Fall 2012 SMBS Updates

September 2012 - Annual Board Meeting

We had one fabulous meeting at our board member's comedy, bar & restaurant, The Stand NYC, on Friday, September 14, 2012.  It was a productive and energizing meeting where we started planning for 2013.

Elections were held and future events were eagarly planned. 

We also welcomed our newest board member, Ashanti Rivera. Thank you Ashanti for joining our great team of bright, giving and devoted people, which include Jeanette Aquino-Reveron, Diana Diaz-Torres, Cris Italia, Charmaine Mayers, Fanny Mera, Jessica Morales, Veronica Plasencia, Roslyn Sternlieb, Karen Texiera and Sandra Vivas.

As a reminder, none of our board members are paid for their contributions to our organization and we want to thank every one of them for their ongoing support and dedication to our organization.


November 2012 - Fundraiser at The Stand NYC

Another successful event was held on Sunday, November 11th 2012.  With a storm at the heels of planning of this event, we organized and made it happen. 

Special thanks to our board member, Cris Italia for organizing the event.  The storm seemed to have impacted everyone to some extent here in New York but we managed to pull through and raised $400.

We had approximately 26 attendees and were able to give half of what was raised ($200) to the Hurricane Sandy relief fund.

Thank you to all who came and continue to support us by sharing our mission in helping our current and future scholars.


December 2012 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Wishing everyone a wonder holiday season.  Thank you to everyone who donate their time and energy to making this organization what it is.  Our scholars are always very grateful for all the organization does for them.

From them and the SMBS family, hope you have a blessed new year to come.

Please note if you need a print out of your donation(s) this year for tax purposes, submit a request via email to: SMBS2010@aol.com.

Tax deductible gifts donations for 2012 can still be made, before December 31, to:

The S.M.B.S., Inc. 

PO BOX  370153

Brooklyn, New York  11237-0513

Thank you again for the support!

2012 Scholar Update: Jennifer Moran

Dear SMBS Scholarship Inc.,

​Since I graduated High school and went into my first year of college, it has been a major change for me academically and personally. I thought everything I complained about High school was so difficult but College has made me realized that High school was nothing to really complain about. College is like a new life. I am still getting used to the process of change, going from being a high school student to now a college student. My first year of college I have to say has been challenging but great as well. Throughout my first year of college I have met new people and have made new friends as well. I also learned many new things and have made friends with many great professors, as well as personally go through many difficulties in my life.

​Academically, I think I have done great for my first year. I ended my year with my GPA being at 3.133. I think for a full time student and having a part time job where I work 26 hours every week is an amazing accomplishment. I have been only taking four classes per semester since I work as well it fits my schedule. Math is my worst subject to be honest so I have been struggling with it. This last semester I have failed my second remedial math class, which tremendously upset me. But this upcoming year I am hoping to pass this remedial class and put my all into this class as well as the rest. This semester I will be taking up History, Math, English and my favorite class Psychology. I will also look into volunteering again but this time maybe ata hospital or work with children.

​Personally, there have been many challenges for me this year that put me at my lowest points. As I have told you guys before “I am resilient” and always will be. Some unfortunate events lead me to having to move to Long Island and being separated from my mother and younger siblings. Also there has been some serious family problems going on and I hope it ends soon. As so much is going on I still manage to keep my head and hopes high up and continue with life. I think to myself my life is difficult but there are others out there that are going through worse and I’m glad I am where I am today.

​One of my professors said to me everyone needs support there is no one who goes on in life without any support or help to get to where they are now. I agreed with her because all of my fellow friends and this organization have helped me in many ways you may not know. I am very appreciative of this scholarship and proud as well. Well I believe I am done and hoping to have a wonderful year in life and school. 

   Thanks once again 

Jennifer Moran

2012 Scholar Update: Areta Gjicali

As another year came to an end I was able to realize a few things about college and the pursuit of happiness. You see, these two principles mix together very well since my happiness in life is pursuing a degree that not only benefits me but others as well. Society today enforces us to finish school and get a degree in order for us to find jobs. But jobs are not so easy to find, a college degree isn't a guarantee towards a job, college is your connection to opportunities and its up to us to take them. I focused so much on my grades trying to get A's across the board that I dismissed the favorable chances I had in front of me. I needed to find my niche. I became more active with clubs and organizations, got myself involved with what I wanted to do rather than what society or the norm was expecting me to do. This year I was involved in the Albanian club, I became secretary of the Greek Hellenic Club and became a volunteer with a non profit organization called Project Sunshine. Project Sunshine selects volunteers that participate in entertainment for terminal or temporary sick children at various hospitals. This volunteering program opened my path towards the career I one day want to pursue.This inspired me to declare my major in  Communications and hopefully one day work with non profit organizations. 

