Sewanhaka Central High School District’s Academy of Finance celebrated its 26th annual Graduation Dinner on June 15 at The Inn at New Hyde Park.
The evening began with Academy of Finance Program Manager of New Hyde Park Memorial High School Christine Teetz introducing the guest speakers, advisory board members, administration and faculty present.
Five Academy of Finance alumni returned as guest speakers to share their own personal journey and advice for the graduates. Kristen Goldberg, Jennifer Hassan and Jacqueline Rizzuti (Class of 2001), Anthony Perrone (Class of 2009) and Ana Bisciello (Class of 2013) shared their own personal journey in the Academy of Finance program and the impact the academy has had and continues to have on their lives. Academy of Finance Principles of Management and Marketing teacher Debra Stein-Silberlust said, “It is truly rewarding to hear our Academy of Finance graduates share their success stories with our students. 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.”
A number of awards, monetary scholarships and certificates were presented throughout the evening. Valedictorian Kimberly Gilot and Salutatorian Elizabeth Duong were awarded citations from Legislator Richard Nicolello and New Hyde Park Memorial Principal Dr. Richard Faccio presented the Principal’s Award to Zachary Vales for outstanding citizenship, leadership and service. Academy of Finance Advisory Board Chairperson John Paccione presented Ajay Benjamin and Kristopher Singh with scholarship awards in honor of their many academic and extracurricular achievements.
Joelle Wright received the Michael S. Krolick Program Manager’s Award and Elizabeth Duong received the School Store Award and a $500 scholarship from the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce. Kimberly Gilot was also recognized with a $500 scholarship from the chamber of commerce. Both girls were honored for their hard work in the Academy of Finance and hours of community service.
The State Farm-Pete Mathison Agency presented a $250 scholarship to James Ronson for his overall academic achievement and his plan to select business as a major in college, while for the fourth consecutive year, Angela Fulgieri and family offered the Alfonso Fulgieri Accounting Achievement Award to graduating senior Jillian Myers for her achievement in accountancy. Medical Receivables Billing Group, Inc. presented three $250 book awards to their three summer interns: Kevin Garcia, Kishan Patel and Aaron Perkins.
The certificates were presented by Board of Education member David Del Santo, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Ferrie, New Hyde Park Memorial Principal Dr. Richard Faccio, District Coordinator of Business Education Christine Licastri and Business/Technology chairperson Debra Stein-Silberlust.
The evening concluded with a slideshow presentation prepared by seniors Elizabeth Duong and Jillian Myers.
