Jonathan is one of those students that stands out in the crowd. As one of our SFIC recipients, we can’t help and admire his fortitude and tenacity when it comes to his education. When he first came to The United States from the Dominican Republic with his mother and older sister, he found that the major challenge he had to overcome was learning English and adapting to his new surroundings. He adapted extremely well and continues to excel in his studies. Jonathan is a senior at Hudson Catholic Regional High School in Jersey City. His favorite thing about attending the school is how much they care about all the students. Putting them first and the emphasis on the importance of education. He will be attending Villanova University “GO WILDCATS” on the Villanova O’Toole Family Presidential Scholarship which will cover ALL FOUR YEARS of his education. He plans on majoring in Communication. “I have a passion for film and photography, and this major is very versatile. My dream is to travel the world and explore different cultures while documenting them through media.” "Receiving the SFIC tuition assistance and now the Villanova O’Toole Family Presidential Scholarship has helped my family tremendously financially since I’m not sure I would have been able to afford receiving such a high quality education otherwise. One day I would love to be able to help people from low income families that are in the same situation as myself and as an immigrant, give them inspiration to pursue their dreams and be a beacon of hope. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND CONTINUE TO SPREAD POSITIVITY THROUGH YOUR DONATIONS AND ACTIONS."
Adwoa is a recent SFIC Alumni and graduate of Benedictine Academy (Class of 2016). She is currently a junior at Howard University School of Business and is majoring in International Business with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. She was recently chosen as one of Forbes Under 30 scholars.
Ten Questions with SFIC Alumni and Author Jonathan Frejuste Tell us about your family and upbringing. What was it like growing up in Newark, NJ? My parents are Haitian immigrants who came to America to pursue greater opportunity by building a life based on the values of perseverance, self-reliance, hard work, and education. They moved to Newark, NJ where I was born and raised. Newark is a great and resilient city where I acquired my toughness and motivation for social justice. Why did your parents choose to send you and your siblings to Catholic schools? What things did they have to sacrifice (to do so)? My parents chose to send me to Catholic schools to receive a quality education in a safe environment. My parents had a great work ethic, which they instilled in me, and demonstrated through working hard to build a strong foundation for their children. How did your parents learn about SFIC and how did a SFIC scholarship make it possible for you to attend a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Newark? My parents were made aware of the SFIC through my high school. The SFIC scholarship made high school tuition more financially bearable for my parents. What was your experience attending Catholic schools? What did Catholic education teach you about yourself, your community, and service to others? My experience at Immaculate Conception High School was remarkable. I learned about the power of service to shape the hearts, minds, and destinies of young people to become active and caring members of the community through the community service projects. How did Catholic education prepare you for college? How did it prepare you for life? Do you think you’d be the man you are today without a strong moral foundation? The Catholic education focuses on my academic and…
It's All in the Family - Meet SFIC Alumni James Catholic education is a tradition in the Suazo family. Just ask James. James is a former recipient of The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) and one of 11 children who attended or are attending a Catholic school in his family. The most recent to enter is his young brother Joseph who just now entering second grade. James graduated from William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business where he participated in the Financial Planner Program. He previously attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark and Mother Seton Elementary School in Union City. He gives back by volunteering as a coach and mentor for the youth basketball team at Mother Seton Elementary School. “I have a passion for helping others”, said James. While attending William Paterson, he visited high schools and educated high school students about the importance of Financial Planning as part of the student chapter of the Financial Planning Association. He is currently an Associate Financial Planner at Baron Financial Group and hopes to continue utilizing his experience in Financial Planning in service to his community. “I am grateful to the donors who continue to provide many families and children the opportunity to pursue a quality education. Thank you for all your assistance.”
Manuela Yeboah - Alumni with a Mission Manuela is one of the many SFIC Alumni who exemplify the main core reason for our mission – values! She is currently working as a Teacher at North Star Academy Charter School of Newark. Previously Manuela was a Trainer for Global Kids which is a non-profit organization focused on youth development and civic engagement for underserved youth around the world. She graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a Bachelor of Science degree focusing on Environmental Science and Biology. “I have a strong passion for social justice, youth work, activism, and environmentalism–specifically in the environmental justice sector.” She has worked for the Sadie Nash Leadership. “I enjoy reading, painting, and traveling in my free time.” Manuela is just one of many siblings in her family to receive SFIC assistance and graduate from Catholic schools. Her father continues to value the education his daughters receive and the assistance that The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children has been able to provide with the gifts from donors!
Coralie is a third year student at Fordham University, where she is studying International Political Economy and French Studies. She is the recipient of SFIC's Anne Whittington Scholarship. She is currently working as an intern for State Senator David Carlucci who is running for congress.
