12.04.2011

2011 Raffle Winners Receive Their Prizes


The winners were surprised, grateful and extremely happy to receive their prizes.  Some said they have never won anything in their lives, and others did not know how to thank the organization for there great prizes.  It truly made their holidays extra special. 

We, the S.M.B.S. board and Stephanie's family, are grateful to the winners and all those who purchased a raffle ticket to make our first fundraiser such a successful. 

Thank you!!!


Board member Karen presents Frank Texiera with
his third place prize, UNO's Gift Card.



George Guiterrez from P.S. 145K proudly holds his second place prize DS 3D Handheld.

Bette Glasser, retired Grover Cleveland H.S. teacher was presented with her first place prize, 32" Flatscreen TV. 
She had the perfect place to place in her home.

12.03.2011

SMBS Board Members 2011-2012


Meet our board members for this year. 


From Top Left to Right; Cris Italia, Jessica Morales, Karen Texiera, Veronica Plasencia & Charmaine Mayers. Bottom Left to Right; Roslyn Sternlieb, Diana Diaz-Torres & Fanny Mera. 

Thanks to these wonderful people we have been able to carry on Stephanie's memory.



SMBS Raffle Winners 2011

The Board of SMBS is proud to announce the winners of our first fundraiser and raffle as follows:

1st prize - Bette  Glasser             32" flatscreen television

2nd prize - George Guiterrez      Nintendo DS 3D handheld game

3rd prize - Frank Texiera           $100 UNOs Restaurant Gift Card

We want to thank every single person who purchased a ticket and made this fundraiser a success.

Congratulations to the winners!!!



11.12.2011

Welcoming New Board Members 2011

Our current board members, Diana Diaz-Torres, Cris Italia, Fanny Mera, Charmaine Mayers, Roslyn Sternlieb and Karen Texiera, welcomes new board members Jeanette Aquino-Reveron, Jessica Morales, Veronica Plasencia and Sandra Vivas to the board. New members were elected in at our Annual meeting on October 21st, 2011. Thank you for deciding to be part of our team.

11.08.2011

S.M.B.S.'s First Fundraiser 2011

   Our fundraiser efforts has been initiated with a raffle this week. Raffle tickets will be sold until the day of the drawing at our next board meeting on Friday, December 2nd, 2011. Prizes include a 32 inch flatscreen television, a handheld DS 3D and a $100 gift card to UNOs restaurant. Tickets are a dollar each and five dollars for a booklet of six tickets. You can purchase tickets from board members, family and friends. Written requests may be submitted before November 25th via email: MorisDiaz@aol.com or our PO Box address: The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, Inc., P.O. BOX 370153, Brooklyn, New York 11237.

   The next event will be a dinner dance at the Dance Club International in Middle Village, New York, on Saturday, Feburary 4th, 2012. A portion of the $60 fee will be donated to the scholarship program.    

   We are working towards developing new fundraisers in this upcoming new year and hope you can participate or contribute to our efforts.

   Thank you in advance for supporting Stephanie's scholarship program.

9.15.2011

Will Never Forget You

September 15, a day never to be forgotten. Today six years ago Steph was taken by her hand by the Lord as He welcomed her into his kingdom.

Losing anyone is difficult but knowing that you will not see them on earth is even harder.   

We know her spirit lives on through this scholarship & in all who knew and loved her.

We miss you Steph. We know you are in a better place than us. Until we meet again.

8.27.2011

2011 Update: First Year Scholar, Christine Rivas

April 2011

To the family of Stephanie Burgos,


Sometimes I can’t really believe it’s been three years since I graduated high school, let alone that I'm going to graduate next year. If someone had told me all these things were going to happened to me and I was going to do and learn so many things, I never would have believed them.The past year has been very busy but I’ve learned a lot from it. First, I finished pledging Alpha Sigma right after writing you my last letter, which has taught me a lot about myself and a lot about business, not to mention being a grown up. Already, I’ve learned the basics of running a website, publicity, and I’ve even helped out with rushing (recruiting for the next semester’s pledge class).
I’m taking sixteen credits again this semester, and I’ve learned a lot of things from all of my classes. I’m taking a film class this semester so I can take screenwriting next semester, so I can see if that’s what I want to do with my career, as I know I can go many different directions with the degree I’m about to receive. I’m also taking a few classes on modernism and how to interpret literature, because we’re reading a lot of classics in those classes (Mrs. Dalloway, Frankenstein) and I found last year that you can learn a lot from the classics. I’m still in the Brooklyn College choir, and I’m even taking a music class so I can pick up the music and the technique faster.
As for next semester, I'm about to finish my creative writing degree, and I'm taking classes in both playwriting and screenwriting, because being able to do both of those things has been a dream of mine ever since I'd actually seen a play. I'm also considering becoming a kindergarten or second grade teacher, so next year I also plan on taking education courses and going full steam ahead toward grad school.
My family is doing very well also. My dad was in the process of adopting a son, and he’s finally home after three very long tedious years. He just turned three in January, and he’s extremely intelligent, even if he only speaks Spanish and I can barely understand him. I can understand Spanish way better than I can speak it, so I know what he’s saying, he just can’t understand what I’m saying. This whole thing has helped me decide I’m going to seriously learn Spanish to the best of my ability, because I want to be able to have a relationship with my brother as soon as possible. Also, if I could get through pledging a sorority, learning Spanish is a breeze in comparison.
In short, things have changed a lot for me, not in terms of school work, but in terms of life and the things I’m doing now and the things I’m learning, both in school and out of it.

Hope everything is going well for you too:
Christine Rivas

2011 Update: Second Year Scholar, Richard Bohan



September 9, 2011

Greetings,

The last time I wrote to you I was a caterpillar, starved and craving for life experience -- my sustenance for the past two years.
I am not yet a butterfly; the metamorphosis into a full grown adult. Instead, I am enclosed in a cocoon, a chrysalis, composed with pieces of my education, my memories abroad in London, and the many friendships and connections that I have forged. It feels cozy in here, being a junior in College, but I know very soon the cocoon will shatter and I will have to test out those new wings of mine, riding into the real world.
But this cocoon, it’s not some safe haven. After all, no caterpillar stays the same as they incubate in their hard shells. They transform, just as I am transforming right now. And transformations can be painful, as we lose bits of ourselves and replace them with new ones, sorta like the shedding of skin.
it was tough being abroad, being so far from all the people I loved, but I had the most rewarding experience and I have to thank you for helping me in being able to realize my dreams.
The realization of dreams, it’s so important for every person. My only wish is that every person in the world had the opportunity to build their own sturdy cocoons, so that they can transform too. It’s because of people like you, people so generous and thoughtful; I know every recipient will be just as blessed as I am.

Sincerely,
Ritchie

2011 Update: Third Year Scholar, Areta Gjicali

August 27, 2011


To the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship Organization,

As I am starting my second year of college I have come to realize the importance of education both in and out of school. I realize that I am given the opportunity to expand on my knowledge, to live my dream and to reach a place where some people do not have the opportunity go. In Stephanie's case, she fell short of that dream and therefore I am taking advantage of this opportunity. For her, for myself, and for the rest of the people around the world that are unfortunate to do so.

This past school year I learned a whole lot about other people. I understood the different type of people we have in this world from different personalities, to different backgrounds but we all come together because we share one common dream; the dream of knowledge. I also learned a whole lot about myself. I figured out how much responsibility I can handle (or not handle) and just how much diverse I can be. With the help of my professors, my own perseverance, and the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship it makes it easier for me to succeed in college as I try to figure my way into my own future.

Thank you so much,
Areta Gjicali




June 25, 2011

Hello,

I am very excited to inform you that I finished my first year of college and I am no longer a freshman. (Woot!) I took fifteen credits this past Spring semester and had the pleasure of being part of my first college theater production of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. (The credits for this years production will show on my Fall 2011 transcript.)

I am looking forward to hearing about the fourth scholar that won this years Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship.

Keep me posted!

Thank you,
Areta Gjicali




January 5, 2011


Hello it's me Areta :)


I wanted to update you on my academics and of course college itself, as I survived my first semester as a freshman. I'm currently double majoring in Theater and Public Relations, and achieved a 3.8 GPA in the fall term. I want to thank you again for giving me this scholarship not only because the money helped me but because I feel so inspired and motivated to keep perusing my dreams. I hung up the award on my wall in order to remind myself how lucky I am that I can wake up every morning and go to school-and live my life, something that Stephanie fell short on. So once again THANK YOU.


