SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
AVERY STRUBY
My name is Avery Struby. I attended Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, where I was the salutatorian of my graduating class. In the fall, I will attend the University of Notre Dame to study Biochemistry, Spanish, and Patient Advocacy. These studies will help me pursue my goal of attending dental school and an orthodontic residency to become and orthodontist with a specialty in craniofacial abnormalities. Ultimately, I hope to apply my knowledge to treat children with cleft lip and palate conditions at home and abroad. I am incredibly grateful for your generous support in helping me pursue higher education so I can give the gift of smiles to those who need it most.
Thank you!
BRAM IOVINELLA
Since graduating Damonte Ranch High School in 2021, Bram Iovinella has worked full-time in the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades, where he has gained valuable hands-on experience while developing a strong work ethic, discipline, and technical skills. He also served four years in the Nevada Army National Guard, earning multiple awards while strengthening his leadership abilities and sense of responsibility. Bram remains closely connected to his Italian heritage through his father, family in Italy, language, and cultural traditions.
Looking ahead, Bram plans to build a career in aviation by earning his Private Pilot License, instrument rating, commercial license, and Certified Flight Instructor certification. He is honored to receive the Pecetti Family Vocational Scholarship, which will help support him as he works toward achieving his long-term goals in the aviation industry.
BEN MONSON
I will be graduating in June from AACT High School with two CTE certificates. One in Fire Science and the other as Emergency Medical Technician. I played varsity tennis my freshman year and have been on the varsity swim team all four years of high school. This year I am a team captain on the swim team. I also swim competitively on the Reno Aquatic Club year-round. Last year I worked as a lifeguard for the City of Sparks. This summer I will work at the Somersett Town Center. I have served leadership roles in the National Honor Society and have been part of the psychology club and debate club. For the past 10 years I have shaved my head to raise money for childhood cancer with St. Baldrick's. This year for my senior capstone project, I organized a St. Baldrick's fundraising competition between AACT High School and Debbie Smith High School. It brought together students, teachers, and local firefighters to shave our heads to support kids fighting cancer. Together we raised over $9,000. In the fall I will attend the College of Idaho and continue my swimming career as a member of the men's swim team. I am undecided on my major but I am interested in science. I am so thankful for your support and generosity.
Thank you, Ben Monson
ALISSA ZAMBONI EATON
I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, but my family roots go back to a small village in northern Italy called Colorina. My ancestors, the Zamboni family, immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s and came through Ellis Island. I was fortunate enough to visit Ellis Island myself and actually find the records of my family arriving in America. Seeing their names written there made their journey feel very real to me. After arriving in the United States, they made their way west and eventually settled in Doyle, California, where they homesteaded ranch land along the mountains overlooking the valley and railroad tracks. Near their first ranch home are natural hot springs that are now known as Zamboni Hot Springs.
The Zamboni name became well-known in the Reno area over time. My family has been involved in many different fields, including medicine, mechanical work, and law enforcement. Service to others has always been an important value in my family. Some of our extended relatives still live in Colorina near the Swiss Alps, and I have been told they still make homemade polenta there. Polenta is something that has stayed in our family traditions as well. My grandfather still makes it with stew poured over the top, and it is one of those meals that always reminds me where our family came from.
My own path has not been perfectly straightforward. I am now in my early thirties and currently finishing my nursing degree. Growing up, school was difficult for me because I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD. For a long time I did not believe I was capable of succeeding academically. It took time, faith, and determination for me to finally pursue higher education. Today, I have maintained a GPA above 3.5 in nursing school, something I once never imagined would be possible.
Before nursing school, I worked for many years at a gym and spent time helping elderly and disabled individuals in my community with everyday tasks like cleaning, organizing, and household chores. My decision to pursue nursing really began when I cared for my husband’s grandmother after she was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. I helped care for her daily and manage her comfort until the end of her life. Watching the hospice nurses who came to help her made a huge impact on me. Their compassion and calm presence showed me what nursing truly means.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, hiking, and road biking. I am also a member of the student council at my nursing school, where I have had the opportunity to be involved in leadership and advocacy. Recently, I have also started reaching out to programs in my community that provide healthcare support for unhoused individuals, especially those struggling with mental health.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue my education and eventually earn my Master’s degree in Nursing. More than anything, I want to be someone who can bring calm, compassion, and understanding to people during the most difficult moments of their lives.
Receiving this scholarship would mean a great deal to me as I continue working toward that goal. God Bless, Alissa Zamboni-Eaton