2009 Scholarships

Excerpt from a letter received from NIAF:

We are pleased to inform you that we have selected the recipients of the 2009 Il Circolo, The Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches and The Fiorentino Family Scholarship.

JeanPaul Acocella is from Boca Raton, Florida and attends University of Central Florida. JeanPaul is double majoring in International Studies and Fashion Merchandising and, according to his high school teacher, “JeanPaul produces excellent work. He always goes above and beyond in his assignments. In a project in developmental psychology, he produced a beautiful book of infant development that I intend to use as a model for future students. I always enjoy grading his work and observing his thought processes. I will always remember that JeanPaul volunteered to lead the class in a project where he would be responsible for the outcomes and work of almost thirty students. He took on this position with enthusiasm and did an excellent job directing and delegating responsibilities to each student. The project turned out very well because of JeanPaul’s leadership.” Click here to read a personal letter from JeanPaul.

Kate Masaracchio is from West Palm Beach, Florida and attends New York University. Kate is double majoring in Cinema and Art History with a minor in Journalism and, according to her high school teacher, “Her list of leadership roles is extensive and notable: she is an editor-in-chief of The Muse, president of the Collaborative Film Festival, and executive board member of the Communications Honor Society and president of Quill and Scroll Honor Society. Still, these significant accomplishments are matched by her academic achievements. When presented with a challenge or faced with a problem, Kate needs little direction and little preparation to contend with it. She takes the initiative, makes effective decisions, and completes tasks with self-assurance and poise. Kate exhibits a remarkably mature character; she is resolute in her pursuits and thoughtful in her deeds. While she embodies the grace, intelligence and intuition of a mature young woman, she retains freshness and energy in her approach.” Click here to read a personal note from Kate.

Stephanie Schwarz is from Boca Raton, Florida and attends University of Florida - Gainesville. Stephanie is majoring in Environmental Science and, according to her high school teacher, “I could always count on Stephanie for exceptional work, work that I could always use as an example of what a student should do. That is something I will always remember about her. She was and is exceptional in every way. She has intuition beyond her years which really helps when you are leading young women. She is an amazing listener and is compassionate and does not take sides. She leads by example. She is a true leader, and she will be missed.” Click here to read a personal letter from Stephanie.