Northeast News

June 3, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Italian-American service organization UNICO will be honoring the legacy of fallen KCFD firefighters John Mesh and Larry Leggio this Sunday, June 5, by awarding a pair of scholarships bearing their names.

The Zona Rosa shopping development (8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153) is hosting an Italian festival this weekend. UNICO, a 100% charitable organization, will be awarding the scholarships to area students with Italian heritage during a ceremony beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Kourtney West from Lee’s Summit West will be receiving the John Mesh scholarship, while Anthony Totta from Blue Valley High School will be awarded the Larry Leggio scholarship. Both scholarships will be worth $1,500.

The Romano family, owner’s of Cumpy’s T-Shirt Shop and members of UNICO, have agreed to finance the scholarships in honor of Mesh and Leggio. In total, 20 scholarships will be distributed during the ceremony. The proceeds from the Italian festival go back into the scholarship fund for area students.

Jim Mesh, brother of John, spoke to the Northeast News about his gratitude towards the scholarship dedication.

“Being a member, I couldn’t be more thankful. It makes me proud to be a member of that organization,” said Mesh. “They have actually done a lot for my family since this happened.”