Three St. Bede School seniors, Faith Ellis, Lily Fontes and Natalie Hanna, were recognized for their service to their school, church and community this past Sunday at the monthly meeting of the Italian Catholic Federation branch 374 held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Montrose. Each student received a cash award of $100 from ICF branch President Jack DeZell.
They had been selected by a special branch committee led by Mark Mannarelli, scholarship chairman, who reviewed essays submitted based on the services students provided during the past school year.
Lily Fontes and Natlie Hanna will attend Mayfield Senior School, and Faith Ellis will attend Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.
ICF initiated these Distinguished Service awards several years ago to single out and recognize students who go above and beyond expectations for their contributions of service. The organization also awards scholarships throughout the year based on academic achievement, but highlights special students who step forward to volunteer their time and efforts on behalf of others, exemplifying the spirit of ICF.