June 18th 2008

Our Scholarship Chairperson, Angela Romano, was introduced to make the first of two scholarship presentations, as one of our candidates was receiving another scholarship award and had to leave. Everyone gave a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Jason Panzarino and his father, Mr. Frank Panzarino. Jason is a Melbourne High School graduate, who is the recipient of the very first $1,000 George M. Skurla Scholarship Award, and who plans to attend the University of Florida at Gainesville to study aerospace engineering. Jason’s outstanding academic achievements placed him First in a class of 503 students. Jason is a licensed pilot and a member of several associations geared towards aircraft and pilots. He is a perfect choice for our George Skurla Scholarship, and as we know, George Skurla joined the Grumman Corporation in 1944 and rose through the ranks to become president and chief operating officer, and was the director of operations at Kennedy Space Center from 1965 to 1970. It is our honor and privilege to have Mrs. Marie Skurla with us today to assist in this presentation. In addition to the $1,000 scholarship, a $250 award from the Bethpage Federal Credit Union is given to defray the cost of books and supplies contingent upon completion of the Sophomore, Junior and Senior years of college. We are extremely grateful to Bethpage Federal Credit Union for their contribution to our scholarship program. Mrs. Skurla presented Jason with some personal mementos and clothing items, and told the group that she was a graduate of UF and a “Gator” fan. Thanks, Marie, for helping us to honor your husband’s memory and his contributions to the Grumman Corporation, by offering a scholarship in his name. Jason warmly thanked everyone for his award, and President Dan Postupack presented Jason with some Grumman and Northrop Grumman memorabilia, and we all wished Jason continued success in his upcoming college career.

Mrs. Marie Skurla and Jason Panzarino

Angela Romano enthusiastically introduced our second scholarship winner, Brittany Grant, and her mother, Mrs. Donna Grant. Brittany received a certificate from our club at her Awards Night on May 22nd at Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School, and today we are officially recognizing her at our third Retiree Club Space Coast Chapter Scholarship winner. Brittany held a 4.0 GPA, with many outstanding academic accomplishments, and will be attending the University of South Florida at Tampa, to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. She plans to participate in the 5 year Masters program and hopes to intern with an engineering company. Upon graduation, Brittany plans to join the work force and pursue her Ph D. Brittany will also receive the additional $250 from the Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Bethpage, N.Y. to help defray the cost of books and supplies over the course of her Sophomore, Junior and Senior years. We are proud to present Brittany with the Grumman Retiree Club Space Coast Chapter Scholarship Award in the amount of $1,000. Over 60 years ago, Mr. Leroy Grumman, founder of the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, was a true supporter of education through scholarships, and we, at Space Coast Chapter, have embraced the continuance of this educational spirit and have chosen to create our own successful scholarship program for local high school students. Brittany Grant and Jason Panzarino are wonderful examples of this accomplishment. Brittany thanked everyone for her award, and President Dan Postupack presented Brittany with some Grumman and Northrop Grumman memorabilia and extended warm wishes from our group for continued success in her upcoming college years.

Angela Romano, Marie Skurla, Jason Panzarino, Brittany Grant, and Dan Postupack