2004 Scholarship Recipients

Following are the recipients of our scholarship fund. In each case, we believe the program involved will enhance opportunities and independence for young adults with Down syndrome.

Katherine Finn-Gamino is the first student with Down Syndrome to ever receive a high school diploma from Clear Lake High School in Lakeport, CA. Finn-Gamino is a very active young woman participating in gymnastics and community theater. Art has provided a positive outlet and is Finn-Gamino's passion. "When I first met Katherine she was unable to speak in front of the class, today Katherine has the abilty to stand in front of the class and present information in a clear and concise manner," says Kathleen M. Kenney, Finn-Gamino's art teacher. Finn-Gamino is planning on attending Mendocino College in the fall, pursuing a degree in visual arts and ceramics. Congratulations and best of luck next year Katherine!

Jenny Lowther is a recent graduate of Cary High School in Cary, NC. Winning the Band of Angels scholarship means a lot to Lowther: "It was such an honor to be recognized for all the hard work for my studies and my accomplishments." Lowther wants to go to college and get a job as a registered nurse so she can help other people. She plans on taking classes at North Carolina State University in the fall and hopes to participate in the marching band.

Dena Stocco was recently accepted in the PACE Prgram at National-Louis University in Evanston, IL. Stocco enjoys writing stories in school and in her free time. She looks forward to taking writing classes and computer classes in the fall. Stoccos takes the "El" from her home in Northbrook to her campus in Evanston: "I am proud of myself and how I have learned to take public transportation. This is helping me to be a more independent person." Congratulations Dena on your accomplishments and best of luck in the future!

Vivian Alonza has just completed her first year in the GMU LIFE Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She has built a great network of friends at school: "I have friends with disabilities and without disabilities. We all help eachother out." They enjoy going to the fitness center, shopping, and just hanging out on campus. "College can sometimes be hard, but it's worth it because it's helping me grow up...Going to college is the most important thing I've done in my whole life," says Alonza. Band of Angels is proud to present Alonza with a scholarship as she prepares for her sophomore year in the fall. Congratulations Vivian and best of luck!

Emily DeFrancesca is a recent graduate of Upper Saint Claire School District in Pittsburgh, PA. Emily will be attending St. Anthony School Program located on the Duquesne University campus in Pittsburgh this fall. Emily participated in cheerleading thoughout high school. She spends a lot of her time volunteering with the "Opening Doors" Program sharing about her life with Down Syndrome with other students. "The students were surprised that I liked the same music as they did and that I like to go to the mall with my firneds and to the movies." Congratulations to Emily and best of luck in college!