June 12, 2026 — The PEF Joseph Scacalossi Scholarship was first introduced in 1988 following the passing of a PEF member who worked at the Department of Labor in Manhattan. In his memory, the scholarship helps children, stepchildren, and wards of active, retired or deceased PEF members finance their education.
This year, 158 applications were received. Ten students were selected by the PEF Scholarship Committee, chaired by PEF Vice President Bruce Giddings. The other Scholarship Committee members include Rudy Arias, a program specialist at OMH in Region 8, Mario Chiarello, an IT specialist with OITS in Region 8, and Karen Tully, a senior attorney with the Department of State in Region 8.
Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,000 per year to help cover the costs of their undergraduate degree. Congratulations to all the students!
Iris Auyeung is a graduating senior from Bronx High School of Science. Iris earned several awards for essay writing, debate and volunteer service. She was honored as a John Locke Institute Global Essay Completion Finalist after finishing in the top 2 percent of essay submissions out of 60,000 global entries. She was also one of 100 mentors in the Road to Literacy program. She was honored by Senator John Liu with a NYS Senate 16th Senate District Volunteer Service Award.
Iris focused on justice and journalism during high school, serving as Founder and President of the Equity Learning Nonprofit Organization to improve access to education for immigrants, the Finance Officer for the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition, and an Advocacy Leader for the Indigenous Justice Coalition. She was also Team Director of the Varsity Speech and Debate team and Copy Chief and Editor of the school newspaper.
Iris was also involved for many years at several local churches, including as a camp counselor. She raised money through the Ronald McDonald House for Families with Children Battling Cancer.
She will be attending Cornell University in Ithaca.
Luke Buonocore is a graduating senior from Pascack Hills High School in Montauk, N.J. Luke received many scholarly honors in high school, including induction into both the National Honor Society and High Honor Roll for maintaining a high-grade point average as well as the Spanish National Honor Roll. He also received the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy from the New Jersey Department of Education.
When he was not busy with his studies, Luke captained the soccer team and partciipated for three years on the indoor and outdoor track and field squads. He was also a member of Ski, Chess and Criminology clubs.
Luke was a frequent volunteer at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, including as a faith formation leader and Bible camp counselor.
Luke will be attending Boston University.
Evan Burns is graduating from Duanesburg Jr./Sr. High School in Delanson, N.Y. He is a recipient of several academic awards, including induction into the Duanesburg National Honor Society, and received an Outstanding Achievement award in Computer Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He also received an award from the Western Athletic Conference as an All-Star Defender on the Duanesburg High School soccer team.
Evan’s two loves are sports and robotics. He played five seasons on the varsity soccer team, three years as part of the Track and Field team and three years as part of Duanesburg Robotics Club. He also volunteered as an assistant soccer coach for the Duanesburg American Youth Soccer Organization and was an assistant mentor at the Schoharie Mohawk Initiative for Science and Technology.
He also volunteered doing home repairs in his community and was an avid Cub Scout, participating in community service and Veterans Day activities.
Evan will be attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica.
Jordan DuBray is a graduating senior from Massena Senior High School in Massena, N.Y. Jordan achieved High Honor Roll by maintaining an academic average above 92. She also received awards for excelling in choir and acting.
Her commitment to music and theatre shines in her long tenure as part of her school’s musical theatre, where she eventually became President. She also became Vice President of the Student Council and Women’s Choir. Jordan participated as a student teacher at Tap to Toe Studio of Dance and at Sunmount as a musical entertainer.
When not dancing, singing or acting, Jordan volunteered at Vacation Bible School and other programs which prepared students for school.
She will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh.
Nathaniel Lindh is a graduating senior from Duanesburg Jr./Sr. High School. Nathaniel achieved high honors as an athlete during his high school career. He received the Varsity Scholar Athlete award for maintaining a grade point average above 90 while playing a varsity sport. He was awarded Most Valuable Player of Cross Country and represented Duanesburg at a Sports Leadership Conference.