I am very happy to have finally figured out some sort of path that follows my goals and dreams. It is unfortunate that some people fall short of their dreams not because they are incapable but because life called them out. Just how volunteering inspires me to continue with my dreams, The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship inspires me to LIVE UP to my dreams. Being part of this scholarship is a constant reminder how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity because at any moment goals and dreams can disappear as fast as they were set. 

Thank you for inspiring me. 

-Areta Gjicali

  

2012 Scholar Update: Richard Bohan

August 2012

To the family of Stephanie Burgos,

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone involved in the scholarship—including Diana Diaz-Torres, and Fanny Mera—for being so accommodating after I had broken a bone in my foot.  It was incredibly thoughtful of everyone to invite me to all of the wonderful activities sponsored by the scholarship, providing me transportation, and picking activities that were handicap-friendly. Being on a boat and seeing Manhattan’s skyline for the first time in my life sure beats being stuck in bed, and I really appreciate it.

In my mind, that is what separates this scholarship from any other, it is a support system and it feels like being in another family. I really loved getting to know all of the other scholarship recipients too; Christine, Areta, Jenny, and the newest member, Alex—they’re all wonderful people and friends!

This reminds me, I cannot believe that I am going to be a senior this fall! Then again, I am not shocked that the time flew by, seeing as how it has been a very busy year. This year, I joined student government as well as the school newspaper, which meant a lot of hours staying up at night. Add in the other work load from my classes—which included two full-length screenplays for my screenwriting class (100-120 pages each)—I could say with confidence that I pushed myself even further this year than ever before. This summer, I have been interning at the local newspaper in the town that my university is located in. I am still on the fence whether or not I want to have a full-fledged career in journalism, but I think it could be a good starting point for me as an aspiring writer.

It does not end there though! This upcoming fall I get the opportunity to study abroad in London once again. What is even more exciting is that it is going to be a part of my job as a Resident Assistant who will help oversee the London First Year Program, St. Lawrence University’s very first freshmen class to be sent abroad! I am very nervous as I am essentially one of the first to have ever pioneered such a program. However, I am very excited to form bonds with the freshman class that I shall take care of in London, and just excited to take classes in one of my favorite cities in the world. It would also give me an edge on my resume as it will provide a critical leadership experience.

This fall to next year, I will also be working on a writer senior project on one of my favorite film directors, David Lynch (director of Blue Velvet,Mulholland Drive, and the popular TV show Twin Peaks). I will be looking at the way femininity is constructed (or deconstructed) in his films in relation to the film noir genre. This project will pull from three of my most beloved disciplines; film, gender, and creative writing, and because I’ll be in London I will have access to the British Film Institute which is a very good resource on film.

I also plan to write a weekly column in the school newspaper during my stay in London, either focusing on some literature or film that takes place in London.  I am not sure how I will find time between taking classes, overseeing the freshman class, working on my senior project, and doing a column while being abroad, but when there is a will, there is a way and I am just thrilled to be doing all of these wonderful things that I have so much vested interest in!

With that said, I would not be in this place had it not been for all of the support that I have received from everyone at the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship. You guys seriously rock!

With Love,

Richard Bohan

Spring 2012 Peer & Mentor Support Event: SPIRIT Cruise

One night, one awesome group of talented young people and one fantastic event. 

On Sunday, June 10th, the scholars went on a three hour cruise tour on the Spirit of New York via the Hudson River.  It was a first for all.   Christine Rivas (2008), Richard Bohan (2009), Areta Gjicali (2010), Jennifer Moran (2011) and Alex Martin (2012) enjoyed an evening dining and dancing under the stars and bright lights of our beautiful skyline.  The scholars had the opportunity to spend time together, sharing their college experiences and commonalities. 

Our board members Ms. Fanny Mera and Ms. Karen K. Texeira helped facilitate and encourage the scholars to stay connected providing the support and mentorship needed for a successful college experience.

The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship provides financial support yearly to a deserving graduate of a New York City Public High School. The  scholarship was originally started by Stephanie's family in her memory and continued by a dedicated board, who volunteer their time, energies and talent in supporting these students.  They share the same goal of honoring a talented young lady lost to early in her life by making a difference in the lives of young adults who face similar adversities as Stephanie.  The primary goal to help selected students achieve academic success and fulfill dreams that were once Stephanie's.