With Love,

Areta


8.19.2011

Tax Deductible Gifts

If you would like to make a donation to our organization please forward a check or money order made out to our organization and mail to the address below. You will receive a letter for you to file with your taxes.
The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship
PO Box 370153
Brooklyn, New York 11237-0513
Thank you for your support!

Peer Support / Mentorship Program 2011


When the organization was created the primary focus was providing financial support to the recepients. The incorporation process gave us the opportunity to explore how else to provide supports to our scholarship recepients. This is how the idea of a peer support and mentoring program was born.
Today marks another milestone for the organization as we were able to gather our scholars for the first time at SPICE Thai Restaurant in NYC. With Fanny Mera, one of our board members, and myself facilitating the event, our scholars were able to meet each other and share their experiences.
Our scholars were encouraged to maintain communication with each other throughout the year although this certainly will not be the last gathering.
Thank you Christine Rivas, Richard Bohan and Areta Gjicali for a wonderful evening. We are truly proud of your achievements and future aspirations.
~Diana Diaz-Torres
Executive Director of SMBS

6.09.2011

Our Fourth Year Recepient 2011 - Jennifer Moran



Jennifer being presented by Fanny Mera, S.M.B.S. Board Member

Jennifer Moran posing with Fanny Mera & Silvia Agrinsoni-Melendez, Stephanie's Mom

Jennifer Moran posing with Principal, Paul Thompson & Asst. Principal, Kristin Arndt

Today, June 8th, I had the great pleasure of meeting and presenting Jennifer Moran with the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship at Urban Assembly School of Music and Art High School. Upon meeting Jennifer it became very obvious that she was the appropriate recipient of this scholarship.

Jennifer presented herself with poise and gratefulness. She was very appreciative to be chosen as our fourth recipient of S.M.B.S. She understood the purpose of our scholarship, the representation of what Stephanie aspired to become and challenges Stephanie had faced.

Accompanying Jennifer were Paul Thompson, Principal and Kristin Arndt, Assistant Principal. They were very honored that Jennifer was the recipient of our scholarship. They acknowledged Jennifer as an appropriate recipient making note of her hard work and accomplishments.

Jennifer is graduating from Urban Assembly School of Music and Art High School on June 28th. She will be attending John Jay College in the Fall 2011.

Thank you Silvia Agrinsoni-Melendez, Stephanie's mom, for allowing me to accompany you. It was a huge honor to be a part of this special occasion.

To Jennifer, keep going strong. Congratulations and I can't wait to hear about your college experience!!!


Written By: Fanny Mera, Board Member

5.23.2011

Selecting Our Fourth Scholarship Recepient 2011

The long awaited results of the selection is here.

It was one very difficult process as we had so many wonderful and qualifying applicants who have inspired the committee to honor them for their achievements even if we were unable to provide them with a scholarship.

The following high school students who applied for the scholarship this year were honored with first honorary Certificate for Participation for their efforts in Achieving Academic Excellence despite challenges faced in their personal lives and academic endeavours.

Yasmin Avila - Bushwick School for Social Justice -Brooklyn, NY

Andrew Charlemagne - Bushwick School of Social Justice -Brooklyn, NY

Pui-See Fok - Long Island City High School -Queens, NY

Berline Lapomarede - Jonathan Levin H.S. for Media & Communication - Bronx, NY

Eric Murray-Datcher - Bushwick School for Social Justice - Brooklyn, NY

Shaniqua Williams - Bread & Roses High School - Manhattan, NY


The recepient of our fourth scholarship is JENNIFER MORAN from The Urban Assembly of Music and Art High School in Brooklyn, NY. Jennifer will be graduating in June 2011 where she will be presented with the scholarship.

Let us congratulate every single applicant, the six honorary students and our fourth year recepient of the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, Jennifer Moran, on their academic achievements.

A special thank you to our secretary and board member, Ms. R. Sternlieb for heading the S.M.B.S. application review committtee.

