Friday, July 30, 2010 Options Register

Pezzano Scholarship Winners Announced

Las Vegas, NV (July 3, 2010) — The Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) has named the winners in its 12th annual Scholarship Program, commonly known as the Chuck Pezzano Scholarship. (Re-named in his honor in 2002)

The awards were announced at the annual meeting of the BWAA during Bowl Expo and presented Tuesday, June 29^th during the Columbia/BPAA Awards dinner. Although the second and third place recipients were not present, we were fortunate to have the first place winner, Lydia Rypcinski of Chicago, IL present. Lydia is the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship along with a one year membership in the organization.

“I'm thrilled to be this year's first place recipient of the Chuck Pezzano Scholarship. I'm in the home stretch for my master's degree in journalism - just three more credits to go - and this will help make it possible for me to graduate. My heartfelt thanks goes to the selection committee and Chuck Pezzano for his long-time support of my work in bowling journalism.”

There were a total of fifteen applicants and although we didn’t have quantity, we certainly had quality. Sifting through them was a dazzling process — so many bright, intelligent, students from all over the country, competing and writing about the sport of bowling while maintaining the highest level in their studies.

I’m delighted to announce Blair Blumenscheid, a student at Ohio State University majoring in communications, as the second place winner. Blair receives a $1,000 scholarship and a one year membership in the BWAA. When notified by President, Jackie Wyckoff, Blair said, "I am so grateful. This is a real help to us right now. Thank you to BWAA and the selection committee".

Third Place went to Ryan Miller along with a $500 scholarship and one year membership in the BWAA. Ryan Miller attends Harlem High School in Machesney Park, IL. Ryan is 12th in a class of 550 placing him in the top 2%. He was very excited when President Wyckoff contacted him and told him the news. He said, "Wow. I can't believe it. I am so glad you received my application in time.”

Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA)

BWAA, founded in 1934, with membership open to top professional and amateur bowling writers and photographers, has a mission to create a new and continuing generation of bowling journalists offering opportunities for achievement, recognition and growth.

Chuck Pezzano Scholarship

The Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) annually awards Scholarships to worthy recipients and is named in honor of journalist Chuck Pezzano of Clifton, N.J. Chuck is a member of the BWAA, American Bowling Congress (USBC) and Professional Bowlers Association Halls of Fame.

Do you know a youth bowler attending college in the near future or who is currently enrolled in college? Is he or she involved in the field of communications? If yes, start thinking about nominations for the 2010 awards. Qualities considered for the Pezzano Scholarship include academic achievement (minimum 2.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent) involvement in the field of communications and bowling participation, although bowling skills are not a requisite.

A first, second and third place scholarship may be awarded based on applicants credentials. Any or all of the funds may or may not be distributed at the discretion of the committee. Individual awards may not exceed $1500 per year and yearly combined scholarships may not exceed $3,000 per year. In case of ties for any of the places money will be split. Winners will also receive a one year paid membership in BWAA. The application must include at least one reference letter, school transcript and a short essay on bowling of not more than 350 words.

BWAA President will notify the winners and they will be announced at the BWAA Annual Meeting & Convention in June.

Click here to download the application.

Pezzano Scholarship winners

2010 - Lydia Rypcinski, Chicago, IL; Blair Blumenscheid, Ohio; Ryan Miller, Machensey Park, IL
2009 – Thomas Madrecki , Northbrook, IL, Heather D'Errico, Rochester, NY, Ryan Yadao, Las Vegas, NV and Michelle Todisco, West Chester, PA
2008– Thomas Madrecki, Northbrook, IL and Liz Sautter. Sunnyvale, CA
2007 – James Buonaiuto, Queens, NY and Patricia Pringle, Antioch, IL
2006 – Michael Menera, Tampa, FL and Justine Fields, Roslyn Heights, NY
2005 – Grant Engels, Hollywood, FL and Amanda Pezzano, Hawthorne, NJ
2004 – Amanda Reyes, Henderson, NV
2003 – Marc D’Errico, Rochester, NY and Amanda Pezzano, Hawthorne, NJ
2002 – Marc D’Errico, Rochester, NY
2001 – Melissa (Missy) Bellinder, Fullerton, CA
2000 – Jimmy Wulf, Albuquerque, NM and Shauna Van Meter, Albuquerque, NM

Mail-o-graphic Tournament

The annual BWAA Mail-o-graphic Tournament will be held in February 2010. More information will be available in January. Please help us thank the following sponsors for this year's event:

Chuck Pezzano

The Chuck Pezzano Scholarship is named in honor of BWAA, American Bowling Congress and Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Fame journalist Chuck Pezzano of Clifton, N.J.

BWAA accepts donations to support the Chuck Pezzano Scholarship. You can donate using your credit card or PayPal account.

You can also send your check made out to BWAA to Ron DeRoxtra, Administrative Director, 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington, TX 76011