2026 winners were each presented with $1,000 checks in June at the Golf Event
Jake Wells
Kameron Dunce
Pearl Turner
Matthew Plaia
Mikayla Simon
Genesio Benvenuto Senior Award
The Genesio Benvenuto Senior Award is presented annually to deserving graduating high school seniors who are members, or relatives of members, of the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #659 who are in good standing.
Applicants are evaluated based on scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and pride in their Italian heritage—qualities that Jerry Benvenuto exemplified throughout his life.
The award provides a $1,000 scholarship to support students as they pursue higher education and future goals. More importantly, it serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose life was defined by service to his country, his community, and his Italian-American heritage.
Through this scholarship, the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #659 continues to honor Jerry Benvenuto’s legacy by encouraging future generations to pursue excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Genesio Benvenuto Senior Award
The Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #659 is proud to honor the legacy of its co-founder, Genesio “Jerry” Benvenuto, through the annual Genesio Benvenuto Senior Award.
Chartered on April 14, 1982, the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy was established to promote education, civic engagement, and community service while preserving and celebrating Italian heritage. The organization encourages active participation in political, social, and civic life; supports the dissemination of Italian culture; and upholds the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The Genesio Benvenuto Senior Award reflects these principles and recognizes graduating high school seniors who exemplify them.
About Genesio Benvenuto
Genesio “Jerry” Benvenuto was a distinguished veteran, public servant, community leader, and one of the founding members of the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #659 as well as the Lodge’s first president.
During World War II, Jerry served in the China-Burma-India Theater with the Quartermaster Corps, working in heavy equipment and construction operations. He hauled munitions over the historic Burma Road and was awarded the Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, and Good Conduct Medal for his service. His commitment to fellow veterans continued throughout his life. In 1991, he was named Legionnaire of the Year for New York State’s Third District and held numerous leadership positions within veteran organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Italian-American War Veterans.
Jerry dedicated much of his professional life to public service. He retired from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department in 1984 after serving as a Deputy Sheriff and Court Officer. He also served as a Chatham Police Officer, Town of Ghent Constable, and Superintendent of Highways for the Town of Ghent. In addition, he was a school bus driver for the Chatham Central School District, where the Class of 1968 honored him by dedicating their yearbook to him.
A lifelong volunteer, Jerry contributed his time and leadership to numerous organizations, including the Hudson/Kinderhook Elks, Hudson Moose Lodge, Italian-American Community Center of Albany, Babe Ruth Baseball, the Boy Scouts of America, and Ghent’s Youth Department. He served as Chief of the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company, was a member of the Ghent Rod and Gun Club, and was a devoted parishioner of St. James Church in Chatham.
Among his many accomplishments, Jerry was especially proud to be a co-founder of the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #659. Throughout the years, he served the Lodge as President, Past President, and Trustee, helping establish the strong foundation upon which the organization continues to thrive today.
Jerry also devoted thousands of volunteer hours to the Albany VA Medical Center and played an instrumental role in creating the Columbia County Veterans Transportation Van Service, serving as one of its first drivers.