2018 Scholarship Recipients
Serena Baker of Elmont, New York, graduated in the top percentile of her class, from Elmont Memorial High School in June 2018. During her time in high school, she worked hard to overcome her personal struggle with anxiety and a lack of self-confidence, to graduate in the upper percentile of her class.
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Serena believes in the value and the quality of a good education, and that our youth are the catalyst needed to propel this nation in the right direction, as it moves further into the twenty-first century.
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Serena is a freshman at Stony Brook University's School of Arts and Sciences. She has yet to declare a major for she has many interests that include Business, Performing Arts and Education.
Kyrah Michael of West Hempstead, New York, graduated with honors in the upper percentile of her class, from Malverne High School in June 2018. Her passion is in Performing Arts, thus she was very active in the Drama and Music Departments, winning multiple awards for excellence.
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During her senior year, Kyrah searched for just the right college. She was seeking one with a quality Theater Arts Curriculum, that would afford her the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience with theater settings, scenic designs, costuming, directing and production.
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She ultimately made her choice and is attending Montclair State University, expecting to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Her career goal is to be a Stage Manager on "The Great White Way."
Matthew Sirico of Mt. Sinai, New York, graduated in the upper percentile of his class, from Mt. Sinai High School in June 2018. During his high school years, Matthew distinguished himself as an outstanding Mathematics and Computer Science student. He earned several awards, in academic competition, in Suffolk County. Matthew is also a cellist in the school's orchestra, once again, being recognized for his outstanding talent.
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Matthew volunteered his talents within his community, tutoring children at the local library, religious instruction at his church and working with Specialized Autism Support, Inc.
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Matthew is attending Adelphi University, where he intends to double major in Mathematics and Computer Science, eventually earning a PhD. in Statistics and Research. His career goals are to be a Research Scientist and Risk Analyst.
Kayla Strayhorn of Brentwood, New York, graduated in the upper percentile of her class, from Brentwood High School in June 2018.
She credits her mother, a single parent, for the motivation to be a determined, intelligent and compassionate young lady. The family has and continues to navigate through trials and tribulations, whereby all the siblings have a realistic role to play in the family's daily survival. Her twin sister is also in the upper percentile of the graduating class and is college bound.
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Kayla shares her time by volunteering for community related activities, such as Girl Scouts and is also a counselor at the YMCA. After attending a golf event, she developed a love for the game and spent time at a local range. She says golf is special because it requires patience, self-control, grit and determination. "Golf reflects life itself. When you make a bad shot, don't quit, work on your game."
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Kayla is attending Hofstra University where she will earn a degree in Speech Pathology. Her career goal is to be an educator.