By Rose S. Prinzi

The heart always remembers. When we lose people we love, we remember the laughter and the good times we shared. We remember their idiosyncrasies, their smiles, who they were, and what they stood for. But how do we keep their spirits alive for those who will never meet them?

Through the establishment of an endowment fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the memory of a loved one is everlasting. With over 500 Community Foundation Funds, there are many stories to be told and people to be remembered. 

During this time of year, as baseball is in full swing and high school seniors are applying for scholarships, we share the memory of a special young man – Bobby Pollino.

A 1988 graduate of Jamestown High School, he received his Associates degree from Jamestown Community College and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from the State College at Brockport in 1993.

Pollino was a young coach and educator in the Jamestown school system. He instilled in his students and players a strong sense of pride and respect, which resulted in unprecedented success for such a young coach. He will always be remembered as a trustworthy friend, loving son, caring educator, and successful coach. After his untimely death in 1994, the Robert “Bobby” Guy Pollino II Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to keep “Bobby’s” spirit alive after his untimely death.

Each year, the Robert “Bobby” Guy Pollino II Memorial Scholarship Fund awards five $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors.  Two special application scholarships are reserved for Jamestown High School varsity athletes: One for baseball and one for football. Three other scholarships are awarded to area students majoring in Physical Education, Special Education, and Elementary Education under the Foundation’s general application process. The overall purpose associated with the Fund serves to honor Bobby’s dedication, leadership and sportsmanship while providing opportunities for others who share his characteristics.

The Community Foundation is currently accepting special applications for the Bobby Pollino Baseball Scholarship.  (Note: The Football Scholarship is available in the fall with a deadline date of November 1^st for the Jamestown High School graduating varsity football seniors.) The scholarship application can be obtained by calling the Community Foundation staff at 661-3390 or by visiting the Foundation’s website at www.crcfonline.org and scrolling down to “Special Scholarship Applications.” The deadline for this scholarship is May 15^th.

Yes, the heart always remembers; and, through the funds established at the Community Foundation, the memory of those we love and cherish will endure. 

If you have a loved one you would like to memorialize through the establishment of a fund, contact the Community Foundation at 661-3390 or go to our website at www.crcfonline.org for more information.