Nathaniel was Class President from 2022 until graduation. He was a Track and Cross Country Captain and a group leader at Princetown Youth Group. Additionally, he became Captain of the soccer team and President of the band club.
Nathaniel was very involved in his community, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, Red Cross, and Regional Food Banks. He was also active at Princetown Church, delivering meals to homebound church members, donating toys to families in need, and operating video livestreams for the church.
Nathaniel will be attending Nazareth University.
Samuel Logvin is a graduating senior from Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, N.Y. He is a high achieving student, receiving awards for Excellence in English and Social Studies. He was also recognized by the Thespian Honor Society for achievement in theatre.
Samuel spent much of his time in high school serving as Member, Chair, Vice President and President of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, an Actor, Shop Foreman and Supervisor of the Calhoun High School On Tour Company, and a member of Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball. After school he spent his time acting in community theatre, Halloween festivals, and was a founding member of a local history club.
Samuel will be attending The State University of New York at Buffalo.
Fiona Longacker graduated from Schuylerville Central in Schuylerville, N.Y. She is currently attending the University of Delaware. As a high school student, Fiona achieved outstanding grades, earning her induction into the National Honor Society and an award from Schuylerville High School as a Top Graduate. She is currently enrolled as a member of the University of Delaware Honors College for high grade point average and extracurricular achievements.
As a high school student, Fiona became President of the Schuylerville High School Symphonic Band, Team Captain as a Varsity Cheerleader, President of the Mock Trial club, and was involved in the Spanish Club and Student Council.
Fiona followed the music as much as possible during her high school career. She spent time volunteering her musical talents at the Saratoga Youth Symphony Benefit Concert, the Lake George Community Band, the Old Song Music Festival and the Castleton College Music Festival.
Her freshman year of college, Fiona was a founding member of the Kappa Delata Sorority, a member of the University of Delaware Wildlife Society, and this summer works with the NYS Office for Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Kyle Manny is a graduate of Troy High School in Troy, N.Y. He is currently attending Russell Sage College. As a high school student, Kyle received the Edward C. Picken, Saint Michael’s Book and Senator Jacob C. Ashby Service in Action Award for Academic and Athletic excellence.
When not focused on his studies, Kyle was involved in high school sports as Captain of the Varsity Soccer team, and member of both the Track and Field and Indoor Track teams.
He gave back to his community by volunteering for the Troy Turkey Trot, the Boy Scouts of America and St. Anthony’s church. He was also involved in showing Troy High School spirit by becoming a tour guide for new students during orientation.
Vivan Nirelli graduated from Iroquois High School in Elma, N.Y. As a high school student, Fiona achieved outstanding grades in both Spanish and French, earning her the Student of the Quarter for World Language and the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. She also received awards from the Rochester Institute for Technology for high academic achievement and the Coaches’ Award in Field Hockey.
As a high school student, Vivian became President of the Culture Club and was a member of the Key Club and National Honor Society.
Vivian spent much of her high school academic career involved in her community, volunteering at Danny’s Helping Hands, the Community Food Bank, Vacation Bible School, and other organizations, including the Girl Scouts for 13 years. Additionally, she served as a coach to younger girls to teach field hockey at Iroquois Field Hockey Camp.
Vivian will be attending SUNY Geneseo.
Kailey Paul is graduating from the LaSalle Institute. As a student, Kailey achieved Gold Honor at LaSalle, maintaining a grade point average above 95 every year. She also was inducted into the National Honor Society.
She competed in horseback riding competitions and won several awards from 2023-2025, including the Sportsmanship Award at the National Horse Show in Kentucky, and silver medals from the United States Hunter Jumper Association. She also played Varsity Lacrosse at LaSalle.
Kailey was well-known in her community as an Ambassador for Make-A-Wish Northeastern New York and Vermont, the Albany Medical Hospital Foundation and Melodies Center, and the Kindness Project. She served as a guest speaker to promote the organization’s goals and assisted with fundraising.
Kailey will be attending Elon University in North Carolina.