3.01.2011

Happy 22nd Birthday Stepho!

Today 22 years ago, Stephanie Marie was born to this world.

Her energy and her spunk brought a smile to anyone's face when she was with us. Despite her physical departure from this earth her soul continues to brighten our days.

It is wonderful to be able to celebrate Stephanie's life everyday with this scholarship.

Let us appreciate our own lives and our own dreams by fulfilling them in her honor.

We love and miss you Stephanie but we know you continue to live in us and you are still smiling. Keep on shining sweetie.

2.28.2011

Search for Recepient #4

Many people have been asking what the scholarship is about and what are we looking for in our candidates. Here is the cover of our scholarship application with the information requested.

THE SCHOLARSHIP
Each spring, The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, Inc. will select a high school senior to receive a yearly scholarship of $500 for up to four years, a total of $2,000, for the payment of academic expenses related to his or her attendance at an institution of higher education. The selected applicant will receive the annual award as long as he or she is enrolled full-time in good standing at an accredited four-year college or university. In addition, the recipient is required to provide annual written updates on his or her academic progress and career pursuits, proof of matriculation and a current transcript.

THE PURPOSE
The purpose of The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship is to encourage, in memory of Stephanie Marie Burgos, the pursuit of higher education by students who possess an enthusiasm for the fine and communication arts, have experienced adversity in their lives and demonstrate financial need.

STEPHANIE MARIE BURGOS
Stephanie Marie Burgos was born on March 1, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York, to a single parent household. She was raised with three siblings in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, attending New York City public schools. Academics were a challenge to Stephanie as she suffered from a learning disability, but she possessed a passion and a talent for writing, singing, dancing and the piano.

After the 7th grade, Stephanie relocated with her family to Durham, North Carolina and was tragically struck down there in a car accident on September 15, 2005. The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship was founded to administer a scholarship in Stephanie’s memory to assist the higher education of students who share her passion for the fine and communication arts and her experience of adversity.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Senior in good standing at a New York City public high school.
• Minimum of 80% grade point average or equivalent;
• Accepted by at least one accredited four-year college or university and planning to attend on a full-time basis.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• At least two of the following three criteria:
o Overcame an academic challenge (includes a student with an Individualized Education Plan or significant academic gains over time).
o Overcame social or emotional difficulties (e.g. a single parent household or a family suffering economic or circumstantial hardship).
o Possess an interest in the fine or communication arts.


SELECTION
Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their academic achievement, personal statement (writing skills, personal qualities and strengths, etc.), financial need and recommendation letter(s).

APPLICATION PERIOD AND DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1 – APRIL 9, 2011
Applications must be submitted to your college advisor for review. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the application form and all supporting documents are submitted on time. No exceptions or extensions will be made. If you would like confirmation that we received your application materials, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope and we will send you a notice of receipt.


Act fast, the deadline is early April 2011. You can obtain a copy of the application via email or written request as suggested on the blog's prior post. Thank you for your interest.

2.12.2011

2011 S.M.B.S. Applications




Scholarship Update

The 2o11 S.M.B.S. Applications were sent out today with the help of volunteers, Crystal Carroll, Ayesha Diatta and Angie Torres. Thanks to these young ladies we were able to locate and take care of the clerical aspects of sending out hard copies to selective New York City schools.

Early this week, electronic emails were sent to college advisors, guidance counselors and other staff who can help spread the word and share our applications with students that would qualify for the scholarship.

The scholarship application process will be running from February 1st to April 9th, 2011. Scholarship application needs to be postmarked by Saturday, April 9th in order to qualify to:

The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship
P.O. Box 370153
Brooklyn, New York 11237-0513

Recepient will be selected by mid to end of April 2011.

Interested candidates can obtain a hard copy of the scholarship application by written request to the P.O. Box address above or email your request at MorisDiaz@aol.com.

Good luck to all applicants!


1.18.2011

NEWS UPDATE: Tax Exemption Status

Today via mail we finally received notification regarding the organization's tax exemption status. We were finally approved!!!!

This is a major milestone for the organization as we can embark on fundraising events, able to accept donations and able to provide donors with a tax receipt for their taxes.

We will keep you posted on fundraising events coming soon!