Lariccia: Be a good role model

The stockbroker-philanthropist heeded General Colin Powell's call for mentors and role models for youth.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- Tony Lariccia said he got involved sponsoring college scholarships and serving as a mentor to high school students in response to a public call from General Colin Powell for Americans to step in and help guide youth to success.
"General Colin Powell wants people in the community to become mentors and be good role models. I responded to that call because I saw a need in today's teens," said Lariccia of Boardman, a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch in Canfield and a philanthropist. "The divorce rates in single families were so extreme that I wanted to do something."
So, "I began a mentor program at Struthers High School in 1995," said Tony, a 1963 graduate of that school, noting that at that time "football had just previously been canceled." Lariccia was contacted by Joe Mogulich, the athletic director, and Duke Colaprete, both from Struthers, about helping out.
The beginning: "From 1995-1999 I assisted 19 students in attending college, most of [whom] are doing fine," added Lariccia. "They were girl and boy students, some were athletes who came from low-income families or single-parent and in some cases no-parent families."
Lariccia said he and his wife Mary, a 1968 Chaney High graduate, have given scholarships to 33 area students since 1995, including 11 at Chaney since 1998 and one each at Girard, South Range and Springfield.
Almost half of the scholarships have gone to students attending Youngstown State. This year, five scholarships were provided overall, but only was to an athlete.
As a mentor who wanted to make a difference in students' lives, Tony said he visited Struthers and Chaney looking for ways to help students and the schools. For example at Chaney, he also paid to upgrade the school's computer system and clocks.
But he especially loves the one-on-one relationship with students, from which he derives the most satisfaction and can be the most effective.
"I believe in time, giving time and attention to kids. They really like that. Conversation means a lot to teens," said Lariccia, who admits he can't help everyone and has to be selective in contributing financial assistance. "I just have to make judgment calls as to who I can help."
Criteria: He said the scholarships go to students who have achieved academic excellence and are in great need of financial assistance.
"They have to meet the criteria of good grades coming from a low income family," said Lariccia. "Some I helped with full scholarships, and some with partial."
He hopes to continue helping about five students a year.
Candidates are recommended by the community, and then they are investigated by the Lariccias to make sure they meet the criteria for selection.
One of Tony's rewards is that special feeling of satisfaction he receives believing he has made a difference in a life, and therefore contributed to making a better nation.
Foster parent: "I feel like a foster father to all 33 students. When they call or visit our home to keep in touch, my wife Mary and daughters Natalie and Dana feel very good that we were able to help.
"Those 33 kids are like an extended family, and the vast majority still keep in touch via a telephone and visit. And hopefully this extended family will grow in future years."
He also is glad to report, "Only a small minority were disappointments. Most of them worked out all right."
Tony said Mary's other avocation is Angels for Animals in the Greenford area.
"That's her cause: She likes four-legged creatures and I like teenagers," said Tony, whose older daughter, Natalie, is following in his career footsteps. A graduate of Ohio University, Natalie is now affiliated with Merrill Lynch in Canton.
Tony's younger daughter, Dana, is a sophomore at Boardman High, which also has been the recipient of the Lariccias' generosity.
Tony said Boardman has received the most money from his family for various school projects, but not for collegiate financial assistance.