Newsletter Issue 2 2018

2018     Marine Corps Tankers Association 1stLt Michael LiCalzi Memorial Scholarship Program

The Marine Corps Tanker Association Scholarship Program continues for 2018 as a core activity of the Marine Corps Tankers Association. The 2018 MCTA First Lieutenant Michael LiCalzi Memorial Scholarship and the John Cornelius, Max English Memorial Scholarship attracted 27 exceptional young men and women. The number of applicants increased by 12 from the previous year. The quality of applicants for 2018 can only be described as exceptional.

This year as in the past five, the exceptional generosity of The LiCalzi Family’s, Ace in the Hole Foundation, enabled the award of 8 scholarship in memory of 1stLt Michael LiCalzi. Lt LiCalzi heroically gave his life in combat in Iraq, along with the crew of his M1A1 tank. Mr. Greg LiCalzi, Michael’s twin brother established the scholarship in his brother’s memory. As it has since 2014, the 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi Memorial Scholarship provides a $3000 stipend to exceptionally well qualified college bound and university students who are dependents of Marine tankers.

This year, eight outstanding applicants were selected for the 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi Memorial Scholarship. Each winning applicant will receive a stipend of $3000 dollars. Five applications were selected for the John Cornelius-Max English Scholarship. Each scholarship winners will receive a $2000 scholarship stipend.

 2018 First Lieutenant Michael LiCalzi Memorial Scholarship Winners Biographies

Allison DeCicco is from Wildermere Florida, the daughter of a Tanker with the 8^th Tank Battalion. A top performer in high school, 12th of a class of 684, she was selected as a 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi Scholar in 2016. She enrolled in George Washington University where she continued to demonstrate excellence with a 3.4 grade point average in an exceptionally challenging mathematics and engineering curriculum. She is pursuing a degree in computer science and hopes for a career in cyber security. In addition to her demanding major, she is a member of her University Division 1 Water Polo Team. She continues as a volunteer with Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, assisting children in difficult circumstances. She continues to volunteer for the YMCA and the Smithsonian Children’s Outreach. She continues to be an exceptional young woman and an outstanding student, dedicated to education goals and others less fortunate. She embodies the spirit of the First Lieutenant Michael LiCalzi and is a credit to the Marine Corps Tankers.

Caitlyn Sigafose resides in Hubert North Carolina, the daughter of a career Tanker serving at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. She will graduate Swansboro High School in June 2018, with a 3.99 grade point average, ranking seventh in her class. Her high school career includes Class Vice President each of four years, Year Book Editor, Junior and senior years, President, Rho Kapa National Honor Society, senior year. She is also the Varsity Soccer Team Captain 2017-18. She was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete each of her four years in high school. When all the advanced placement and honors classes are considered, her weight GPA is 4.99. When not earning “As”, she volunteers with Top Soccer, a program to coach autistic children, and Fishstrong, a program that assists the terminally ill. She plans to attend University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and study Political Science with an eventual goal to graduate a top law school. There seems no doubt she will succeed. Caitlyn is an unusually determined and capable young woman who embodies the spirit of 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi. She is a credit to Marine Tankers.

Darius Mattson resides in Virginia Beach Virginia, the son of a career Marine Tanker. He graduated Ocean Lakes High School in June 2017 with a 4.0 cumulative high school grade point average and was selected as a 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi Scholar. He enrolled in Virginia Polytechnic Institute where his academic excellence continues with a 4.0 grade point average. Majoring in theoretical physics, he made the Dean’s List his first semester. He plans to continue to his PhD. In his first year, he received recognition by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. His exceptional academic performance continues to be matched by selfless volunteer involvement with the Intervarsity Campus Ministries and the Triedstone Church. He is a third degree Karate Black Belt, an accomplished Black Belt in Goshen Jitsu and active collegiate intramural sports. He continues his academic record of never receiving a grade lower than A. He is a gifted, dedicated, achievement oriented young man who embodies the spirit of First Lieutenant Michael LiCalzi.  He is a credit to Marine Corps Tankers.

