Bagpipe band members Matthew Lynch and Vincent Dionisi, who graduated from Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, recently received scholarships from the Port Authority Police Pipe Band.

The scholarship was established on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to honor the actions of three department’s pipe band members who died in the attacks of the Twin Towers.

On Sept 11, 2001, the Port Authority Police Department lost 37 members of their department. Three of those first responders, Port Authority Police Officers Liam Callahan, Steve Huczko and Richie Rodriguez, were also drummers with the PAPD Pipe Band.

After the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Port Authority Police Pipe Band started a scholarship program to honor the heroic actions of the three band members who died in the attacks on America on 9/11.

In order to qualify, applicants must be high school seniors who participate in a bagpipe band and show an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement or public safety.

Both Matthew and Vincent participated as band members in the NYC-based New York Metro Pipe Band.

Sama Manchanda, who graduated from Governor Livingston H.S. in Berkeley Heights, N.J, also received the scholarship. She was a member of Governor Livingston’s Highlander Marching Band and the St. Colmucille United Gaelic Pipe Band.

In June the PAPD Pipe Band held their Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony.