Brianna Jones Captures Tri-CYA’s Martone Scholarship
Brianna Jones is this year’s Tri-Community & Youth Agency’s Joseph A. Martone scholarship recipient. The Huntington High School Class of 2016 member is headed to Farmingdale State University in the fall.
Known for her strong work ethic, Ms. Jones has served on Tri-CYA’s Youth Council. Treasurer of Huntington’s Ready Step team, the new alum played violin in the chamber orchestra and was a member of the Art Honor Society.
Honored this past spring as a Distinguished Senior after compiling an academic grade average of 90 or above during her first seven semesters of high school, Ms. Jones enjoys learning new things each day and values the role education plays in her life.
Mr. Martone had a long association with Tri-CYA, serving on its board of directors as president, vice president, treasurer and fundraising committee chairman at one time or another for more than two decades until his death in 2004.
The Martone scholarship is annually awarded to a graduating senior who combines “the values and ideals that Joe stood for; hard work, commitment to school work, athletics, teamwork and an unselfish dedication to a community cause,” according to Tri-CYA.
“As a [Tri-CYA] board member and volunteer, Joseph Martone stood for hard work and commitment to education,” said Debbie Rimler, who announced that Ms. Jones had won the $500 scholarship. “He was a team player and had an unselfish dedication to community service.”
Relationships are important to Ms. Jones and the teenager has enjoyed making new friends through the years while continuing to cherish and remain loyal to those who have been in her life the longest.
Mr. Martone helped develop Tri-CYA’s Hall of Honor, which honors distinguished community members who have volunteered to help local youth. He was willing to do everything from helping around Tri-CYA’s facility to delivering food, supplies and even diapers to families in need. The scholarship award is funded by David S. Pottruck, one of Mr. Martone’s former students.