Amoya Stewart

For Amoya Stewart, receiving the Michael LaManna Memorial Scholarship was not only a financial boost but an emotional one. “It provided stability, dignity, and hope at a time when I needed it most,” says Stewart, a single mom in New Windsor, NY, who works as a teacher’s aide in a special ed classroom.

While a student at Empire State University, Stewart was hospitalized several times with a cervical spinal lesion. The condition caused tremendous pain in her neck — and a lot of medical bills.

The scholarship — established by Bob Lento ’98 and his wife Kathryn, to honor her father’s 43-year career as an educator — helped her pay tuition bills and stay on track toward getting her Master of Arts in Teaching. She plans to become a special ed teacher and advocate for equity and accessibility in education.

“This financial support has allowed me to focus on my academic and professional goals, rather than worrying about tuition and related expenses,” Stewart says. ”It’s not just an investment in my education but in the future of  students who will benefit from my knowledge and skills.”