PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE OF BRIDGEPORT
ACCEPTING 2027 APPLICATIONS - Deadline due October 15th
July 6, 2026, Bridgeport, CT - Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport is accepting applications for the 2027 Scholarships for active students enrolled in an accredited college or university. The winner, who must be from greater Bridgeport, CT area, would be recognized for their outstanding academic and civic achievement.
The League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese Americans students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
Interested applicants need to complete the brief application and include a written essay; one letter of recommendation; official high school transcript(s) and résumé. Applications (including all required documents) can be found on the www. portugueseamericancivicleagueofbridgeport.com website. All completed applications need to submitted electronically.
The 2027 scholarship recipients will be granted at a January 2027 recognition dinner at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT.
More information is available at portugueseamericancivicleagueofbridgeport@gmail.com.
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PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE OF BRIDGEPORT
PARTICIPATES IN the 78th “GREAT STREET PARADE”
June 28, 2026, Bridgeport, CT - Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport was featured in the annual “Great Street” Parade that drew out thousands of spectators lined the 1.5 mile parade route throughout Bridgeport, CT.
The Parade also included Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Attorney General William Tong, Congressmna Jim Himes, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Trumbull first selectman Vicki Tesoro, and Trumbull Finance Director Maria Pires were officials at the event.
Over 80 Portuguese volunteers were part of the procession with many other Portuguese community groups represented:
The Rancho Folclorico “Recordacoes de Portugal” group of Bridgeport, led by John M. Fontes, with its 25 dancers followed the Grand Marshall float with 20 representatives waving to the crowds.
Portuguese American Leadership Council of United States (PALCUS) Healthcare Committee was represented by Susy Ferreira, Tiffany and Alexis Fernandes.
The Vasco Da Gama Civic and Cultural Center, represented by Jose Rodrigues, also marched in the parade as well as hosted their 2-day annual picnic in the city.
The Our Lady of Fatima Church Nurse Ministry, who brings health services to the Portuguese community lead by Jennifer Dinis, Susy Ferreira, Maria Duque Ferreira and Martha Ferreira Moreira.
The parade also included over 70 decorated floats, balloons and marching bands, making it one of the largest parades in the region.
PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE OF BRIDGEPORT
HONORED BY THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT
Bridgeport Celebrates Portugal Day
June 8, 2026, Bridgeport, CT — The City of Bridgeport, led by Mayor Joe Ganim, proudly hosted its annual Portugal Day Flag Raising Ceremony, bringing together nearly 100 residents, community leaders and supporters to celebrate Portuguese heritage and recognize organizations that have strengthened the Portuguese-American community.
"This year's Portuguese Flag Raising was another celebration of a great tradition that takes place annually in Bridgeport. We're so honored to celebrate the Portuguese community every year, as they play a vital role across different neighborhoods and continue to impact many of our residents. I'm thankful that we've joined together again to recognize Portuguese culture and all the contributions the Portuguese community has made to our city," said Mayor Joe Ganim.
The event was hosted by Gina Malheiro from City of Bridgeport, who welcomed guests and highlighted the lasting contributions of several individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving Portuguese culture and supporting future generations.
It is always such a great honor to host our annual City of Bridgeport Portugal Day ceremony and flag raising in our City Hall Council Chambers. We are so very proud of our heritage and culture. This year we honored individuals who make a tremendous impact daily through education, scholarships, mentoring and/or through municipal government. Also, celebrating Portuguese-American Civic League of Bridgeport’s 60th anniversary,” said Malheiro.
Among those honored was Armando Goncalves, former Executive Vice President of People's Bank, who was recognized as one of the founding members of the Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport. Current Civic League President Dr. Carlo Monteiro and Vice President Alice Ferreira also received proclamations from Mayor Ganim in recognition of their leadership and service. Monteiro is a partner of Goldberg, Marcus and Monteiro and Ferreira is executive managing director of Webster Bank. The Civic League board also includes Samantha Vieira, Jose Rodrigues, Jorge Pereira, Antonio Monteiro, Artur and Jacqueline Borges and Fernando Monteiro.
The Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport was further honored ahead of its upcoming 60th Anniversary Celebration. Over the decades, the organization has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to qualifying students of Portuguese descent currently enrolled in a college or university. The Civic League will host its annual fundraising dinner dance in January 2027. Students currently enrolled in a college or university are encouraged to apply for 2027 scholarships through the organization's website www.portugueseamericancivicleagueofbridgeport.com.
The event included special guest former Miss Connecticut Gina Carloto who is the second Portuguese Miss Connecticut in history.
The celebration concluded with a reception generously provided by Chaves Bakery, allowing attendees to continue the festivities while celebrating the rich traditions and enduring contributions of Portuguese-Americans in Bridgeport.
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PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE OF BRIDGEPORT
PROVIDES 14 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Long-standing community organization honors eight founding members for 40+ years of service
January 18, 2026, Bridgeport, CT - The Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport, Connecticut recently announced the 14 winners of its annual Scholarships. One of the primary goals of the League is to assist college-bound students of Portuguese descent with financial support and recognition.
