Stories

Robert D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipients   When Robert was exploring college options during his junior year at Huntington High School, he fell in love with New York University’s rigorous actor training, alumni connections and location. And in his first academic year at NYU, United Way of Long Island’s D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Program gave him the opportunity to pursue his…

Eric & Christopher   Anthony J. Stupore Memorial Scholarship Fund Recipients D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipients Eric and Christopher are twin brothers who graduated from Seaford High School. Their father was absent for most of their childhood, while their mother struggled to raise and support three children and a 101-year-old grandparent on a teacher’s assistant salary. The family…

Sam D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipient During his time as a student at Baldwin High School, Sam developed a passion for law and government. He found himself enamored by political science and economics, and with the help of United Way of Long Island’s D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Program, he was able to pursue those interests at University at Albany, SUNY. Growing up in Baldwin…

Priya D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipient While most Columbia University freshmen began their college experience virtually this past year, Priya was one of the few on campus in Manhattan. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, students were forced to apply for the limited space offered in the dorms this past year. Priya’s ability to live on campus gave her the freedom she lacked at home, and with…

Thomas 2nd New York City Marathon An Army mechanic turned engineer turned marathon runner. This November, Thomas will run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon as a member of Team Mission United.  When Thomas enlisted in the US Army, he took to running and discovered he had a strong lung capacity. Within months Thomas became the leader of his troop’s group runs, setting the pace and keeping his…

Bryan 1st New York City Marathon After serving in the U.S. Army for six years, Bryan is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United as he raises funds for veterans and Long Islanders affected by COVID-19 ahead of this fall's New York City Marathon. Following his graduation from the Merchant Marine Academy in 2007, Bryan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and stationed at…

Nick 1st New York City Marathon After sailing in the Merchant Marine and spending eight years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Nick is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United in support of veterans and Long Islanders affected by COVID-19 ahead of this fall's New York City Marathon. A Lindenhurst native, Nick attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy before sailing on…

Francesca 1st New York City Marathon Back in college, many of Francesca’s friends were student-athletes on the Quinnipiac cross country team. She watched from afar as they ran competitively then, but today, they share laughs over the fact that the roles are reversed. Francesca is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and Long Islanders…

Kim 1st New York City Marathon Kim is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and Long Islanders affected by COVID-19 ahead of this fall's New York City Marathon. The cause hits close to home for Kim, whose stepfather completed three tours in Vietnam. Her grandfather also served in the Army, while one of her close friends is a Purple Heart…

Rev. Eugene & Wife Sylvia WWII Veteran Rev. Eugene is an Army Air Corps.Veteran who dedicated his service to our country during WWII. Following his military service, he moved to New York with his uncle and became an ordained minister. Rev. Eugene worked for an optician in New York City, which is where he met his future wife, Sylvia. The couple married and moved to Long Island. It was in…