Politics & Government
Leg. Denenberg Speaks to Wantagh HS Seniors about Scholarships
Local lawmaker joined reminds seniors of their role and the availability of scholarships.
Nassau County Leg. Dave Denenberg, D-Merrick, spoke at on Wednesday morning during the school’s second Annual Scholarship Awareness Day about the importance and availability of scholarships to its seniors preparing for college.
"You don't have to be a straight 'A' student to win a scholarship," said Denenberg, whose 19th legislative district covers part of Wantagh. "Most scholarships go to well-rounded students. There are scholarships for helping your community, and succeeding in areas other than academics. Find a strength or interest that you have, and you may be surprised to find you can receive a scholarship to help you get into the college of your choice."
Other speakers at the presentation included Wantagh High School Director of Guidance, Frank Muzio; Patricia Krizan, Wantagh's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and Jarrett Plafker, a financial professional with AXA Advisors.
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Each of the speakers offered his or her own perspective and words to enlighten and motivate seniors to become active in their search for scholarships. "Financing your education is your responsibility too, not just your parents," said Muzio.
“Don't think about getting that job that you want, think about getting that "life" that you want,” said Krizan. “Scholarships can help you get there.”
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Plafker, a financial professional and friend of Legislator Denenberg, spoke about the importance of college. "College is not an option anymore, it's become a necessity. With these tough economic times, scholarships are more valuable now than they have ever been. Every little bit helps, and we're here to help you."
Some of the scholarships that Legislator Denenberg and others spoke of were the AXA Community Achievement Scholarship Program, KFC Colonel's Scholars, The O'Keefe Foundation, Best Buy Scholarship and many others. AXA offers 12 community achievement scholarships, and accepts 12,000 applications for regional scholarships. Two former Wantagh High School seniors were recipients of the AXA Community Achievement Scholarship, which can amount to $25,000 for State and National scholarships.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 15. Legislator Denenberg urged students to take action now: "If you wait, it may be too late,” said Denenberg.
For more information on scholarships made available, visit these websites:
