The Academy of Finance celebrated its 33rd annual graduation dinner on June 18, at Umberto’s of 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.
At this year’s dinner, Academy of Finance Alum Jillian Myers, Class of 2016, returned as a guest speaker to share her personal journey and advice for the graduates as they move on to college and careers. Jillian spoke about her own personal journey in the Academy of Finance program, as well as the impact of the program as she works in her career as an accountant at Ernst & Young.
Chairperson of Business & Technology at New Hyde Park Sara Zeppieri-Cervini said, “It is rewarding to hear from graduates who come back and share their success stories with our students. Jillian gave fantastic advice and was inspirational about the road ahead.”
There were several awards, monetary scholarships and certificates presented throughout the evening. Academy Valedictorian Brandon Noguera and Salutatorian Varun Pillai were awarded Citations from Legislator Scott Strauss.
New Hyde Park Memorial Principal Dr. Richard Faccio presented the Principal’s Award to Robert Goldhirsch for outstanding citizenship, leadership and service.
The John Paccione Advisory Board Chairperson Legacy Awards were presented to Ileana Fernandez and Erik Gliszczynski in honor of their many academic and extracurricular achievements.
Jake James was this year’s recipient of the Michael S. Krolick Program Manager’s Award.
Mrs. Zoe DelVecchio, an Academy of Finance Introduction to Business teacher, recognized Patrick Connolly, Valentina Gentile and Nicole Pappas as winners of the New Hyde Park Memorial Business Plan Competition. They won for their presentation of their business Period. – a monthly subscription box for women.
The Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce awarded two $500 scholarships to Brandon Noguera and Varun Pillai in recognition of their hard work in the Academy of Finance and hours of community service.
This year, the State Farm – Pete Mathison Agency presented a scholarship to Joshua Batting for his overall academic achievement.
For the 10th year, Angela Fulgieri and the Fulgieri family offered the Alfonso Fulgieri Achievement Award. Graduating senior Noah George was chosen as the recipient for his achievement in accountancy and finance. The award was presented by Angela and Serena Fulgieri.
This year was the seventh year that The Kenneth Abrahams Memorial Scholarship was presented by Advisory Board Member Christopher Vulpis, who has chosen to honor his deceased co-worker, Kenneth Abrahams, by presenting two scholarships in his memory. The recipients were Samyrah Demorcy and Michael Dore.
Lastly, The Certificates of Financial Studies were presented by Deputy Superintendent Regina Agrusa; Dr. Faccio; NHP Assistant Principals Rosemary DeGennaro, Frank Geritano and Gina Rodriguez; District Coordinator of Business Education Jennifer Lehmann; and Business/Technology Chairperson Sara Zeppieri-Cervini.
The evening concluded with a slideshow presentation created by Michael Claussell.
Congratulations to the Academy of Finance Class of 2024:
Luke G. Badurski
Joshua W. Batting
Sabrena I. Cheema
Patrick H. Connolly
Samyrah Marie Demorcy
Michael Patrick Dore
Ileana Despina Fernandez
Valentina Maria Gentile
Noah Abraham George
Erik J. Gliszczynski
Robert Daniel Goldhirsch
Atalaiya Lové Goodridge
Ethan Andre Gregoire
Anastasia S. Infante
Holly J. Ingersoll
Jake James
Maurizio Migliore
Daniel J. Minelli
Brandon M. Noguera
Gabriel Alexander Paniagua
Nicole Catherine Pappas
Varun P. Pillai
Kaylaa Brianna Smith
Antonio S. Torres
Jessica Valencia
Ysabel Del Pilar Valverde
Adrianna Isabel Vinanzaca
Best wishes to all! May your futures be bright!
This year’s Graduation Dinner was made possible by contributions from the following Advisory Board Members and their organizations:
Peter Caputo - E.R.A. Caputo Realty
Richard DeMartino - New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce
Cheryl Fajardo - Prepaid Ventures/NexisCard
Angela Fulgieri - Advisory Board Member
Christopher Gomoka - Academy of Finance Alumni
David Goodman - Mass Mutual Financial Group
Samantha Grenier - Northwell Health
Michael S. Krolick - Retired Academy of Finance Program Manager
Peter E. Mathison - State Farm
Jennifer Mulhall - BlackRock
Scott Silberlust - Northwell Health
Christopher Vulpis - Rosenblatt, Levittan, Vulpis, Goetz & Co.
Sincere appreciation is extended to the above companies, individuals, and organizations for their generous financial contributions to the graduation dinner and award’s ceremony.
