Six New York City public high school students to benefit from scholarship program that recognizes academic performance, leadership skills, and commitment to community service
Scholarship honors former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw
NEW YORK, NY – June 5, 2006 – The Fund for Public Schools today announced the recipients of the second annual “Greatest Generation” scholarships, a $2 million scholarship program for outstanding high school students who demonstrate academic performance, leadership skills, financial need, and a commitment to community service. Six New York City public high school seniors were selected from more than 90 applicants to receive the grants that will contribute toward each student’s tuition at his or her college or university.
Last year, the GE Foundation established the scholarship program in honor of Tom Brokaw, the former anchor of NBC Nightly News. The scholarship program is named for one of Brokaw’s best-selling books, in which he tells the story of the generation of men and women who transformed America after World War II.
The scholarships recognize students who demonstrate the values of the “Greatest Generation” – excellence, leadership, and selfless service to the community and world – and will provide recipients with $15,000 per year for four years in funding for college tuition. Additionally, the GE Foundation will provide $15,000 a year for four years to designated service or leadership program with which these students work, and will provide support to the high schools attended by the winning students.
“The Greatest Generation scholarships recognize the best of New York City’s public school students,” said Caroline Kennedy, vice chair of the Fund for Public Schools. “We are grateful to the GE Foundation for their steadfast commitment to our city’s schools. I look forward to seeing what all of these scholars will accomplish in the future.”
“Congratulations to this year’s six Greatest Generation scholars, who exemplify hard work, dedication and selfless commitment to community service,” said Bob Corcoran, president of the GE Foundation. “We are proud to support such a stellar group of students who all have bright futures ahead of them.”
2006 Greatest Generation Scholarship Winners:
Hugh Alvarado, Jamaica High School, Queens
Hugh is headed to Stony Brook University on Long Island where he will study biochemistry. Hugh emigrated from South America two years ago, while a sophomore in high school. He was instrumental in the formation of the International Club at Jamaica High School to celebrate the diversity of the student body. Hugh has a strong desire to assist his community and has worked in a one-on-one tutoring program to help other students. He aspires to be an emergency room surgeon.
Edward Carrasco, E.B.C. Bushwick High School, Brooklyn
This fall, Edward will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. For the past several years, Edward has volunteered for his community in a local day care center, driven by his desire to mentor younger children. Edward hopes to one day have his own business in electrical engineering so that he can contribute to his community by supporting day care centers, recreation programs, and safe park areas for children.
Adam Kretowicz, John Dewey High School, Brooklyn
Adam’s interests in physics and mathematics will take him to Embry Riddle College of Aeronautics in Florida, where he will study aerospace engineering. Adam has been an avid member of the Auxiliary Police Force, serving his Brooklyn neighborhood. He credits the police work with aiding his development of his social skills, maturity and interpersonal relationships.
Ruben Rafaelov, Thomas Edison Vocational Technical High School, Queens
At Thomas Edison, Ruben is enrolled in a pharmacy course which has inspired him to pursue a career in pharmacology. In September, he will begin the program in Pharmacy at St. John’s University in Queens. For the past several years, Ruben has worked diligently with Global Outreach and serves a board member of the non-profit organization, Common Cents. His primary focus is to help alleviate poverty and hunger around the world, while also becoming involved in hurricane and other disaster relief efforts. His desire to become a pharmacist, rather than a physician, stems from his humanitarianism. As a pharmacist he feels he will be more accessible to the local community.
Yassitoungou Tamdji, Academy of American Studies, Queens
Known as Jessica, Yassitoungou will attend Georgetown University and the School for Foreign Service. Jessica has served her school and the greater community well. She is the student member of the Educational Priorities Panel and a regional representative to the New York City Department of Education’s Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council. Her knowledge of the greater world was awakened when she participated in the Global Kids program at Cambridge University in England. Jessica hopes to become a member of the Foreign Service.
Anna Yeo, Fort Hamilton High School, Brooklyn
This fall, Anna is headed to Binghamton University. Born in Korea, Anna came to America two years ago and plans to pursue a degree in psychology. For the past year, she has been involved with the Lutheran Family Center working with older, infirm adults. She is also an active member of the Leadership Club and the Reach Out Club at her school. Anna is committed to pursuing her dreams and giving back to her community.
About the GE Foundation
The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to strengthen educational quality for disadvantaged youth globally; and supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world. In 2005, the GE family contributed more than $215 million to community and educational programs, including $71 million from the GE Foundation. For information, visit www.gefoundation.com.
About the Fund for Public Schools
The Fund for Public Schools is the non-profit organization affiliated with the New York City Department of Education. Its mission is to inspire belief in public schools and our ability to make them better; to increase private sector support of public education and to encourage every New Yorker to participate in our City’s schools. The Fund seeks critical funding for system-wide educational reform initiatives; helps businesses partner with individual schools and programs; supports volunteering and reaches out to the entire City to create awareness about our public schools’ needs. For more information about the Fund, log on to www.fundforpublicschools.org.
Contact:
Elizabeth Berberich
Fund for Public Schools
212-374-5542
eberberich@schools.nyc.gov
Amaya Gorostiaga
GE Foundation
(203) 373-3223
amaya.gorostiaga@ge.com