By Rose S. Prinzi
For sports fanatics out there, the fall months bring excitement, anticipation, and in some cases, agony. This, obviously, is due to the fact that football season is once again in full swing. Parents and students alike spend many of their Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays either glued to the television or down at the high school stadium to watch the big game. While football can be an enjoyable game to watch, there are many opportunities available for student-athletes that participate in the game. One such opportunity is the Robert “Bobby” Guy Pollino II Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
The Pollino Fund was established at the Community Foundation in 1994, after the death of Bobby Pollino II. Pollino was very much involved in football and athletics throughout his life. As a linebacker for and captain of the Jamestown High School Varsity Football Team, he always exhibited signs of a true leader. After graduating from SUNY Brockport in 1993, with a degree in physical education, Pollino returned to his alma mater of Jamestown High School as an assistant football coach, to continue his leadership of next generation JHS football players. In addition, he also served JHS as a part-time teacher, passing on his knowledge and education to students.
As a memorial to Bobby Pollino, the Robert “Bobby” Guy Pollino II Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to accommodate several different scholarships. Since we are in football season, it seems appropriate that the Community Foundation brings to the attention of JHS football athletics that applications for the Pollino Football Scholarship are currently being accepted. To be eligible for this scholarship, one must be a Jamestown High School senior and a member of the football team with financial need. The scholarship application for this fund can be obtained by visiting the Foundation’s website at www.crcfonline.org. The application deadline for the Pollino Fund Football Scholarship is November 1st.
As previously stated, Robert “Bobby” Guy Pollino II Memorial Scholarship Fund also offers opportunities for other students and athletes. In addition to football, Pollino was involved in baseball. He coached the JHS ninth-grade baseball team. The Pollino Fund offers a Baseball Scholarship each spring. There are also scholarship opportunities from the Fund for individuals pursuing courses of study in special education, physical education, and elementary education. Overall, each purpose and opportunity associated with this Fund serves to honor Bobby Pollino’s dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship, while providing opportunities for others who share those principles.
If you are a senior member of the Jamestown High School football team, be sure to utilize the Pollino Fund Football Scholarship opportunity. Again, the deadline for application is November 1st, 2009. While football is certainly on many minds this time of year, the importance of educational opportunities should never be overlooked. Finally, never overlook the ideals from which these scholarship funds are established. In the case of Bobby Pollino, leadership, education, and sportsmanship made for a well-rounded individual, which is something all should strive for.