Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich and the Greece Town Board last Thursday recognized the recipients of the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship. This year’s winner is Jameson DiPalma and runner up is Miguel Villaman Torres. Jameson received a recognition proclamation and check in the amount of $2,000 and Miguel received a recognition proclamation and check in the amount of $500. Both young men were recognized during the Meeting of the Greece Town Board on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
The Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship provides the Greece community with the opportunity to recognize a student that regularly upholds exemplary moral values, devotes time and energy into helping serve the Greece community, and consistently displays outstanding leadership skills. This scholarship has been established by the Town of Greece to highlight Jerry’s exceptional character, virtue, and lifelong love of learning and public service. With over 25 years of public service, Jerry served on the Greece Youth Board, was elected as Town Councilman for 10 years, and served as Deputy Supervisor until his untimely passing in July of 2014.
“Jerry was an upstanding citizen, co-worker, and friend and the love he had for his community and public service are the foundations of this scholarship” said Supervisor Reilich. “Every year we had several applicants from all throughout the Greece community. Through careful consideration by the Greece Youth Board and the Helfer Family, this year’s recipients provided an excellent example of leadership, public service, and volunteerism. I was proud to take part in Thursday evening’s ceremony and congratulate Jameson and Miguel, who are outstanding members of our community and are helping to continue on the legacy of Jerry Helfer”.
Jameson DiPalma has been very active in his school and community. He has been involved in his school’s Math League, Masterminds, Model UN, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, Principal’s Advisory Council, Sources of Strength, and International Club. He has also been involved in leadership positions such as Head Coach for Greece Challenger Baseball, Station Leader for Miracle League, and Creator/Coordinator/Supervisor of Hilton Select Salvation Army Day. Jameson has served in various community organizations, such as Water for South Sudan, Dave Clark Disability Dream and Do, and the Hilton Apple Fest. Furthermore, Jameson was selected by the Superintendent of Hilton for the 2022 Monroe County Council of School Superintendents Outstanding Senior Award. He also received the Monroe County Youth Citizen of the Year Award and the Greece Chamber of Commerce Youth Hall of Fame in 2021. Jameson is headed to Duke University in the Fall.
Miguel has also shown active involvement in his community and school. Through his high school, Miguel has been involved in Track and Field, was a member of the National Honor Society Club, and a member of the Hispanic Club. In the community, he has been involved as an altar boy for a local church and a ceremonial speaker. His leadership activity has included being a leader in the Hispanic Club.
Congratulations to Jameson DiPalma and Miguel Villaman Torres on being chosen as the recipients of the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship! The Town of Greece is very proud of you and stands behind you as you continue to set examples of volunteerism and leadership in our community.