Memorial Scholarship

The Christopher Tucci Memorial Scholarship honors Chris’s curiosity, humility, and commitment to giving back. During his life he pursued many passions, from violin and jiu-jitsu to coding, and spent years volunteering as an adaptive ski instructor.

This scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who reflects those same qualities: varied interests, intellectual curiosity, humility, and a desire to make a positive impact on others. The award is intended to support college tuition and educational expenses and is given with no strings attached.

If you're interested in applying, please check back in 2027 for our next application cycle. 

 

2026 Scholarship Recipient: Brissia Andrade-Guerra

Brissia Andrade-Guerra of Stony Point, NY received the Christopher Tucci Memorial Scholarship in recognition of her resilience, compassion, leadership, and commitment to serving others. A first-generation Hispanic-American student, Brissia has distinguished herself through academic achievement, community involvement, and a deep dedication to giving back.

After losing her younger brother, Hugo, to cancer, Brissia founded the “Heroes of Hope Initiative,” creating and delivering care packages and handwritten letters to children undergoing cancer treatment at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Inspired by her brother’s strength and positivity, she has turned personal loss into meaningful action and advocacy for others.

In addition to her extensive volunteer work, Brissia has been active in student leadership, athletics, debate, climate advocacy, and youth government programs. She plans to attend the University of Connecticut to study towards a career as an international human rights lawyer.

Her humility, perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and desire to make a positive impact embody the values the Christopher Tucci Memorial Scholarship was created to honor.

 

2025 Scholarship Recipient: Olivia Benedetto

Olivia Benedetto of Breezy Point, NY received the Christopher Tucci Memorial Scholarship in recognition of her resilience, determination, and commitment to helping others. After a skiing accident at age 13 left her paralyzed from the waist down, Olivia dedicated herself to rehabilitation and athletics, ultimately earning an offer to play Division I wheelchair tennis at Clemson University.

Olivia plans to study Psychology with a minor in Special Education so she can advocate for and support members of the disabled community. Her strength, humility, and desire to pay it forward embody the values the Christopher Tucci Memorial Scholarship seeks to honor.