The Academy of Finance recently celebrated its 24th Annual Graduation Dinner held at The Inn at New Hyde Park. The evening began with Christine Teetz, Academy of Finance program manager of New Hyde Park Memorial High School, introducing the guest speakers, advisory board members, administration, and faculty.
Three Academy of Finance alumni returned as guest speakers to share their own personal journey and advice for the graduates. They were: Monique Hardial-Swaby, Class of 1999, Debbie Kenney, Class of 2000 and Anthony Ciampoli, Class of 2007. Each shared their own personal journey in the program and the impact that the academy has had on their lives.
“It is truly rewarding to hear our Academy of Finance graduates share their success stories with our students,” Academy of Finance College Marketing teacher Debra Stein-Silberlust said. “In their own way, each speaker discussed how they felt that much of their success could be attributed to the invaluable knowledge, skills and abilities they gained through the Academy of Finance Program at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.”
Legislator Richard Nicolello presented Valedictorian Abie Varughese and Salutatorian Demetrios Heliotis with citations. Dr. Richard Faccio, principal of New Hyde Park Memorial High School, presented the Principal’s Award to Renee Harrison for outstanding citizenship, leadership and service.
John Paccione, chairperson of the Academy of Finance Advisory Board, presented Babatunde Adekoya and Maria Gorman each with a scholarship award in honor of their many academic and extra-curricular achievements.
Roberto Varela was this year’s recipient of the Michael S. Krolick Program Manager’s Award. Valley National Bank presented the Ron Thiem Memorial Scholarship to Brandon Ianiro in honor of his successful summer internship in their bank.
The Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce awarded two $500 scholarships to Abie Varughese and Samantha Longo in recognition of their hard work in the Academy of Finance and many hours of community service. This year, the State Farm–Pete Mathison Agency presented a $250 scholarship to Codi Fletcher for her overall academic achievement and her plan to select business as a major in college.
For the second year, Angela Fulgieri and the Fulgieri family offered the Alfonso Fulgieri Accounting Achievement Award to graduating senior Demetrios Heliotis for his achievement in accountancy.
The Certificates of Financial Studies were presented by David Del Santo, vice president of the board of education, Dr. Ralph Ferrie, superintendent of schools, Principal Dr. Richard Faccio, and Dr. Stephanie Scolieri, district coordinator of business education. This evening concluded with a slideshow presentation prepared by seniors Adekoya and Varela.
