Responders support group presents scholarships
By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — The 200 Club of Sussex County held a 2017 Scholarship Reception at Mohawk House on June 15. Ten local high school students were awarded scholarships from the non-profit organization, some of which were co-sponsored by local businesses.
The 200 Club, founded in 1991, is based on a mission to “ provide immediate financial assistance to the families of first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty.” In addition, the organization gives annual scholarships to selected students who are children of first responders.
“It is an application process where we look at their academic record and educational pursuits and how that fits into The 200 Club mission as it relates to first responders,” said Tony Torre, the club president.
At the ceremony the following students received scholarships:
• · Kristin Snyder of Sussex Technical School -$10,000
• · Scott Caratozzolo of Sussex Technical School-$5,000
• · Brian Moran of Vernon Township High School-$1,500
• · Emma Lynn Fritsch of Kittatiny Regional High School-$1,500
• · Jake Lepore of Sparta High School-$1,500
• · Brianna Cannici of Sparta High School-$1,500
• · Mallary Whitehead of Sparta High School-$1,500
• · Jason Havel of Wallkill Valley Regional High School-$1,500
• · Emily Billings of High Point Regional High School-$1,500
• · Nicholas Alemy of High Point Regional High School-$1,500
The 200 Club thanked the following sponsors and honored each for their participation: Franklin Mutual Insurance Company, Hudson Farm Club, iHeart Media, Knights of Columbus Marquette Council 1437, Steve and Rachel Scro of Mohawk House and Visions Federal Credit Union.
“I am honored and so happy to have this,” said High Point senior and recipient Emily Billings who will be attending Quinnipiac University.
Emily lives in Wantage and father Robert is a retired police officer. She received a $1,500 scholarship.
“It really is a moment of euphoria to see something grow and for The 200 Club to be able to offer someone a scholarship in remembrance of first responders,” said Torre.
Emma Fritsch, a senior at Kittatiny High School received a $1,500 joint scholarship awarded by The 200 Club and Visions Federal Credit Union.
“I will be attending Boston College in the fall. This is very exciting and special because my Dad is a New Jersey State Police Sergeant,” said Fritsch. “I am planning to put it towards tuition.”
Mohawk House owner Steve Scro was honored and received an award for his ongoing support of The 200 Club.
"I am proud and honored to be a part of and host The 200 Club. Growing up around great family role models, firefighter and police, it's important for me to continue the tradition of supporting our locals, “ said Scro. "It’s always been a dream to enjoy Mohawk House as a special gathering place for law-enforcement etc. I'm looking forward to more special gatherings for The 200 Club in the future."
Chief Neil Spidalettto, Lieut. Terrence Mulligan, FOP President Thomas Synder of Sparta Township Police with Pat Aramini and Tony Torre of The 200 Club.
Steve Scro, owner of Mohawk House receives an award from Pat Aramini for his support of The 200 Club of Sussex County.
President of The 200 Club of Sussex County Tony Torre with Emily Billings , senior at High Point Regional High School and recipient of a $1500 scholarship.
Tom Ryan, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for The 200 Club and Tony Torre with Kittatiny senior and scholarship winner Emma Frtisch.