3 Smithtown HSW Students Win Scholarships In Greg Sill's Honor

SMITHTOWN, NY — Three Smithtown High School West students — Claudia Rivas Orellana, Madison Friscia and Caitlin Camilleri — were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship by the Greg W. Sill Foundation, in conjunction with the Smithtown High School West social studies department, according to a news release from the district.

Sill served the Smithtown Central School District and its students for 20 years as a dedicated and inspirational social studies teacher. He died in late March at the age of 48.

The "Power of a Pebble" scholarship was presented to Orellana, an English language learner who has proven to be hard-working, empathetic and committed to her studies.

Friscia and Camilleri were each awarded a "Be the Coffee Bean" scholarship for their efforts
to change the environment for the better and for spreading positivity.

"We know Mr. Sill would be proud of these three recipients and the growth that they have shown, along with the impact that they have made in the Smithtown community and beyond," said members of the Smithtown High School West social studies department.

Sill's wife, Elizabeth, launched the Greg Sill "Be the coffee bean" Memorial Fund in April in order to "have the world experience the goodness that is Greg Sill." The fund plans to provide scholarships to students who exemplify the Greg Sill life: goodness, positivity and kindness, according to Elizabeth. Money will also be donated to charity.

"I hope this fund continues for many years," Elizabeth told Patch in April. "The reason for this fund is that Greg and I spoke often of our lives in the next few years and we wanted to ensure that philanthropy was an integral part. With his passing, this will set us back a bit, but I am hoping with donations we can start to fulfill his dream of helping others."