The Andrew Sozzi Memorial Class of 1973 Scholarship

Andrew J. Sozzi Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Shortly after he lost his battle with cancer in 2013, a small group of friends from Hayes thought, what better way to honor his memory than by establishing a lasting scholarship to our alma mater in Andrew Sozzi’s name. Now, through the good graces of the Hayes Development Office, we have been provided the opportunity to ask you, his friends, and classmates from ’73, to help bring the scholarship to a new level.

The requirements of any Hayes Endowed Scholarship are as follows: A minimum of $25K must be raised to achieve “in perpetuity” status, whereby the principal remains intact and 5% of the value is distributed in an annual scholarship. We achieved that status in 2014. To qualify, student recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 85 across all subjects.

2023 marked the 50th anniversary of our graduation. Last June, 25-35 of our classmates attended reunion activities across two days at “650 Grand” and the graduation ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where we, as 50th anniversarians, were also honored. Cardinal Hayes HS retains a unique ability to educate well-rounded, morally grounded young men (98% of whom go on to college). What we witnessed over the course of the two days with respect to student reverence for Hayes tradition and their scholastic/extra curricular achievements remains inspiring. We, as alumni, need to continue to support their goals and needs.

The Andrew J. Sozzi Memorial Endowed scholarship has been able to help various students with modest financial resources over the years. Recipients, include:

• Roman Liriano - Class of ’20, achieved a GPA of 85+ throughout his 4 years, played varsity baseball, was involved in Student Government, President’s Men, and Latin Dance Group. He is currently completing his college degree at Georgia State University.
• Robert Cartegena, the ‘22/’23 recipient, completed freshman year with our scholarship assistance. He is a bright young man, with interests in music and gaming, however, his family moved to Maine over the past summer, and he no longer attends Hayes.
• With the help of the Development Office, we identified another deserving student, Gabriel Gomez (Class of ’25) who we expect to assist for the remainder of his term. He is currently an honors student, involved in several school activities/clubs, including yearbook. He won a Magic grant through CHHS and was able to attend the New York Film Academy for photography. He is the son of a struggling single parent who is also caring for her own sick/elderly parent and appreciates our financial assistance.

Through consistent annual contributions from a small group, today the endowment totals $90K. This allows an annual scholarship grant of $4500.With this overture to our Class of ’73 brothers, our goal is to push the endowment to $160K over the next few years. Annual tuition and fees at Hayes are approx. $8k. The goal would allow a full scholarship (or two half scholarships) in perpetuity as a lasting tribute to our departed friend.

Please consider the Andrew J. Sozzi Memorial Scholarship in your giving plans now and in the future. The form included with this correspondence can be utilized for your donation. Click the link below to donate online! Up Hayes, and All Its Loyal Men!

Sincere Thanks,

Bill Otto

George Fernandez

Steve Farella