Rocco Nicolosi Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Rocco Nicolosi Memorial Scholarship existed privately for 20 years before becoming part of Marion Community Foundation’s scholarship program in 2010. Following Rocco’s untimely death in an auto accident, his parents, Mike and Phyllis Nicolosi of Marion, established the scholarship fund.

Rocco was a graduate of Marion Catholic High School and attended The Ohio State University. He was a fanatic of every sport known to man—known for hosting “big game” parties and attending big ticket games in person. He would pass on just about anything else to attend a game or series, claims his mother.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Rocco had a keen interest in the food hospitality industry and attended Columbus State for courses in this field.

Individuals selected for the Nicolosi Scholarship must have attended a high school located in Marion County throughout his or her entire high school experience and have ranked in the upper 25th percentile of his or her high school senior class.

To preserve Rocco’s memory and discourage future tragedies, applicants must write an essay on the topic of “Why Young People in Marion Need to be Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Free.”