Syracuse – The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators’ 18th Annual Conference Weekend successfully concluded last week, announced New York State Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli (D-120th). Magnarelli, the 2007 – 2008 Conference President, joined by Vice President Diane Savino, Treasurer Peter Abbate and other members of the New York State legislature.

“It has been an honor serving as President of the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators for the past two years,” Magnarelli said. “This Conference is the culmination of our activities each year, where we take time to reflect on what it means to be an Italian-American in the 21st century, celebrate our unique cultural identity and preserve our shared heritage.”

The Conference kicked off on Sunday, June 1 with presentations, plenary session and the awards ceremony, and ended the next day with the famous Festa Italiana.

The Sunday afternoon presentations highlighted various aspects of Italian-American culture, history and heritage. Prominent academics from several institutes and universities spoke on issues including The Italian-American Soldier: Missing but in Action by Dr. Dawn Esposito of St. John’s University and Language as Strategic Imperative by Robert Viscusi of the Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

The 2008 Conference honorees for the ‘Italian-American of Distinction’ Awards were B. Thomas Golisano, presented by Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, and Peter Cardella, presented by Senator Serphin Maltese. Mr. Golisano is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations for his tireless philanthropic work for New York State and Western New York. Mr. Cardella continues to support his Italian heritage through his dedicated advocacy and social activism.

“On behalf of the Conference, Officers, Executive Committee Members and staff, I offer my sincerest congratulations and appreciation to Mr. Golisano and Mr. Cardella for being true Italian-Americans of distinction,” Magnarelli said. “Their collective efforts to educate and preserve Italian traditions and culture ensure that future generations of Italian-Americans will be able to enjoy.”

After the commendations, the Conference awarded four scholarships – two for academic excellence and two for athletic prowess – to promising young New York students. The scholarships are to help with the tuition cost for current or soon-to-be college students.

From the total applications, a panel of legislative staff examined each application with all personal and identifying information removed. That panel selected the top five applications in each category and delivered the finalists to an independent panel of education professionals headed by Professor Maria Keyes of the State University of New York at Albany.

The scholarship winners for the Academic category are Nicholas Mistretta and Christen Larsen.

Currently, Mr. Mistretta attends St. John’s Preparatory High School in Astoria, NY and will be attending St. John’s University in the fall to study physical sciences. Senator George Onorato nominated Mr. Mistretta for this scholarship.

Ms. Larsen is a student at Commack High School in East Northport, NY and plans to attend the University of Delaware to study music education. Assemblyman Andrew Raia nominated Ms. Larsen.

The scholarship winners for the Athletic category are Natalie Zych and Jenna Feibus.

Currently, Ms. Zych attends Haverford College, where she is a member of the cross-country and track teams. Assemblyman Joe Lentol nominated Ms. Zych.

Ms. Feibus attends H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square, NY, where she is a soccer standout as well as competing in lacrosse and track, and plans to attend Villanova University in the fall. Assemblyman Tom Alfano nominated Ms. Feibus.

“Again, it has been an honor serving as President of the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators,” Magnarelli said. “The dedication to the preservation of our shared cultural identity and heritage is heartwarming. I look forward to attending next year’s Conference.”

Magnarelli finishes his second year of the two-year Presidency.