Shanna Kofman
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2008 Scholarship Winner
Staten Island Technical High School
Kingsborough Community College
"Shanna has honed her leadership skills outside of the [school] building - on a citywide level! She is a member of the New York City Student Union, which endeavors to represent the needs of students to decision-makers at the highest levels. This requires tremendous dedication on her part, as she lives at the southernmost part of Staten Island, placing her 90 minutes away from Manhattan, where the meetings take place. Shanna understands that the needs of students in our school system often go without redress, and she possesses the knowledge and skills to be an advocate for her peers. This involvement demonstrates directly that Shanna has a rare capacity for public service that is informed by a deep awareness of policy and community issues&hellip. She is a rarity in that she is motivated by her intellectual curiosity or concerned altruism."
—Kenneth Bonamo, Assistant Principal
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Co-Founder, New York City Student Union
- Volunteer, All City Family Healthcare Center
- Member, Kingsborough College Now Student Advisory
Excerpts from Shanna's Essay
Exposure to my [immigrant] family's turbulent past, the culture of New York City and my growing awareness of the disparity in opportunity across towns, cities, states and countries drove me to take action. With a goal set and a few emails sent to friends throughout the city, a student empowerment movement began. Our first action as a [student] union came after a citywide public school cell phone ban was enforced. We testified at the City Council Hearing, protested on the steps of Tweed Courthouse, and later had a letter to the editor published in the New York Times. It was the first time I felt invigorated and important. The New York City Student Union inspired me to foster change and growth not only in myself, but also in a larger community. The Union, my Russian background and my American education have strengthened my character, enriched my horizons of knowledge and prepared me to become a leader in today's multi-cultural environment.
