
