The Islanders announced on April 11 that five high school seniors have been awarded the Skate into Success Scholarship, each receiving $5,000 to support their college education.
The scholarship recognizes students who have shown excellence in both hockey and community service as they prepare for college. The winners were selected based on their leadership, academic achievement, dedication to the sport, and commitment to giving back.
Olivia Bongiorni from Rye Country Day School was honored for her long-standing commitment to hockey as a player and referee. She served as captain of her team, earned second team all-star status in the Fairchester Athletic League, received the Gil Castagna Award for sportsmanship and passion, maintained a 4.0 GPA, volunteered with The Humane Society of Westchester through a pet shelter drive, and earned her Girl Scout Ambassador Leadership award. Bongiorni is undecided about which college she will attend but plans to study statistics.
Dylan Lemke of Walt Whitman High School was recognized for his dedication on and off the ice. He captained his travel hockey team while serving as a junior EMT and dispatcher at his local center. Lemke completed ten Advanced Placement courses during high school and will attend the University of Florida to study biology.
Jett Lucas from Half Hollow Hills High School East stood out as a three-year varsity veteran known for leadership in his team’s captain committee. He earned the Coach’s Award for effort and leadership, was named an AP Scholar after taking numerous advanced courses, interned with Grassi Advisory Group, participated in DECA Stock Market Competition, served two years as President of the Business Honor Society—all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA—and will pursue accounting and finance at Wake Forest University.
Gabriel Vignato III from Bellport Senior High School demonstrated success by leading both his Junior Islanders squad and Patchogue-Medford Hockey Team as captain while excelling academically. Vignato applied his interest in auto mechanics personally; he also volunteered repairing schools with family members and spent time supporting military veterans through local ministries.
Matthew Winslow of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School balanced competing on multiple teams—including JV/Varsity hockey squads—with academics that led him into several honor societies (National, Spanish & Business). Winslow is also active on the swim team as well as working as a certified Nassau County lifeguard; he mentors youth athletes in both swimming safety and hockey skills.
These scholarships highlight how young athletes can combine sportsmanship with academic performance while making positive contributions within their communities.