Emma Bodisch resides in Killeen Texas, the daughter of a career Marine Tanker from the 1^st and 2^nd Tank Battalions. She will graduate Copperas Love High School in June 2018, with 4.0 grade point average, Number 1 in her class of 479. Her academic record is replete with honors, advance placement and college courses. She is a member, National Honor Society, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Since 2015, she has led her team at the Central Texas National History Day competition 2017 State Champions, Second Place National Champions. She has accumulated over 320 volunteer hours with the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica 2015 – present), which serves disabled students, and Advocates of Anferney (2016 – present), which assists families with still born children and infant deaths. She plans to enroll in the University of Texas Austin and study international relations. Her ultimate educational goal is to graduate law school, earn a Juris Doctor degree and practice law. Emma is an exceptional scholar with a record replete with achievement, service and excellence. She embodies the spirit of 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi and is a credit to Marine Tankers.

Katherine Slaughter resides in O’Fallon, Illinois and is a junior attending the University of Alabama. She continued the 4.0 grade point average she achieved during her first two years. This scholarship represents her third award. She is an elementary education major and plans to teach exceptional needs children.  She is a three year member of the University of Alabama Honors College, and the University Presidents List. She is a volunteer at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Preschool, a YMCA Lifeguard, children’s swimming instructor and swimming team coach. In her spare time, she is a waitress. Kathrine repots her passion for teaching special needs children and her desire to make a difference in children’s lives. Her record of dedication, achievement and excellence leave little doubt she will. She certainly reflects the dedication and spirit of 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi, and is a credit to the Marine Corps tankers.

Madison Cuozzi is a resident of Clinton, Maine, and the daughter of a Marine Tanker who served in the 1st and 3rd Tank Battalions. She was first select for the 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi Memorial Scholarship as a graduate of Joseph P. Keefe Technical High School where she maintained a 4.0 GPA. She enrolled in Worcester State University and as a freshman, she earned a 3.6 grade point average and a place on the Worcester Dean’s List. Majoring in Occupational Therapy, her goal is to earn a graduate degree and care for children with exceptional needs. She has a personal connection with Down syndrome and the autism spectrum, experience which caused her to be an annual volunteer with Special Olympics. She is a gymnastics coach, teacher and mentor to special needs athletes. Madison’s continue relentless commitment to her educational goals distinguish her. Her dedication and achievement exemplify the spirit of 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi. She is a credit to the Marine Corps Tankers.

Madison Szczygiel resides in Wells, Maine, the daughter of a Tanker from Company A, 1^st Tank Battalion. She will graduate Wells High School in June 2018 with a cumulative 4.0 grade point average and a record replete with advance placement and honors courses. Seventh in her class, she is a member of the National Honor Society. She is the Senior Class President, a Member of the Associated Student Council, and Member of the School Mathematics Team. She has accumulated 299 hours of volunteer work, recorded by her school, for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awaking Camp. In addition to her academic excellence, and service to others, she has been recognized as the Most Valuable Members of her school’s varsity Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams, and owns 7 individual school records. She plans to attend Dartmouth University, eventually go to medical school and practice medicine. Madison has achieved an unparalleled combination of scholarship, service and athletics. Her record of dedication and achievement embody the spirit of 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi; she is a credit to Marine Corps Tankers.

Sophia Pappas resides in Binghamton New York, the daughter of a Marine Tanker who served with 8^th Tank Battalion. She will graduate Susquehanna Valley High School in June 2018 with a 4.0 grade point average. She is ranked 17 of 144 students in her class. She has been a member of the National Honor Society from 2016 through 2018. She plans to graduate Binghamton University with degrees in mathematics and chemistry. She is a varsity softball pitcher, a New York/Mid-Atlantic Champion archer, varsity table tennis player. She was named her high school Female Athlete of Year for 2017, 1^st Team, All- State softball 2015-2017. When not earning “As” or winning championships, she volunteers with the American Heart Walk Organization, The Binghamton Children’s Discovery Center and an active member of her Church. Sophia seems to be the ideal combination of scholarship, athletics and service. She is an exceptional young woman who sets lofty goals and achieves them. Her drive and dedication to excellence embody the spirit of 1^st Lt Michael LiCalzi. She is a credit to Marine Tankers.

The 2018 Max English/John Cornelius Memorials Scholarship winners.

Lauren Austin is from Newfane, New York, the daughter of a Marine Tanker from the 8^th Tank Battalion. She is a junior at Niagara University. Lauren compliments an exceptional high school career replete with achievement in academics, athletics and extracurricular participation with three years on her University Deans List. She has achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.65 in a demanding prelaw program. Her plans include law school and a career as an attorney. Active in many aspects of campus life, including the Niagara University Pre-Law Students Association, Peer mentor for incoming students, Law Enforcement Academy intern and research assistant. She is active in school soccer. She continues a record of dedication, persistence and achievements. She is a credit to the Marine Corps Tanks Association.

