Waterbury, Conn. – Naugatuck Valley Community College hosted a reception for 23 Principal-to-President scholarship recipients on Thursday, June 6 in the Technology Hall Dining Room. Approximately 40 guests attended representing 12 high schools within the NVCC service region.

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. said she hopes the scholarships, which were applied in academic year 2012-13, will encourage high school juniors and seniors to expand their horizons while exploring choices for future post-secondary education.

“This is a wonderful moment in your life when the world is full of possibilities,” President De Filippis told the students being honored. “It’s an opportunity to learn, and also understand the importance of giving back.”

NVCC awarded the largest number of certificates and degrees in the College’s history this spring, with the College seeing increased enrollment and graduation rates each year. Dean of Student Services Lillian Ortiz encouraged students and their families to learn about NVCC’s unique academic opportunities, as well as the College’s impact within the community.

The Principal-to-President Scholarship program began as a concept for NVCC in 2008 and launched in 2008-09. The scholarships award high school juniors and seniors within the College's 22-town service region a tuition waiver and book voucher to take a course on the NVCC campus. Credits earned by the student can be applied to any institution of higher education, either as an elective or as one of their general courses.

For Kaynor Technical High School junior Molly Fitzgerald, being chosen for the scholarship and attending NVCC fueled her excitement about attending college someday.

“I absolutely loved it,” Molly said. “It’s definitely been a positive experience, and I actually wish I could do it all over again.”

Kaynor Technical High School Principal Lisa Hylwa said she nominated Molly for the Principal-to-President Scholarship based on her hard work and positive attitude.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be her principal,” Hylwa said. “She is a wonderful student with a fantastic attitude.”

Wilby High School Principal-to-President scholarship recipient Jayline Rivera said she was excited to be chosen for the scholarship, and enjoyed the college classroom environment.

“I liked the way my NVCC professor taught, because he really interacted with all the students, and allowed for more conversation about what we were learning,” Jayline said. “It was a really good experience for me.”

2013 Awardees

Brookfield High School
Erica Gaita, Nicole Sippin, Catherine Johnson, Zachary Sorena

Thomaston High School
Samantha-Sue Hanson

Holy Cross High School
Auziana Antune, Rafael Hamawi

Kaynor Technical High School
Katrina Crawford, Joseph Davino, Coral Jimenez, Molly Fitzgerald

Kennedy High School
Briyiana Nealy

Pomperaug High School
Chandler Lofland

Sacred Heart High School
Veronica Ramirez, Joanne Georges

Thomaston High School
Samanta-Sue Hanson

Waterbury Arts Magnet School
Emily Pierce

Watertown High School
John DiMaria, Karli Fisher, Kelly De Santo, Philippe LeQuellec

Wilby High School
Joshua Ramirez, Jayline Rivera