It is the board's intention to have these scholars meet as often as possible to share their college experiences and keep them connected, in addition to providing the financial support through their four year college career. 

Their success is the legacy Stephanie Marie Burgos leaves behind.

~Karen K. Texeira, Board member

Chilli's Give Back Fundraiser 2012

Our Give Back Fundraiser at Chilli's on Wednesday, June 6th, was another success.

Many showed their support by enjoying a great meal and drinks with family and friends raising a total of $220, 10% of $800 dollars worth of sales at Chilli's and personal direct donations to the organization.

Thank you to all who came out for this event, helped us spread the news of our work and simply supporting all of our efforts.

Chilli's Fundraiser 2012

Come and join us for our next fundraiser at the Atlas Mall Chilli's restaurant on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. 

You can come anytime on this day with the flyer below and 10% of your meal will be donated to our organization.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on Facebook or email at SMBS2010@aol.com.

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us On FACEBOOK

Yes! We are on Facebook.

Please check out our LINK and LIKE it so you can receive updates regularly.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stephanie-Marie-Burgos-Scholarship-Inc/340889992613806

Thanks for your support. Every little helps.

Awards Night at Grover Cleveland High School

On Thursday, May 24, it was with great pleasure that our S.M.B.S. family honored an amazing young man, Alex Martin, with the fifth scholarship.  Presenting the award was Ms. Roslyn Sternlieb, our secretary, who prepared a beautifully short but concise speech describing the purpose of our organization.

In the front row sat, one of our scholars, Richard Bohan (2009), who came to his alma mater to congratulate our new scholar Alex.  S.M.B.S. board present included Roslyn Sternlieb, Fanny Mera and Diana Diaz-Torres.  Close friends such as Rita Iocco, James Carroll and Crystal Carroll were also front and centered to show their love and support. 

We cheered and congratulated Alex as he came down from that stage proudly and in awe that he was selected amongst so many qualified young people in New York City who applied.  Alex gratefully accepted our award amongst many other honors this evening. 

We are proud to add this talented and brilliant young man to our S.M.B.S. family.  At the end of the ceremony, he gave us a beautiful gift as he showcased his guitar and singing talent. 

Thank you all who attended and those who continue to support our organization and our efforts to help wonderful kids like Alex to pursue higher education.

Written by: Diana Diaz-Torres, Executive Director of S.M.B.S.

Announcing Our Fifth Scholarship Recepient 2012

After the review of many highly qualified applicants, the decision was made. Our fifth scholarship recepient was selected.

His name is Alexander Martin an outstanding senior from Grover Cleveland High School, who will be attending St. Lawrence University in the Fall 2012. 

We are unable to provide more than one scholarship per year. Yet, we wanted to recognize the following students for their achievements, interest in the arts, their rise from adversity and overcoming social barriers. 

Certificate of Achievement were awarded to:

Salman Ahmad            Francis Lewis High School

Kyle Alfred                 The High School of Fashion Institute

Taisha Aguilar             Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Moody Bennett            DeWitt Clinton High School

Yilkari Castillo            Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Cassie Davis                Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Jesus Dominguez         Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Javier Franco               Multicultural High School

Nancy Gao                   Francis Lewis High School

Nicole Godreau            Townsend Harris High School

Shenika John Jordan     Professional Performing Arts School

Shammara Lawrence    The High School of Fashion Institute

Nicole Maldonado        Bushwick Leaders High School

Jason Marin                  Francis Lewis High School

Namutoni Parris           Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Marie Esthel Polanco   Long Island City High School

Sandra Rojas                Performing Arts and Technology High School

Olivea Tavares             Excelsior Preparatory High School

Tiffany Tavarez            Lower Manhattan Arts Academy  

Amibel Tineo               Bushwick Leaders High School

Paola Vargas                Pan American International High School

Kadashia Williams      Excelsior Preparatory High School

Lashley Winter            Boys and Girls High School

Ting Zheng                  Francis Lewis High School

Congratulations to all applicants on your achievements. 

Best wishes on all your future endeavours. 

SMBS 2012 5th Year Scholarship Application Process

February 21, 2012

To ALL Interested Applicants,

The scholarship application process began February 1st and ends on April 9th.  Any application postmarked after this date will not be considered and returned to sender.  Unless an extension is made there is NO exception.

Also, please make sure all proper documentations are submitted with the completed application.  Any questions or concerns can be addressed via email at: SMBS2010@aol.com.

If you have not received an application and would like one please use the above email or write to our mailing address listed below to request one.

Below is some vital information which is also attached to the application.

Best of  Luck! 