Beatrice Fretwell is from Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and the daughter of a Marine Tanker from the 4^th Tank Battalion. She is a senior at Dixon High School graduating in June 2018 with a cumulative 3.9 GPA. In the fall she will attend the University of North Carolina Pembroke where she plans a major in biology. She hopes to be commissioned in Naval Medicine, physical therapy. In addition to near academic perfection, Beatrice is a perennial on her high school honor roll and is an all-conference, all state soccer player. She also competes in varsity track and cross country. She hopes to play collegiate soccer. She is an exceptional student athlete with lofty goals and the persistence and dedication to be successful. She is an outstanding representative the MCTA Scholarship Program.

Rebecca Alvarenga resides in San Pedro California, the daughter of a Marine Tanker from Company D, 1^st Tank Battalion. She graduated San Pedro High School, Marine Science Magnet in June 2018. Finishing 81^st in a class of 539, she achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.9. She hopes to attend the University of California Santa Cruz or Santa Barbara in the fall where she will study environmental science.  In addition to being recognized as a Gold Seal Bearer, California Scholarship Federation, she was a member of the varsity Water Polo and volleyball teams. She founded the San Pedro High School “Roots and Shoot”, a school athletic supports program, and is an officer, active in the YMCA Youth and Government Program. Rebecca is a dedicated, achievement oriented young woman who is a credit to the MCTA and the Scholarship Program.

James Stopa lives in Fredericksburg Virginia, the son of a career Marine Tanker from the 2^nd Tank Battalion. Jim graduated Massaponax High School in June 2018. Ranked 80^th in a class of 450, he earned a 3.9 cumulative GPA. In addition to the National Honor Society and 4 years recognition for academic excellent, he played football, baseball, played in the school band and worked as a lifeguard. In his spare time, he assisted with Special Olympics, volunteered for the Fredericksburg Food Pantry and was a four year mentor for the Semper Fi Kids Camp. Jim is the ideal combination of academics, athletics and service. He embodies the principles of the MCTA Scholarship Program.

For eligible and qualified dependents of Marine Corps Tankers and dependents of military member who served in a Marine Corps Tank Battalion, it’s time to apply for Academic Year 2019. Dependents including spouses, children and up to the grandson or daughter of a Marine Tanker may apply. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or a full time student, at least 12 units in an accredited junior college, college or university. The application process is detailed and all interested applicants should begin now. The process including an application form, an essay, evaluation of full time student status, Grade Point Average, two Letters of Recommendation, extracurricular/school activities and “need” are evaluated by committee. Scholarship winners and notification of award will be done during April and May 2019.

Applicants receiving 2018 MCTA Scholarships may apply for continuation for 2019. Applications for continuation should emphasize achievement since the previous application and will be evaluated on its merits with all applications submitted. Recipients may apply for up to four years of scholarships. Each year requires all basic qualifications and a complete reapplication.

The MCTA Scholarships represent a significant financial benefit. Applicant are encouraged to compile the best application possible.  Accuracy, legibility, and composition that reflect the merit of tphpelicaant   are important in the evaluation process. The application forms and all program eligibility requirements can be down loaded from Marine Corps Tankers Association Scholarships website, www, usmctankers.org. Complete applications must be received by the, Chairman, MCTA Scholarship Committee no later than March 15, 2019. Application packages can be mailed to 1922 Freeman St., Oceanside, CA, 92054 or emailed as an attachment to stevechambers@cox.net. Be sure to provide complete contact information with mailing address, best telephone number and an email address.

The number of scholarships to baredaewd in 2019 will b   e based on Marine Corps Tankers Foundation revenues and sustaining contributions. MCTA members and parties interested in contributing to the Scholarship Fund or obtaining more information about the MCTA Scholarship Program are invited to contact Steve Chambers, Chairman, of the Scholarship Program at the email address provided. Congratulations to our 2018 scholarship winners. Be sure to renew your application; succeed in school and keep in touch.

Again this year, the MCTA and all Marine Tankers extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Greg LiCalzi, his entire family and their “Ace in the Hole” Foundation for their generous, sustained support of the MCTA Scholarship Program.