KENMORE, N.Y. — The Firefighter Arno Memorial Foundation announced the recipient of its inaugural scholarship award on Thursday.
Jack Kane, a senior at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, was recognized during an event at the school. He was selected for the $10,000 award.
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to high school seniors who are the sons or daughters of first responders in Western New York, as they move on to two-year or four-year colleges or universities.
Foundation officials said Kane is a standout student and embodies the values of service and dedication it cherishes.
"Jack's commitment to academic achievement and his family's service to the community truly exemplify the spirit of our scholarship program," Michael Forero said. "We are dedicated to honoring the memory of fallen heroes like Jason Arno and supporting the first responder community in Western New York."
The FAM Foundation was established in honor of Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno who died while on duty on March 1, 2023, while battling the Main Street fire that destroyed DC Theatricks in downtown Buffalo.
"Inspired by his father and all the other brave firefighters and first responders he knows, Jack has clearly learned the value of selflessness, a value that he will undoubtedly carry with him into his college years and beyond," Jim Spillman, the St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute principal, said of Kane.
Kane will attend SUNY Maritime following high school graduation. He is committed to playing lacrosse and intends to study international trade and business. He's also working toward earning his Coast Guard license.
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