STEM students are finding they have many college options as the acceptance letters and scholarship offers keep rolling in. Several of the SCA STEM students have already made their final college choice.
Kayla R.
Kayla R. will be attending Manhattan College on the Dean’s Scholarship, valued at $108,000 over four years. She plans to study mechanical engineering and is still considering a minor in marketing or the arts.
While at St. Catharine’s, Kayla has been a member of the SCA Robotics team. She said Robotics, along with the Beta Club, Coding Club and Women’s Empowerment Club, all helped her decide which direction she wanted to go in college.
“On the whole, Saint Catharine's Academy has really helped me when it comes to figuring out what fields I'm interested in or would or would not want to be involved with. It has even prepared me in the essence of its rigorous and challenging line of classes whether they're core, honors, AP's, regular classes, or electives,” Kayla says.
Kayla credits her parents as being her biggest influence in life. She adds that Ms. Sheree Petrignani and her peers at SCA have created a support system she appreciates and believes will last long after graduation.
“I'm excited for what is to come, and with how prepared and absolutely passionate I am about STEM and the idea of my future lifestyle and career... I know I can do anything I put my mind to,” Kayla concludes.
Samin S.
Samin S. received a full scholarship, valued at $97,464 over four years, to attend Berkeley College and Business Management/Marketing. She was also selected to participate in Berkeley’s Honors Program.
Samin has been a leader at SCA, serving as team leader for the National Beta Club, secretary for the Anime Club and a member he Women’s Empowerment Club. A student ambassador, she is also involved in many of the honor societies, including the National Honor Society.
Samin says St. Catharine’s has been an important link on her college journey. “I am very much thankful to SCA for guiding me to the right path and showing me that as a woman I can accomplish great things.”
Grateful to all at SCA, Samin says two people stand out, Ms. Petrignani and Ms. Attia. “They have both believed in me from the beginning even when others had doubts…Ms. P made sure to always push me in STEM and Ms. Attia always made sure that I was on top of my work and always encouraged me to be strong. I hope to make them both proud one day.”
Samin said she plans to use her degree to make herself known in the business industry. “As a Bangladeshi, Muslim and immigrant woman I hope to help those who have shared the same struggles as me and still fought against all odds.”
Michelle S.
Michelle S. is attending SUNY University at Buffalo’s engineering school for aerospace engineering.
She is a programmer on the SCA Robotics team and has served as captain since she was a junior. Michelle is also a member of the National Beta Club, serving as a board member for the past two years.
“St. Catharine’s and the Robotics team here have been an important part of my journey to college,” Michelle says. “Being on the team has solidified my love of engineering and made me sure I want to pursue this field in college.”
Michelle also considers Ms. Petrignani a major influence. “She and the Robotics team solidified my love of engineering and robotics that have made me want to pursue engineering,” she says.
Michelle says after SUNY Buffalo she is looking forward to the many opportunities her aerospace degree will provide.
