Laura Troiano
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2002 Scholarship Winner
New Dorp High School
Kingsborough Community College
"I have known Laura Troiano for three years. I chose to nominate her for this scholarship because Laura is the hardest working student I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Academically, she is at the top of her senior class.… As you will see from her application, Laura also enjoys getting involved both in school and in community activities. One of the many activities she is involved with is student government. She was junior class president last year and was re-elected by her peers again this year to be senior class president. Laura is a well-rounded individual who likes to be involved in positive activities.… I have every confidence that she will be successful."
—Lisa Barnett, Guidance Counselor
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Senior Council President
- Shakespeare Club
- Leadership Committee
- Debate Team
- Council for Unity
- Captain of Golf Team
Excerpts from Laura's Essay
Civic responsibility, to me, is something you do for your community because you want to give something back for all it has done for you. … For me, volunteering has been a way of giving back to my community. The Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island is an organization that provides counseling for the people afflicted with Alzheimer's and their family and friends.…I am part of the youth group in this organization. I help with all their fundraisers and spread awareness to the younger family members dealing with this disease. It is a rewarding job because I can see the results when you meet the people and families you helped.
The Staten Island Zoo has always been a place I love to visit. As a small child I had a great interest in animals and the environment. When I became old enough I started taking classes to become a docent. Graduating from the class about a year ago I now volunteer at the zoo about 6 hours a month. I get to educate people on the animals themselves and the importance of wildlife preservation and the environment we all live in.…
Besides the things I do on a more frequent basis, I am also able to do things through my school. We work the annual fundraiser to find a cure for Coolie's Anemia by volunteering our time at a house in Staten Island that donates the profit to this organization.… The March of Dimes has been one of my favorite charities since I was in elementary school. I am fortunate to still be able to help them raise money for babies who are born premature or have birth defects.…
…Most of the time you never get to repay your community or humanity for what they do for you. Volunteering lets you do that, and for all you give you get back threefold.
