The Friends of the North Bellmore Public Library recently awarded its first-ever college scholarships, recognizing two Mepham High School graduates whose essays reflected the lasting impact the library has had on their lives.
Jordyn Dioguardi and Gianna Commisso each received a $1,000 scholarship during a July 14 recognition ceremony held at the library — earning awards that honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to the library, academic achievement and community service.
Applicants completed a competitive selection process that included documenting their academic accomplishments and library involvement, submitting a letter of recommendation, providing proof of college acceptance and writing an essay about the importance of libraries and the role the North Bellmore Public Library played in their lives.
Victoria Seff, chairperson of the Friends Scholarship Committee, said the program grew out of a desire to encourage younger residents to become involved with the organization while supporting students as they pursue higher education.
"Fellow Friends of the Library member Patricia Jarrett and I have always wanted to engage the younger generation in the Friends organization and foster a spirit of philanthropy within the North Bellmore community," Seff said.
She said the idea originated with Nancy Deluca, the library's head of teen services, who suggested the Friends establish a scholarship for local teens who have been deeply involved with the library. Seff volunteered to lead the effort, with committee members Jarrett, Josephine Parlagreco and Judi Reilly helping launch the inaugural program.
According to Seff, the applications submitted by Dioguardi and Commisso stood out because of the sincerity of their essays and their longstanding involvement with the library.
"The committee felt that the students' essays came from the heart," Seff said. "They expressed a deep personal connection to the North Bellmore Public Library and described how it helped shape their personal growth and inspire their future career aspirations."
Both recipients also participated in the library's Reading Buddies program, which pairs teen volunteers with younger readers to help strengthen literacy skills. Seff said the committee was equally impressed by the students' academic accomplishments and their commitment to serving others.
"In addition to their academic potential, both recipients distinguished themselves as kind, civic-minded and generous individuals," she said.
In her essay, Dioguardi reflected on how volunteering at the library shaped her commitment to community service.
"NBPL volunteering has taught me the importance of creativity, community and engagement when working with children," she wrote. "I can confidently say that the library raised me, from a little kid looking for adventure between the shelves and participating in community programs to my current self, inspired by the library community to continue seeking opportunities to give back."
Commisso's essay highlighted the unique role libraries play by providing free opportunities and resources to everyone.
"There are not many things in life that come free," she wrote. "One thing, however, that has never asked for anything from the people it serves is the library. The library gives many people countless opportunities, and I am forever grateful to it for so many reasons."
The Friends of the North Bellmore Public Library plans to continue the scholarship program in the coming years. Future applicants will be required to become junior members of the organization — a step Seff said will help the Friends better understand the needs of younger residents while encouraging the next generation of library supporters.
"We hope to better understand the needs of the younger generation and identify additional ways to support the library and the North Bellmore community," Seff said. "In return, junior members will be eligible for consideration for future scholarship opportunities."
