Seniors Kevin DiNapoli and Maranatha Contreras-Velez have been selected to receive the 2024-2025 Thomas A. Melucci Jr. Memorial Scholarship, an award that annually provides full tuition to two seniors who have demonstrated significant spiritual and personal growth throughout their time at Saint Anselm College.
DiNapoli is a criminal justice major who values community involvement both at home and abroad. Last semester, while studying abroad in Tuscania, he joined “Beautify Tuscania” where he and others worked to give back to the community through projects like planting flowers and painting benches. At home he serves as a youth sports coach, and referees hockey games. At Saint Anselm College, DiNapoli has completed internships in juvenile probation and arson investigation so that after graduation he can give back to his community in his career.
“One of the first things one notices when meeting Kevin is how humble and caring he is. His passion for giving back is something innate in him, but he would never be the first to tell you,” wrote Benjamin Horton, assistant dean for first-year students and academic support services. “His generosity, passion for service, and commitment to making the world a better place make him a model Anselmian and a true asset to our campus community.”
Contreras-Velez is a nursing major with a spanish minor from Manchester, N.H. Since her first-year, she has served as a leader in the greater Manchester community through her work at the Meelia Center for Community Engagement. Currently, she works with new Americans at the Manchester Community Center, caring for refugee children while their parents are enrolled in English language classes. She also volunteers at UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center working with children with developmental disabilities, Manchester’s 21st Century Afterschool Program, Elmwood Gardens immigrant and refugee center, and the “Bring-It” after school program. She works as a licensed nursing assistant at Catholic Medical Center and at the Chandler Center.
“Mara is an incredible team player, who has a commitment to community engagement and centering the experiences of those around her. Her dedication and passion for supporting others, especially those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, is what drives her to continue working in these critical and important roles,” shared Karina (Hernandez-Soto) Bonilla ‘21, former director of Access Academy at the Meelia Center. “She has built strong and impactful relationships with so many youths in the community, making sure that all individuals she works with are able to feel seen, heard, and supported.”
The Thomas A. Melucci Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by Thomas and Gail Melucci as a memorial for their son, Thomas, who graduated from Saint Anselm in 1988. Mr. and Mrs. Melucci remain closely involved with the scholarship, serving on the committee that selects recipients each year. Mr. Melucci is a former trustee of the college. Anyone interested in supporting the Melucci Scholarship fund, can make a gift online.