(NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK) – As Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council President Jim Briggs so aptly put it, it is Organized Labor’s “way to continue standing up for the next generation” as the Labor Council recently handed out $1,000 individual scholarship awards to three local students, each coming from a Union Family.

At its monthly meeting that was held in Niagara Falls, awards were provided to:

Lyla Wasilewski (Pictured below with Council President Briggs), who was sponsored by the Starpoint Teachers’ Association, an affiliate of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). Wasilewski will attend the State University at Buffalo, majoring in Theater Studies. 

Brothers Jacob and Mitchell LaMarca:

Jacob, who was sponsored by the Starpoint Teacher’s Association, is currently enrolled at the State University at Buffalo (SUNY), majoring in Civil Engineering. 

Mitchell (Pictured below with Council President Briggs) received the Council’s Russell Quarantello Memorial Scholarship Award, named in memory of the late International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 237 Business Manager Russell Quarantello. Sponsored by the Starpoint Teachers’ Association, Mitchell is slated to attend SUNY Niagara - majoring in Welding Technology.

Each student submitted an essay on Organized Labor to the Council’s Selection Collection Committee, who ultimately chose the award winners.

Wasielewski and Mitchell LaMarca were present to read their essays.

Jacob LaMarca, however, could not attend as he was recovering from a recent injury.

“This is ‘part of an effort to try to have young people understand what Organized Labor is all about,’” Council President Briggs told the awardees, their family members and Members Of the Niagara-Orleans Labor Council, who were also in attendance.

“Our winners all come from Union Families, ‘who have garnered the benefits of Working Union.’ Organized Labor ‘has always stood for the next generation and that’s why we have the American Dream’ - ‘so when you drive by a picket line in the future, toot your horn because they are fighting for your quality of life,’” he said.

Beth Pyskaty, who serves as the Council’s Labor Liaison to the United Way of Greater Niagara, said: “We are proud to recognize and celebrate three outstanding students who’ve been selected as our scholarship recipients. These young individuals ‘have truly impressed’ the Committee with their ‘thoughtful’ essays, ‘deep understanding’ of the Labor Movement, ‘strong commitment to community service and inspiring leadership potential.’ Their ‘passion and insight remind us all of the importance of Unions, the power of giving back and the value of leading with purpose.’ ‘We are excited to see the positive impact they will make in the future.’”

Briggs also took the time to recognize and thank Council supporters Crown Benefits Group, Inc. and the Law Firm of Lewis & Lewis for their monetary donations to the Niagara-Orleans Labor Council - which increased what had been $500 individual scholarship awards to $1,000 each.