Harckham Announces Somers HS Senior as Recipient of Italian American Scholarship

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham awarded Francesco Gioffre, a senior at Somers High School, an athletic scholarship in the amount of $3,000 at the annual Festa luncheon of New York Conference of Italian-American Legislators here earlier this week.

“The hard work and determination that Francesco has shown, both in the classroom and on the playing fields, make him an entirely deserving winner of this scholarship,” said Harckham. “I wish him all the best as he embarks on his college studies and pursues his goals in life.”

Gioffre was one of several awardees of the Senator John J. Marchi Memorial Athletic Scholarship. The luncheon, which was held in Albany, also included awardees of the Senator James D. Conte Memorial Academic Scholarship. Gioffre attended the luncheon with his mother, Michelina Gioffre.

Gioffre noted that the Italian language has always been part of his life. His grandparents (“nonni’) all immigrated to the United States here and didn’t speak English for many years. Gioffre’s father also immigrated to the U.S., arriving at the age of 17, and learned English as a second language by attending night school.

“Being able to speak to my grandparents and father, plus listen to the many stories of their country, enabled me to appreciate the history of Italy and have pride in my Italian heritage, which is filled with love, hard work and family,” said Gioffre. 

Gioffre played soccer and football in the Somers youth sports programs, and then focused on only football during his four years at Somers High School. In addition to sports, Gioffre is involved in the Leo’s, a student life organization, and the Italian Club; he is also a member of the Class of 2022 Board. In high school, Gioffre studied Italian language and will graduate with an advanced level college course in the subject.

This fall, Gioffre will attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he plans to major in finance. He hopes to study abroad in Rome for a semester.