Casino-bound For the College-bound

Fundraising has just kicked off for the third annual Mark Palladino Scholarship. Named after an East Haven High School student who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2008, his parents said it brings them joy. On two fronts.

One, the scholarship gives college-bound East Haven High seniors a little financial help. Two, said Nick and Phyllis Palladino, it keeps their cherished son's name alive. They give out two $500 scholarships each year.

"It's very emotional. It's very heart-breaking," said Nick Palladino, the East Haven Board of Education chairman. "The scholarship is a way of keeping Mark's memory alive."

Every May, the high school  holds a scholarship night in the auditorium. Presenters, such as the  Palladinos, get on stage to announce the student recipients.

"It's very hard (on stage)," said Phyllis Palladino, a paraprofessional at Momaughin Elementary School.  "It's tough that we won't see him anymore."

Family friend Liz Franco-Spano is treasurer of the Palladino Scholarship Fund. She's currently organizing a fundraising trip to Mohegan Sun on Nov. 20. Ticket prices will be $20 or $25, depending on the final cost of the bus, and will cover the roundtrip bus ride, a coupon for a buffet and two free spins on the money wheel.

"Not only does it raise money for the scholarship, it's a nice way for the family to get together (on scholarship night)," said Franco-Spano, a phys ed teacher at D.C. Moore Elementary School. "I think that it gives them comfort."

Mark was a high school athlete. He was a hockey captain and excelled in soccer and tennis, his dad said. In Mark's senior year, he and his tennis doubles partner, Peter Sagnella, went undefeated. Upon graduation, Mark received several sports scholarships for college, his parents said.

Following in the same vein, the Palladino scholarships are also given for sports achievements, specifically in tennis and hockey.

To purchase tickets for the Mohegan fundraiser, call Ron Palladino at 203.499.9790.