“The Board is very excited to recognize these outstanding students for their academic and civic achievement,” said Dr. Carla Monteiro, President of the League. “They are our young ambassadors, and we were excited to see how their careers will develop in the future.”
The winners include:
1. Lucas Antunes – Pre Sports Management and Cybersecurity – University of Connecticut
2. Grace Crespo – Business – University of Connecticut
3. Joaquim Goncalves – Building Construction Management – York Technical College
4. Alyssa Jardim – Biology- Sacred Heart University
5. Cristina Nogueira - Business/Economics – University of Mississippi
6. Gabriella Pereira – Civil Engineering – Vilanova University
7. Frank Ramos – Digital Media and Journalism – University of Hartford
8. Blake Rampino – Animation and Game Art – University of Hartford
9. Jillian Rampino – Public Relations – Iona University
10. Ryan Rigoli – Civil Engineering – University of New Haven
11. Carter Rodrigues – Broadcast Journalism – Hofstra University
12. Hannah Moura-Sanchez – Criminal Justice -St. Joseph’s University
13. Joshua Santos – Exercise and Sports Science – Fitchburg State University
14. Chloe Vieira – APRN, Sacred Heart University
“Seeing these students succeed gives us great confidence in the future of the Portuguese American community,” added Alice Ferreira, vice president of the League.
“I was excited to display my appreciation for my family’s heritage through the application process, including a thoughtful essay that was inspired by my late grandfather Joao Rodrigues Sr.,” said Rodrigues. “The event was spectacular, and I could not be more honored to be chosen to accept a scholarship that will contribute to my education with the hopes of propelling me forward as someone that can lead by example with the Portuguese community and do good to honor the sacrifices my family made by my family to give me the platform I have now.”
The League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese American students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
The League’s Board:
Dr. Carla Monteiro – President
Alice Ferreira – Vice President
Samanta Vieira – Treasurer
Maria Kelley- Secretary
Master of Ceremonies – Jose Rodrigues
Sergeant of Arms - Samanta Vieira
Social Media – Emily Vastakis
Board members include Jorge Pereira, Antonio Monteiro, Jack Pereira, Artur Borges, Jacqueline Borges and Fernando Monteiro.
The scholarship recipients were granted their awards at a recent dinner attended by over 300 people at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT who generously support the program.
In addition, this year, in recognition of its Legacy board members, the League paid tribute Mylena Teixeira who served more than five years with the League.
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PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE OF BRIDGEPORT
ANNOUNCES 13 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Long-standing community organization honors local students
December 27, 2024, Bridgeport, CT - The Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport, Connecticut recently announced the 13 recipients of its annual Scholarships. One of the primary goals of the Civic League is to assist college-bound students of Portuguese descent with financial support and recognition.
“The Board is very excited to recognize these outstanding students for their academic and civic achievement,” said Dr. Carla Monteiro, President of the Civic League. “ It is one of our largest groups, and we are excited to see so many students engaged in the Civic League.”
The scholarship recipients include:
Catarina Barroso (Fairfield) attends Fordham University
Jonathan Botelho (Bridgeport) attends Housatonic Community College
Chole Castro (Pelham, NY) attends Quinnipiac University
Sara Crespo (Monroe) attends University of Connecticut
Eliana Esteves (Shelton) attends Stevenson University (Maryland)
Thomas Ferreira (Trumbull) attends Sacred Heart University
Jake Guedes (Trumbull) attends New York University
Jacqueline Kelly (Fairfield) attends Sacred Heart University
Isabella Pereira (Shelton) attends Providence College
Arianna Rodrigues (Bridgeport) attends Siena College
Christian Santos (Stratford) attends University of Connecticut
Catarina Tiago (Monroe) attends Endicott College
Megan Videira (Oxford) attends University of Connecticut
The Civic League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese American students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
The scholarship recipients will be presented their Scholarship at the upcoming annual Dinner Dance on January 11, 2025 at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT. Tickets for the dinner dance are available for $80 per person. The Civic League is also looking for donations for it’s raffle. All funds raised through ticket sales and raffle prizes will support the Civic League and its ability to provide scholarship funds to this year’s students. Any support is greatly appreciated.
For more information on the Portuguese Civic League, please visit www.portugueseamericancivicleague.com or email us portugueseamericancivicleague@gmail.com.
Connecticut Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport Scholarship Application Now Available:
DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 15TH, 2024
August 12, 2024, Bridgeport, CT - The Connecticut Portuguese Civic League is accepting applications for the 2023 Scholarships for active students enrolled in an accredited college or university. The winner, who must be from greater Bridgeport, CT area, would be recognized for their outstanding academic and civic achievement.
The League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese Americans students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
Interested applicants need to complete the brief application and include a written essay; one letter of recommendation; official high school transcript(s) and résumé. Applications (including all required documents) can be found on the www. portugueseamericancivicleagueofbridgeport.com website or mailed to Portuguese American Civic League, P.O. Box 26, Bridgeport, CT 06601.
The 2023 scholarship recipients were granted their awards at a recent dinner attended by over 200 people at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT.
