Naugatuck Valley Community College hosted its 11th annual Principal to President Scholars Awards Ceremony in the Technology Hall Dining Room on June 6.
The scholarship program is available to selected students from the public and private high schools in NVCC’s 22-town service region. The program bridges the relationship between the region’s high schools and NVCC. The awards establish a relationship with local high school students by encouraging them to make NVCC a destination. Founded in 2008 by President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., the NVCC Presidential Scholarships encourage high school seniors to expand their horizons and explore choices for future post-secondary education in the liberal arts and professional programs. President De Filippis urged the students to seize every opportunity to learn, grow and achieve: “Open the door to new ways of thinking and learning during this meaningful time in your life.”
Thirty-two students from 16 area high schools received scholarships. Many students were accompanied by their parents and other supportive family members. High school representatives who attended to support their students included Jade Gopie of Crosby High School, Dr. Louis Padua of the Waterbury Career Academy, and Kate Xeller of Holy Cross.
President De Filippis welcomed students to the awards ceremony and was followed by greetings from Deans Sarah Gager of Student Services and Dr. Lisa Dresdner of Academic Affairs. NVCC Professor and local author Steve Parlato gave a message to the scholarship recipients.
Students who received awards and the high schools from which they came were recognized at the event. Jessica Rosato from Bethel High, Alyssa Dotson and Emily Persaud from Crosby High, Maia Regan and Zheng Wen Ting from Holy Cross High, Eamon Devine from Naugatuck High, Joshua Bent and Daniel Reilly from Newtown High, Connor Sullivan from Sacred Heart High, Gillian Petrarca from Waterbury Arts Magnet School, Akeisha Latch from Waterbury Career Academy, Lauren Pavao from Watertown High, and Jacob Copes and Jacob Marks, both from Woodland Regional High School were present to receive awards and accept photos.
Noel Rosamilio, Assistant Dean of Admissions at NVCC produced the event. “It was exciting to see that more high schools were represented this year than last. We were encouraged to see so many people come out to celebrate these students’ accomplishments. The Principal to President Scholars Program has not only been a great opportunity for the Admissions department but also the NVCC community.”