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ABOUT 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:
• Overcame an academic challenge (includes a student with an Individualized Education Plan or significant academic gains over time).
• Overcame social or emotional difficulties (e.g. a single parent household or a family suffering economic or circumstantial hardship).
• 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.) and financial need.

APPLICATION PERIOD AND DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1 – APRIL 9, 2012

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.

www.thestephaniemarieburgosscholarship.blogspot.com

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CHECK LIST:

1. Completed Application form
2. Transcript
3. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
4. Personal Statement
5. A copy of Financial Aid Award Letter
6. A copy of the first page of your Student Aid Report (SAR) or supporting financial statement.
7. College Acceptance Letter of school you decide to attend in the fall 2012
8. Letter of Matriculation (Proof of Enrollment) of school attending in the fall.  This is the only component that can be submitted after the deadline below.  Scholarship will not be given to recipient until this is received each year. 

Send complete application & attached materials POST MARKED by APRIL 6^th 2012 to:

The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship

P.O. Box  370153

Brooklyn,  New York 11237-0513

Successful 2012 Valentine Dinner & Dance

Our first major S.M.B.S. fundraiser dinner dance event last weekend was a success without say.  Everyone left the party talking about what a great night they had and how glad they were part of such a wonderful cause.  It was a great kick off to a couple of more activities planned for this calendar year.  If you were unable to attend our party, there will be other fun events to come. 

With individual donations and ticket sales we raised over $1,700 for this event surpassing our raffle drawing before the holidays of $1,200 (2011).    This is not including the generous gift donations used for our party raffle.  Many thanks to our sponsors who donated these prizes for our dinner raffle:


Mr. Mike Romer, FORCE FITNESS
6303 Freshpond Road, Ridgewood, New York 11385
Telephone: 718-497-9090
http://www.forcefitnessclub.com/

Dr. David Kulla, SYNERGY WELLNESS
409 E 14th St, Suite C New York, NY 10009
Telephone: 212-533-4900
http://synergywellnessny.com/

Ms. Maria, FRANKIES PLAYCE
75-48 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379
Telephone: 347- 242-3144
http://www.facebook.com/frankiesplayce

Ms. Janet, FUN STUFF
7522 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379
Telephone: 718-326-1345
http://www.funstufffamily.com/



Thank you to all our friends and family for coming out and supporting our efforts to help our scholars get one step closer to their dreams.  Your money will be used not only for the individual scholarships to our current recepients and future scholars but it will also be used towards  the enrichment and support of these students throughout their four year college career. 

Please keep an eye out for future events.  Donations are always appreciated and volunteers are welcomed.  Please feel free to contact our board at our email: SMBS2010@aol.com. 

Our 2012 Board:

Cris Italia, Veronica Plasencia, Jessica Morales,

Fanny Mera, Charmaine Mayers, Sandra Vivas,

Karen Texeira, Jeanette Aquino & Diana Diaz-Torres

Scholars Christina Rivas (2008) & Areta Gjicali (2010)

Quick Pay Option for Donations & Payment for Activities

GREAT NEWS:

We have created a Quick Pay account for our CHASE bank donors.  If you want to donate or pay for an event, you can now do Quick Pay via CHASE account.  It is an easy and fast option.  Just use our email address: SMBS2010@aol.com.  

Of course, you can still have the option to pay via check or money order made out to The S.M.B.S. Inc. or The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship Inc., mailed to P.O. Box 370153, Brooklyn, New York 11237.

Thank you!!!

Invitation to SMBS Dinner Dance Fundraiser Sat., Feb. 4, 2012

Please join us to celebrate life and love, and help us raise funds for wonderful scholarship that help inner city kids seek higher education. Get a chance to meet Steph's family, first scholarship recepient and the board members.

It is not to late to purchase your tickets for the dinner/dance fundraiser on February 4th. Tickets are being sold as we speak. Tickets can be purchased from any of our board members. You can also contact the organizational email at SMBS2010@aol.com.

It will be an unforgettable funfilled event at the classy Dance Club International catering hall.

Event info:

THE STEPHANIE MARIE BURGOS SCHOLARSHIP DINNER DANCE

Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m. – 12 Midnight
Dance Club International

7547 Metropolitan Ave,

Middle Village, New York

718-326-2121

TICKETS $60 PER PERSON

Please come out and support the S.M.B.S.’s First Annual Pre-Valentine Dance Fundraiser. We are going to celebrate life and love in Stephanie’s honor. A portion of your ticket will be donated to the organization’s scholarship.

The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, Inc., P.O. Box 370153, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Contact: Email: SMBS2010@aol.com