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As the very first recipient of the Tribute and Honor Foundation’s Legacy Award, Korean War veteran Bernard Farnan exemplifies service, resilience, and community to an inspirational degree. It is only fitting that the Tribute and Honor Foundation extend his influence to others, specifically young high school graduates courageously following in his footsteps by joining the U.S. military. This year, the foundation’s Ben Farnan Scholarship is given to Glen Cove High School soon-to-be graduates Ruben Martinez and Mark LaRocca in preparation for their upcoming service.
“I’m especially proud of these two young individuals,” Farnan said at the check presentation ceremony, which took place at Salem Baptist Church. Farnan also bid words of advice to the two future service members, imploring them to make the most of their time and utilize their resources. “The military are the lucky ones. Both of you have well-rounded academics, great family values and qualities, and extracurriculars, whether they’re cultural activities or athletics.”
The ceremony involved a presentation of a $1,000 check to both Martinez and LaRocca, who were supported by Glen Cove High School Principal Allen Hudson, the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board of Directors, including President Gaitley Stevenson-Matthews, several liaison members, the students’ most impactful mentors, and their families.
Inspired by a family friend, Martines committed to joining the Marines in his sophomore year of high school. He is set to start boot camp at Parris Island in August. LaRocca also gained interest in enlisting during his sophomore year at a college fair, and joined the Navy in the summer of 2023.
Irma Jeanty, Program Director of the Glen Cove EOC, spoke on behalf of Martinez, who she had worked with on the Summer Youth program and numerous community outreach initiatives. She shared anecdotes of his improving test scores and dedicated work ethic. “I am so proud and honored to have this young man, four years, coming to the office every day, eager to learn and eager to work,” she said.
Martinez will be graduating with an array of accomplishments at Glen Cove High School, including over 900 hours of community service. Additionally, he was involved in school clubs such as DECA, Chess, Mindfulness, and Anime, and a member of the baseball, track, and basketball teams.
LaRocca, a four-year, three-season athlete, will be graduating as an honors student, and passing the torch from his leadership roles in DECA, Student Senate, Ski Club, TV Studio, and Bands. He is also a member of the Shelter Rock Church in Syosset, and was accompanied by his pastor Jerry O’Sullivan.
“The word that comes to mind when I think of Mark is determination. He is a determined, unstoppable person,” Pastor O’Sullivan said. He recalled watching LaRocca in his first years of high school attempt to land a scooter trick off a four foot drop, commenting that he tried over and over again. “As he seeks to be in the Navy and join the elite Air Rescue Special Forces, my hope is that you have that same unstoppable determination.”
The Tribute and Honor Foundation Board of Directors was honored to present this year’s Ben Farnan Scholarship to these students, as Stevenson-Matthews commented on the significance of the award.
“The reason we are here, when we talked about how we can influence both ends of the spectrum, supporting our veterans but also supporting young people coming up, the name that kept coming to us when we thought about a scholarship was Ben,” he said. “Ben is one of those who served our nation with great valor and then came home and continued to serve, and continues to serve to this day.”
Farnan was born in 1930, and was drafted into the Korean War in 1952. He served in the Third Reconnaissance Company, leading patrols at Outpost Kelly and Jackson Heights. He is an alumni of Adelphi University and orchestrated the WWII Landing Monument at Morgan Memorial park.
Hudson shared how proud he was of the students on behalf of the Glen Cove School District, and the courage it takes to venture out to protect others. “It is an honor to be here, especially with these two young men,” he said. “These two gentlemen are extremely hard workers.”
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