Academy of Finance Graduation Dinner

The Academy of Finance celebrated its 31st annual graduation dinner at the Stewart Manor Country Club on June 14. 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 Nirmala Singh from the Class of 2012 returned as a guest speaker to share her personal journey and advice for the graduates as they move on to college and careers. Nirmala shared her own personal journey in the Academy of Finance program and the impact that the Academy has had and continues to have on her life.

“It is rewarding to hear our graduates come back and share their success stories with our students. Nirmala gave fantastic advice and was inspirational about the road ahead,” Academy of Finance Personal Finance teacher Tom Nails said.

There were several awards, monetary scholarships and certificates presented throughout the evening. Valedictorian Sophia Martini and salutatorian Ibrahim Sheikh were awarded Citations from Legislator Richard Nicolello. New Hyde Park Memorial Principal Dr. Richard Faccio presented the Principal’s Award to Anthony Williams for outstanding citizenship, leadership and service.

The John Paccione Advisory Board Chairperson Legacy Award was presented to Jasmin Rivera in honor of her many academic and extracurricular achievements. This year’s recipient of the Michael S. Krolick Program Manager’s Award was Meghan Korzevinski. FBLA adviser Mrs. Dina Bostrom recognized Victoria Horne for her many accomplishments over the last four years and her commitment to excellence. The Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce awarded two $500 scholarships to Sophia Martini and Ibrahim Sheikh 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 Jeffrey Gracia for overall academic achievement. For the eighth year, Angela Fulgieri and the Fulgieri family offered the Alfonso Fulgieri Accounting Achievement Award to graduating senior Aaron Gordon for his achievement in accountancy and finance. The award was presented by Angela and Al’s brother, Mario Fulgieri.

This year was the fifth 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 to students Victoria Horne and Aryav Batra.

Lastly, the Certificates of Financial Studies were presented by Superintendent Dr. James Grossane, Dr. Faccio, District Coordinator of Business Education Jennifer Lehmann, and Business/Technology Chairperson Sara Zeppieri-Cervini.

Congratulations to the Academy of Finance Class of 2022:

Xavier Barrera

Aryav Batra

Anjali Brathwaite

Justin Burgos

Gianna Cassata

Jake Flint

Aaron Gordon

Jeffrey S. Gracia

Suriya Hari

Kayla Hickey

Victoria Horne