Three St. Bede School seniors, Faith Ellis, Lily Fontes and Natalie Hanna, were recognized for their service to their school, church and community on Sunday, May 20 at the monthly meeting of the Italian Catholic Federation branch 374 held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Montrose. The students each received a cash award of $100 by ICF branch president Jack DeZell.

The trio had been selected by a special branch committee led by Mark G. Mannarelli, scholarship chairman, who reviewed essays submitted based on the services students provided over the past school year.

Lily Fontes and Natlie Hanna will be attending the Mayfield School and Faith Ellis will be attending Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.

ICF initiated these Distinguished Service Awards several years ago to single out and recognize students who go above and beyond expectations for their contributions of service. The organization also awards scholarships throughout the year based on academic achievement, but highlights special students who step forward to volunteer their time and efforts on behalf of others, exemplifying the spirit of ICF.

Founded in 1924, the ICF is a nonprofit, family-oriented organization open to men, women, and children of all ages and heritages. With thousands of members across four states, the ICF participates in social, religious and heritage-themed events, takes part in apostolic and charitable works in the church and community, and supports college scholarships and seminarian education. Branch 374 is affiliated with the St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church parish community in La Cañada Flintridge. Members live in the foothills community of the Crescenta Valley.

The ICF has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 6,000 high school students and donated over $2 million to improve the lives of Thalassemia patients. The organization also supports the seminarians of St. John Seminary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and other charities.