BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced the recipient of the annual scholarship honoring the memory of longtime employee Donna Rauseo. The 2024 Donna Rauseo Memorial Scholarship was awarded to East Boston resident Liliana Vargas Bonilla.

“Liliana’s commitment to the East Boston community is something I know would make Donna so proud,” said Massport interim CEO Ed Freni. “I am confident that Liliana will continue to excel as she moves on to Messina College next year and she will continue to make a positive impact on her community.”

The Donna Rauseo Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a female student who resides in East Boston. Rauseo was a graduate of East Boston High School and for more than 20 years was the executive assistant to Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. when he served as Aviation Director of Logan Airport and later as CEO and Executive Director for Massport.

Bonilla graduated from East Boston High School and will soon attend Messina College at Boston College. She has volunteered her time at GEAR UP, EdVestors and organizing many events and activities at East Boston High School.

To be considered for the Donna Rauseo Memorial Scholarship, students are required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and submit an essay of 1,000 words describing their career interests or how their community service has affected their outlook on life. In her essay, Liliana wrote, “For me, performing community service is a voluntary activity motivated by a sincere desire to have a positive influence and make the world a more welcoming and supportive place for all people, rather than just a duty or responsibility.”

Applications are judged by a committee made up of Massport employees and a representative of the Rauseo family. Students interested in applying for the 2025 scholarship should visit www.massport.com for eligibility requirements.