Oceanside High School students earn top scholarships

Teachers, administrators and seniors at Oceanside High School were honored on June 3 for their achievements during the annual Honor Night. During the awards ceremony, Jonathan Arcentales, Marilyn Jackle, Breanna Matcalf-Oshinsky, Jaime Friedman, Jordyn Rosenthal, Lindsey Narine, Ashok Prabho and Alexandra Buzzetta received $1,000 each in scholarships from Joseph Satriano, founder and trustee of The Susan Satriano Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The foundation is a charitable organization that awards funds to high school seniors with parents who are currently battling cancer or who have succumbed to it. All students receiving the scholarship must be college-bound.

These students, often described by Satriano as “the silent sufferers,” have followed their school goals despite many challenges. Satriano explains that these kids have “been through the ringer, and have had to endure suffering and pain very early in their lives.” He adds, “The students receive a check to help with college expenses, but more so, get a moment of public recognition so that their plight and brave journey is understood by others.”

Jordyn Rosenthal, who plans to major as a journalist in anthropology, is a member of Interact Club and is the president of S.A.D.D. She has also received various awards for outstanding Model Congress presentations. Marilyn Jackle, whose mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor, said her goal is to be a math teacher; she is a well-rounded student, and member of the Best Buddies and Aids Awareness clubs. Jaime Friedman, who plans to attend SUNY Cortland in the fall, is interested in the culinary arts; however, her plan is to become a physical education teacher. She is a member of Sport Night, Best Buddies, and is on the yearbook staff. Jaime has also been the captain of Battle of the Classes for the past four years.

Satriano, who goes by the pen name J.S. Russo, is the author of the book, “In Sickness and in Health: A Memoir of Love.” This book chronicles the family’s journey and passion for life and was written in tribute to his late wife, Susan, who battled breast cancer for 13-years. He founded The Susan Satriano Memorial Scholarship Foundation in 2006 to provide high school seniors with scholarships when a parent has suffered with cancer. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $45,000 to dozens of students across Long Island. This year, eight Oceanside seniors have benefited from the scholarships, to be used toward their college educations. The foundation is funded by donations from family, friends, businesses, and by the net proceeds from his book sales.

For information about the book or foundation, visit susansatrianofoundation.com or call 516-603-5520.