More information is available at portugueseamericancivicleagueofbridgeport@gmail.com.
Long-Standing Community Organization Honors Eight Founding Members for 40+ Years of Service
January 13, 2024, Bridgeport, CT - The Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport, Connecticut recently announced the eight winners of its annual Scholarships. One of the primary goals of the League is to assist college-bound students of Portuguese descent with financial support and recognition.
“The Board is very excited to recognize these outstanding students for their academic and civic achievement,” said Dr. Carla Monteiro, President of the League.
The winners include:
Ava Cedillo (Wallingford)
Taylor Capela (Shelton)
Brianna Pereira (Shelton)
Erika Pinto (Bridgeport)
Isabelle Seara (Bridgeport)
Alyssa Brianna Teixeira (Shelton)
Martin Vanech (Severna Park, MD)
Evan Vastaski (Wallingford)
“I am very proud to be Portuguese and to receive this prestigious award that will help my college career. It was an amazing night full of laughter, exquisite food and a lot of dancing” said Cedillo.
The League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese American students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
The scholarship recipients were granted their awards at a recent dinner attended by over 200 people at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT.
In addition, this year, in recognition of its Legacy board members, the League paid tribute to eight long-time members who also include some of its original founders who have served more than 40 years with the League. They including:
Ernest Amaral (Bridgeport)
Herminio Batista ( Shelton)
John Coelho (Shelton)
Orlando Fernandes (Bridgeport)
Armando Goncalves (Southport)
Antonio Monteiro (Trumbull)
Jack Pereira (Shelton)
Jose Rodrigues (Bridgeport)
“It was unexpected and a big surprise. It was the first time we are honored with my fellow board members. I am especially grateful for the award,” said Monteiro.
The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of donors, including platinum sponsors Webster Bank, Santos Foundation; Gold sponsors Redniss & Mead and Dr. Carla Monteiro. Silver Sponsors Gambardella Insurance, Armando Goncalves, J&L Master Auto LLC, Oceanview Pool & Patio; JRod Trucking Services LL, John and Amelia Coelho, Bill Gouveia, Esq., and Luis Vaz
More information is available at portugueseamericancivicleague@gmail.com
Additional Coverage: Luso Americano
Connecticut Portuguese American Civic Leauge
Scholarship Application Now Available
Deadline is August 15th
May 2, 2023, Bridgeport, CT - The Connecticut Portuguese Civic League recently announced the 2023 Scholarship open to active students enrolled in an accredited college or university. The winners of the financial scholarship are recognized for outstanding students for the academic and civic achievement.
The League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese Americans students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
Interested applicants need to complete the brief application and include a written essay; one letter of recommendation; official high school transcript(s) and résumé. Applications (including all required documents to portugueseamericancivicleague@gmail.com or mailed to Portuguese American Civic League, P.O. Box 26, Bridgeport, CT 06601.
The 2022 scholarship recipients were granted their awards at a recent dinner attended by over 200 people at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT.
More information is available at portugueseamericancivicleague@gmail.com
Portuguese American Civic Leauge of Bridgeport, Honors
January 16, Bridgeport, CT - The Portuguese American Civic League of Bridgeport, Connecticut recently announced the ten winners of its annual Scholarships. One of the primary goals of the League is to assist college-bound students of Portuguese descent with financial support and recognition.
“The Board is very excited to recognize these outstanding students for their academic and civic achievement,” said Dr. Carla Monteiro, President of the League.
The winners include:
1. Alexandra de Andrade (Shelton)
2. Rhianna de Andrade (Shelton)
3. Ashley Crespo (Monroe)
4. Emma Hayden (Seymour)
5. Christopher Joseph Golino (Guilford)
6. Amanda Gomes (Bridgeport)
7. Luke Joseph Gomes (Shelton)
8. Isabella Pereira (Shelton)
9. Geoffrey Medeiros (Monroe)
10. Matthew Moura Sanchez (Shelton)
The League’s mission is to promote the civic, educational and social welfare of Portuguese and Americans of Portuguese descent in the community. In addition, it strives to support Portuguese and Portuguese American students and families by recognizing excellence in academic affairs.
The scholarship recipients were granted their awards at a recent dinner attended by over 200 people at the Vasco da Gama Portuguese Culture Civic Center in Bridgeport, CT.
The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of donors, including platinum sponsors Webster Bank, Santos Foundation and Monteiro’s Masonry & Construction; Gold sponsors Redniss & Mead, Dr. Carla Monteiro, Devon Duckpin Bowling, Little Steps Daycare & Preschool. Silver Sponsors Armando Goncalves, Pereira Engineering, J&L Master Auto LLC, Miguel and Irene Luis, Oceanview Pool & Patio; Seaview Equipment, Sofia Goncalves, JRod Trucking Services LL, Goncalves & Alves Masonry, Tony Almeida, G-Pod, Vaz Quality Works, John and Amelia Coelho, DSA Corp-CT Commercial Investors, LLC, Melissa Alves Garrity, Cynthia Brestovan, Dr. Harout Tikranian. And bronze sponsor Luis Moura, Sr.