The Enrico Fermi Educational Fund of Yonkers recently honored the 2025 scholarship recipients at its 62nd annual Scholarship Breakfast, May 4, at Mulino’s, Lake Isle in Eastchester, New York.
Founded over six decades ago by Mike Vitulli and fellow community leaders, the Enrico Fermi Educational Fund of Yonkers remains steadfast in its mission: to support the academic aspirations of high school seniors with traceable Italian heritage. While originally focused on Yonkers students, the scholarship now extends across Westchester County, reflecting its growing reach and impact.
This year, 10 graduating high school seniors with traceable Italian heritage were awarded scholarships, totaling $55,000, in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to community service. The 2025 awards include six scholarships to Yonkers residents, three countywide and one countywide science scholarship.
The breakfast celebration also included a special recognition to the Italian American Forum (IAF), a long-time supporter of Enrico Fermi, that was honored for its continued dedication to preserving Italian culture, supporting students through scholarships, assisting community members in need and sponsored this year’s Enrico Fermi Science Scholarship.
The Hon. Janet DiFiore, chair of the IAF Board and former chief judge of the state of New York, delivered a powerful and inspiring address about the value of education, the importance of heritage and encouraged students to pursue their passions while remaining grounded in their cultural identity and to be the best they can be.
“This year, we were able to provide 10 scholarships thanks to our generous sponsors, contributors and journal advertisers,” said Rich Poccia, president of the Enrico Fermi Educational Fund. “Their support, along with the dedication of our many volunteers, including parents of past recipients, help us maintain the legacy and tradition of the Enrico Fermi Educational Fund….”
Dr. Susan Campanile, chair of the Scholarship Committee, noted that Enrico Fermi received a significant number of applications from highly qualified students, making this a very competitive class of applicants and added that “these 10 recipients exemplify both academic and civic excellence and are poised to lead with pride in their heritage and dedication to community.”
The 2025 Enrico Fermi Educational Fund Scholarship recipients are
Nicholas Airo, William Bracchitta, Ian Cavalluzzi, Jeffrey Colangelo, Alexandra Daley, Mateo del Rio Lanse, Melissa DeLuise, Domenick Thomas Fedele II, Maria Florinda Potenza, and Lilianne Williams-Ameen.
The Enrico Fermi Educational Fund of Yonkers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the educational aspirations of promising students with traceable Italian heritage. Founded 62 years ago by a group of community leaders led by Michael Vitulli, the fund was originally established to provide financial assistance to Italian-American students residing in Yonkers, New York. Since its founding more than 460 scholarships were awarded totaling nearly $1.5 million.
The Italian American Forum, a network of business and community leaders, serves as the catalyst where ideas and views on issues can be exchanged while supporting worthwhile initiatives dedicated to promoting and preserving the Italian and Italian American heritage.
