IN Carlynton-Montour Summer 2016 | Page 10

in the LOOP What’s news in CarlyntonMontour SETON LASALLE STUDENT ACCEPTED TO BOTH NAVAL ACADEMY AND WEST POINT Seton LaSalle’s Joe Farnan has the rare opportunity to choose between the Naval Academy and West Point after procuring letters of assurance from both schools, a feat that has taken years of hard work. “I’ve always wanted to be in the military,” Farnan said. “It’s a very noble job and requires a lot of sacrifice.” PITTSBURGH FINANCIAL ADVISOR RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN AWARD Mary Grace Musuneggi has been selected as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Pennsylvania 2016 Humanitarian Award recipient. NAIFAPA presents an annual Humanitarian Award in recognition of an individual’s efforts to give back to the community and positively impact lives. Musuneggi was selected because of her longtime commitment to helping women be independent and successful, including her work with Single Steps Strategies, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and Toys for Tots. She received the award and an honorarium for charity at NAIFAPA’s annual conference at Nemacolin 8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Carlynton-Montour Farnan credits his brother, Michael, also a Seton LaSalle alumnus and an officer in the Marine Corps, for inspiring him to join the military. “By being an officer in the Marines, he showed me that I could do it too,” Farnan said. However, achieving his goal was not easy. The process for applying to the service academies is much different than the traditional college route. Taking almost a full year to complete the application, candidates must apply to the service academy of their choice then separately apply to members of Congress for the nomination. Farnan received nominations from both Senator Pat Toomey and Representative Tim Murphy. Murphy even made an appearance at the school for an assembly honoring Farnan. “It was a very humbling experience; I was expecting some recognition but not that,” he said. “I was surprised, and everyone seemed really happy for me.” In the end, Farnan chose the Naval Academy, where he will study nuclear engineering. After graduation, he plans to stay in the Navy going forward: “I’ve always wanted to serve the country and I’m happy to have this opportunity.” —By Anthony Mendicino Woodlands Resort on May 4. Musuneggi is pleased to donate her honorarium to Dress for Success Pittsburgh: “To be recognized by peers is always an honor, but I’m especially excited to be able to put the spotlight on Dress for Success Pittsburgh and the amazing work they do every day for women in western PA. Any time we can pay it forward in their direction, I know something positive is about to happen.” In 2010, Dress for Success Pittsburgh also recognized Mary Grace Musuneggi’s service with an award, and in 2015 invited her to be the keynote speaker for its 10-year anniversary. n