Recently, two members of our Class of 2018 were awarded a scholarship from the American Italian Renaissance Foundation. Seniors Matthew Alfonso and his twin brother Ryan Alfonso were awarded a monetary scholarship for their excellence in academics and athletics. Recipients of this award must be of Italian heritage, have participated in sports at the high school level and will attend college in the fall. The AIRF scholarship was awarded to the Alfonso’s during the 33rd annual Louisiana American Italian Sports Hall of Fame Gala.
In Matthew’s application essay, he noted, “I am now a senior at Brother Martin High School and will never be more thankful for the opportunity they gave me and how they reached their arms out and accepted me into their community. As a Brother Martin student, I can definitely say that I am well prepared for college both mentally and physically.”
During the 2017 Football season, both Matthew and Ryan started for our Varsity team. Matthew played a number of positions on the field including Linebacker, Running Back, and Punter. Ryan maintained the position of Defensive Back. Matthew is currently undecided on where he will be attending college next year, while his brother, Ryan, will be attending Louisiana State University.
“I will always keep my faith and family morals with me as I start my journey on my own in this world. I believe that those two things will be able to get me through whatever hardships and adversity I face along the way,” reflected Ryan.
Congratulations to Matthew and Ryan for this great honor! We are so proud of your hard work and recognition as American-Italian scholarship award recipients.
Matthew Alfonso ’18
Ryan Alfonso ’18
The Louisiana American Italian Sports Hall of Fame was formed to recognize the American Italians of Louisiana who, for generations, have participated and excelled in sports. Each year an annual induction gala honors one national sports figure and inducts outstanding Louisiana athletes, both past, and present, into the Hall of Fame. Proceeds benefit the American Italian Cultural Center and scholarships for college-bound high school seniors excelling in academics and athletics. (Derived from American Italian Cultural Center website).
