The F.I.G.H.T. Scholarship

The F.I.G.H.T (Family Inspires Great Hope Together) Scholarship was established in 2009 in loving memory of Caitlyn Bagnato by her family. Through their fight with a rare form of pediatric cancer the Bagnato family experienced the true meaning of “family” as everyone should have the opportunity to know it.  They learned…

“Family is not restricted simply to those who are blood relations. Family is not limited to proximity. Family includes the people who have become a part of our lives in other ways. Family truly encompasses each and every individual who touches our life, who cares about us, who hurts when we hurt, who gives in time of need whether it be through time, prayers, warm thoughts or otherwise. Family is a fellowship of individuals which inspire great hope when joined together to FIGHT a common enemy.”

Caitlyn loved school and she loved learning. She continued her studies and remained in school by way of home tutoring throughout her illness and up until three days before she passed away. Considering this dedication, Caitlyn’s family felt it was only fitting to offer an educational scholarship in her memory.

The F.I.G.H.T scholarship will be awarded to a Putnam Valley High School Senior who has exemplified the true meaning of family by fulfilling at least two of the following:

© Overcome adversity in their life

© Inspires and gives great hope to others

© Makes helping others a part of their life

The scholarship will consist of a one-time award of up to $3,000.00 and can be used for any accredited college/trade school related expenses. Scholarship applications will be available in the Putnam Valley High School Guidance Office in September of each year. The deadline to submit an application is January 24 (in honor of Caitlyn’s birthday 1/24/94) to the Guidance Department.

The Scholarship committee will review all applications and contact the top three candidates for an interview by March 1st. Interviews will be conducted in March and the scholarship winner will be notified in May. The recipient will be invited to attend the Putnam Valley High School Senior Awards Ceremony in June where they will receive their scholarship.

Scholarship Rating System

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by a Scholarship Committee and will be rated using a point system. Applications can receive a maximum of 50 points.

1) Completed Application up to 5 points

2) Identified Volunteer Activities up to 5 points

3) Essay

Detailed how overcome adversity up to 10 points

Detailed how inspired and given great hope to others up to 10 points

Detailed how helping others is part of their life up to 10 points

Details why they should receive a scholarship up to 10 points

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Maximum Total Points per application: 50 points

Scholarship Policy

All scholarship recipients will be required to provide proof of first semester completion, within four weeks of semester end. If a recipient fails to complete their first semester, or fails to provide timely proof of completion, they will be responsible for repaying their scholarship back to the organization.