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Tony and his wife, Patricia, both graduated from West Pittston High School which became part of the Wyoming Area School District in the 1960’s. Tony graduated from RETS Electronic School in Philadelphia and began his career as an electronics technician. His career in construction spanned some 30 years. Pat spent her time as a homemaker and hairdresser until her children had graduated from high school. Both Tony and Pat attended most, if not almost all, of their children’s school activities which included football games, golf matches, cheerleading competitions, etc. once their children were settled into their family lives Pat began working as a Podiatric Assistant for her son, Dr. David Scalzo, DPM. Pat and Tony have continued this tradition with their grandchildren and are actively involved in their lives. Football games, softball games, dance recitals, fill their days now. Both their children David and Andrea who is currently employed by the Wyoming Area School District are Wyoming Area graduates and their children Annie, Anthony, Carmella and Nicholas are all presently enrolled in the Wyoming Area School District. The Scalzo families have lived in West Pittston and Harding their entire lives. The WARRIOR legacy is alive in this family.
The Anthony & Amelia Scalzo Story:
RIGHT ATTITUDE MEANS SUCCESS Anthony was oldest of four children of Serifino and Maria Scalzo. His dad died at a very young age leaving his wife to raise her four children alone. With the help of Anthony who had to drop out of school in the 7th grade and who at 14 became the head of the household Maria and her children struggled to survive. Anthony took a job as a BREAKER BOY at the Ewen Colliery located in Port Griffith/Pittston Township and continued in the mining industry for 29 years. Although he quit school in 7th grade, Anthony was self taught and was an avid reader of the encyclopedia. Throughout his life he continued to stress the importance of an education to his sons. As mine work slowed down and after the Knox Disaster in 1959 closing most of the local mines he sought work elsewhere. He landed a job at a local garment industry for approximately 27 years where he started with a meager salary; through hard work and perseverance he was given a higher paid job. These two life time jobs spanned 56 years. Amelia was the second eldest of seven children of Anthony and Christine Manganiello. She graduated from West Pittston High school in 1936. Her father was a well established builder but became a victim of the 1929 Depression. Like so many other families she helped raise her siblings especially after her dad suffered a heart attack and could no longer work. Amelia went to work as a clerk and her childhood dream of a higher education was lost. Amelia and Anthony met at a local dance in 1937 and married two years later. Amelia became a homemaker and Anthony rose to foreman at the breaker. They established residency at 607 Exeter Avenue West Pittston where they raised their two sons, Serifino(Sandy) and Anthony and continued to live there until their deaths: Anthony in November, 1992 from black lung disease and Amelia in February, 2002. They both stressed the importance of family and an education to their two sons who in turn have passed this on to their children and grandchildren. Religion was the cornerstone of the Scalzo family along with respect for others and a strong work ethic. Their parents were excellent role models for their sons and provided them with many words of wisdom. Tony remembers his mother always telling him: “Pick friends who share our values.” His dad would chime in with: “Education is the key to a successful life.” Tony and Pat continue to instill these values in their children and grandchildren. A special thank you to our cousin, Janice Scalzo, who is donating to this scholarship again. This year her donation is in memory of her beloved husband Peter who died from cancer.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION: Applicant must be a Wyoming Area graduating senior who has been accepted to a 2 or 4 year trade/technical, community college or a college or university. Applicants should show a love for school and community by deed/service to each. It is understood that applicants show academic success in high school and have earned the respect of faculty as well as peers. The Anthony Scalzo family invites all those applicants who share in their values to apply for this scholarship.
ESSAY: In a solid essay of at least 500 words tell the selection committee your ambitions and why you have selected to apply for this particular scholarship as well as why you should be selected as the recipient.
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