Scholarship Success Stories

List of 7 items.

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  Catherine Huvane, Rensselaer Polytechnic University

  At Notre Dame, I came in as a ninth grader during the hybrid year, and one of my goals even then was to be involved. Finding a community was something really important to me, and I was able to do so through the extracurriculars. I was most involved with the Drama Club, and the Cross Country and Track teams. With both activities, I found communities that uplift one another, whether it was in rehearsals or races, and I absolutely loved my time with both.  I took multiple AP classes at ND, and while learning to balance my rigorous schoolwork with my activities was a challenge, I soon found myself able to budget my time well. As I continued with my busy schedule at ND, I was able to keep my grades high while staying involved with my extracurriculars; and with a strong resume, I got into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and earned a generous scholarship. While I’m sad to leave the setting of my memories, I know I’ll hold the friendships and lessons I learned at ND close, and I can’t wait for what I’ll do next at RPI this fall. 
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  Christina Johnson, Fordham University

  Transitioning from middle school to high school was a significant shift for me, as my short ten-minute walk to school was replaced by an hour-long train journey, sparking initial nervousness about making new friends. However, despite my shyness, sitting at our socially distanced lunch tables during the pandemic quickly led to my making three new friends, and my social circle at Notre Dame  expanded rapidly from there. Securing an internship was one of my main goals at ND, and during my sophomore year, I diligently scoured the counselor's website for opportunities. That's when I stumbled upon the Garden Apprentice Program at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where I eventually completed over 400 community service hours and secured a position. This program pushed me beyond my comfort zone and exposed me to new learning experiences I never imagined. Thanks to the Garden Apprentice Program and my time at ND, I've grown as a leader in various aspects of my life. The lessons I've learned at both institutions equipped me with a solid foundation to apply to colleges with confidence. I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to attend Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus on a full tuition scholarship. While I will genuinely miss my time at ND, I carry with me the memories of West 13th that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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  Kristina Layos, Fordham University

  Throughout my years at Notre Dame, I have found that within these walls filled with laughter and shared dreams of young women, there lies a unique space where sisterhood is not just a phase, but rather a powerful narrative unfolding everyday. It’s a narrative that is built on the foundation of friendship. Amidst my various friendships, every individual has provided me with invaluable insights that have helped me to deepen relationships and further know myself.  One important value I have attained from a Chez Nous sister at Notre Dame would be the value of perseverance. It is partly due to my friends that I am able to have the success I have today. On the brink of giving up, encouraging words from my peers provided me with the determination to flourish. They’ve shown me what it’s like to truly be a leader and inspired me to try things out of my comfort zone. I was able to build the confidence to be the Vice President of both Anne’s Leaders and the Stocks Club. I was also able to unlock my passion for helping my community. I will forever be grateful to my Chez Nous sisters for helping me to soar and reach my full potential. I am proud to announce that I will be attending Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in the fall with a near-full scholarship.
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  Anna Marfino, Vanderbilt University

  From the moment I walked up to the Notre Dame building and was greeted by the sight of beautiful flower pots on the windows, I knew that it was the school I wanted to go to. Along with its welcoming facade, Notre Dame is also filled with a vibrant spirit, an encouraging faculty, and an accepting student body. Notre Dame has allowed me to thrive, and I made the most of my time there by joining a multitude of different clubs like Anne’s Leaders, Retreat Leaders, and even becoming the President of the National Honor Society! Through these clubs, I learned what it truly takes to be a leader inside and outside of the classroom. Next year, I will focus my studies on Art History. Thanks to Notre Dame’s interesting and diverse curriculum, I was able to take AP Art History my junior year and quickly realized my passion for the subject. I met with my teacher who gave me a vast list of resources and encouraged me to apply to colleges with the best art programs. I will definitely remember the nurturing and supportive environment that Notre Dame provides. It has taught me true leadership skills and a strong work ethic that I will take with me next year in college. I am absolutely thrilled to be attending Vanderbilt University on a near full scholarship. Although I’m excited for Nashville, I know I will always have a home at Notre Dame.
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  Zofya Mejia, Binghamton University

  In 9th grade, I attended a private school that was fully online due to COVID.  It was extremely isolating, and the lack of social interaction affected my grades. Transferring to Notre Dame in sophmore year was the best decision I could make.  At first, I was quiet and did not take full advantage of this fresh start; and I wish I’d had the confidence to put myself out there sooner. In Junior year I joined the Step Team, which was a great way to make friends while expressing myself.  One particularly fond academic memory I have is preparing for a Physics quiz with classmates.   Several of us were confused, but that night we went on Facetime and helped one another through each problem. After that,  every night before a quiz we would study as a group.  Since Junior Year I participated in  the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentorship program that I first heard about through Notre Dame. At each meeting, we learned about different branches of engineering:  mechanical, civil,  architectural,  and environmental. I had the opportunity to interact with other students of similar interests and create friendships that I still keep up with today. Through this program, I discovered my passion for interior design and computer science. My time at Notre Dame has encouraged me to be more confident in myself and my abilities, and  I will attend Binghamton University on a full scholarship and major in computer science this fall.  I plan to take all I have learned from ND and ACE into this new chapter of my life. 
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  Mia Pacor, Northeastern University

  Starting high school during a global pandemic is an experience like no other. Coming from a suburban public school in Westchester, I had to learn and adapt to the city environment. I owe so much to Notre Dame and my parents for being the incredible support systems that got me to where I am today. Chez Nous fostered talents I didn’t even know I possessed. The independence that had once isolated me from peers and dissuaded me from social interaction was found to be fundamental for the opportunities this school has granted me. ND builds the foundation for future leaders and innovators, as well as some of the most creative, artistic minds of our generation. As an Anne’s Leader, a member of the National Honor Society, the head of our musical’s A/V Crew, and President of Building Bridges Club, I have accomplished more than I would have anywhere else. Over the past four years, I have been able to explore a variety of subjects, interests, and areas of study, and have decided to go into behavioral analysis. I especially have to extend my gratitude to Mr. Lejano, who helped me discover my love for computer science and technology. I’ve decided on a combined major in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and will continue my love for computer science by pursuing it as a minor. Thanks to the support of Chez Nous, I will be attending Northeastern University in Boston on a near-full scholarship. I will never forget the memories I made, the people I met, and the things I learned inside the walls of Notre Dame
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  Giavannina Putignano, Skidmore College

  Over the four years I have spent at Notre Dame, I have learned the true meaning of Anne’s Values that I will carry with me throughout my life. As a naive ninth grader, I picked up a general understanding of Anne’s Values and how they were emphasized in all aspects of the Chez Nous experience. It was not until I saw my Chez Nous sisters practicing the values daily that I really grasped their importance. I got to experience the value of Conversatio as I conversed with my friends at lunch about our common interests and shared classes; I saw the value of Service in action when my fellow NHS members and I volunteered at a school to help them pack up and organize their library; and I saw how students practiced Perseverance during AP and finals weeks preparing for  multiple tests and projects. The spirit of Anne de Xainctonge is all around at Notre Dame, and practicing these values has played a significant role in making my time at ND some of the best 4 years of my life. Next Fall, I will attend Skidmore College on a near full-ride tuition scholarship. While I’ll no longer be a student of Notre Dame, I will carry the many valuable lessons I have learned with me to Skidmore and beyond.