Lori Sorrentino Hennessey Scholarship - 2026

DEADLINE for submission is May 10, 2026.

Scholarship Description & Criteria:

The Lori Sorrentino Hennessey Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving full-time, high school female student of Italian ancestry, who is pursuing a course of study, or degree in education, pre-medicine, health science, social services, pre-law, law enforcement, fire safety, first responder.

The scholarship is a one-time award of $7,500.00 payable to the scholarship recipient, to be used for education expenses during the upcoming academic year 2026-2027.

To be eligible, the applicant must be a legal resident of New Jersey, a female of Italian ancestry, and must have proof of accepted into a full-time course of study in an accredited community college, 4-year college or university, working towards a degree in education, pre-medicine, health science, social services, pre-law, law enforcement, fire safety, first responder.

The candidate’s requirements:

A young woman of Italian descent. In her essay the candidate will present the following:

  • Demonstrates the importance of Italian culture and family values.

  • Her personal strengths and the value of education.

  • Her reason for choosing her field of study.

*PLEASE TAKE NOTE, WRITE YOUR OWN ESSAY; DO NOT USE AI

  • Applicant must provide a resume and relevant information on her present and past accomplishments including: (1) a written essay describing the importance of her Italian culture in family life. Explain why she will pursue an education in her chosen field of study, leading to her future career, (2) current transcript, (3) extracurricular activities, (4) awards, (5) honors, (6) letters of recommendation. 

  • Applicant must be a resident of New Jersey, (the candidate does not have to attend college or university in New Jersey).

  • The awardee will be asked to attend and speak at the Dante Alighieri Society Scholarship Awards Dinner Meeting, June 2026, at which time the Scholarship will be presented.

  • The scholarship will be awarded based on the submission of the application and all required material. All material requested in the application is the responsibility of the candidate to submit. The Dante Alighieri Society is not responsible for material missing from the candidate’s application. Please make sure you submit all documents required! Missing materials will disqualify the application for consideration.

  • Proof of paid tuition for the upcoming semester must be provided before the scholarship award check is issued to the winner. Failure to complete one full semester with a satisfactory GPA within the 2026-2027 academic year, will null and void the scholarship and the scholarship funds must be returned to the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City.

For more information please call or write Lou Tiscornia, Scholarship Chair: DASJCNJ@gmail.com  201-920-0891

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LORI HENNESSEY HEADSHOT

November 30, 1971 - May 15, 2018 (age 46)

Lori Sorrentino Hennessey is the daughter of Patrick Sorrentino and Roselyn Evans Sorrentino. She grew up in the Marion Section along with her siblings, James, Debra and Darren. Lori was born in Belleville at Clara Mass Hospital. She attended St. John the Baptist School then the Academy of St. Aloysius High School. She later attended New Jersey City University obtaining her degree in English Literature and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Lori worked for 12 years as an administrative assistant for Fred Alger Management. It was during the time that she realized her true passion was teaching. She went back to school and obtained her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Lori had worked at PS #28 as a preschool teacher for 11 years. When asked how she likes being a preschool teacher Lori was often to be heard saying, “I love it. I love the little kids. I try to take each child and give them the love and guidance they deserve.”

Lori was honored as PS 28, Jersey City Teacher of the Year, Columbus Day Parade Committee Italian Teacher of the Year and Jersey City Police Emerald Society Irish woman of the Year.

Lori was a lifelong Jersey City resident who resided in Country Village.  Lori was married to Det. Mark Hennessey of the JCPD for 20 years. They raised two daughters, Alyssa and Rachel.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City, is proud of offer a scholarship in her name to a deserving woman of Italian heritage, who will continue Lori’s legacy of service.