MISSION STATEMENT
AMICI Naperville Area Italian American Club is a
non-profit social organization for those who
wish to enhance their appreciation of
Italian heritage and culture
The Mary and Wayne Piccin Memorial Scholarship
2026 Application
2025
Scholarship
Winner
Hunter Masen
2026
Scholarship
Winner
Lily Eddington
In recognition of outstanding achievements by young persons of Italian descent seeking to make a positive impact in our world, this scholarship is being offered to students who wish to continue their education in any accredited higher learning institution or qualified vocational school.
It is open to high school seniors in the Class of 2026 with some Italian ethnicity who attend an accredited high school in the greater Naperville area including the city and surrounding communities or who are related to an Amici Club member living outside of greater Naperville. The student must have a 3.25 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, have applied for admission to an accredited two or four year degree granting academic or vocational school, and have completed all scholarship application requirements.
An award in the amount of $1500.00 will be granted to a single student and can be used toward education costs (books, tuition, study abroad, etc.)
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA: This merit-based award will be judged based on personal initiative, demonstrated character, and academic and extracurricular achievement. An essay is required to show how these qualities are complimented by the applicant's Italian heritage.
The scholarship application can be downloaded from Click Here
1. Completed application and accompanying materials (original 600-800 word personal essay with 2 letters of recommendation and official high school transcript in sealed envelopes) must be received no later than April 15th, 2026. Please note that applications after April 15th, 2026 will not be considered.
2. Personal Essay: Essay must be typed and doubled spaced and must address the following topic:
"How has your Italian heritage benefited you in attaining your educational and life goals?"
Essay will be judged based on quality of writing, clarity of expression and creativity of the author.
3. Other criteria considered by the scholarship committee will include completeness and accuracy of application.
Payment of the scholarship will go directly to the award recipient and is dependent upon acceptance by and proof of enrollment in the winner's chosen institution.
All scholarship materials must be submitted together in the order shown below.
Please note: Deadline for mailed submissions is April 15th, 2026.
Completed Applications must include:
1. Completed and signed scholarship application form.
2. Two letters of recommendation from appropriate sources sealed in envelopes.
3. Most current official high school transcript in sealed envelope.
4. Original essay written by the applicant.
Only applications that fully comply with stated criteria will be considered. Decision to award a scholarship will be made by the scholarship committee,
there are no appeals. Committee decision will be made by May 15th, 2026 and the winner will be notified immediately. Designated recipient for the 2026 Amici Club Scholarship and his/her immediate family will be invited to attend the club's general meeting for the presentation of the award in May 2026.
Disclaimer: The application and all materials provided by applicants become the property of the Amici Club of Naperville and will be used only for the purpose of awarding the 2026 scholarship. They will not be used for any commercial purpose nor provided to any outside agency for any reason. The Amici Club of Naperville is not responsible for late or missing application material.
Completed application materials must be received by April 15th, 2026. Please address materials to Amici Club Scholarship Chair at PO Box 6, Warrenville, IL 60555-0020
Contact Ellen Hines: email: ellenhines@comcast.net
Thank you for your application for the 2026 Amici Italian Club Scholarship of Naperville, Illinois