Rochester Resident Francesca Spina Selected Experiential Learner of the Year
Francesca Spina with President Joseph G. Burke and Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President Carolanne Marquis
Francesca Spina, a resident of Rochester and senior at Nazareth Academy, is the recipient of Keuka College’s Experiential Learner of the Year Award (high school) for 2009-10.
Spina, who will receive a full academic fellowship to Keuka, was presented the award during a meeting of the Keuka College Board of Trustees Feb. 26.
Since September, the College has presented Experiential Learner of the Month Awards to high school students from across New York state. The five recipients, who all received partial academic fellowships to the College, qualified for the Experiential Learner of the Year Award. The four other monthly winners were also honored at the meeting.
Keuka, the national leader in experiential, hands-on learning, established the program to honor high school students whose commitment to experiential, hands-on learning has made a difference in their communities.
Spina was nominated for the award by Anne Graham, director of guidance at Nazareth.
“Frankie is a very strong student who has a 92 cumulative average in a very full and challenging four-year college preparatory program that includes four years of math, laboratory science, English, social studies, and Spanish,” said Graham.
A member of the NazareX2340 Robotics team for three years, Spina was elected student leader of the team this year. She is involved in student government, Golden Key Club, Service Club, and National Honor Society, as well as theatre productions, serving as assistant stage manager for Aida and stage manager for Exhibit This.
Spina also donates her time and talents to the community, including serving as a youth counselor at a summer program run by Nazareth Schools for elementary students. Graham said the experience reinforced Spina’s decision to become a teacher.
“She is patient, kind, intelligent, and has a warm personality that children can’t resist,” said Graham. “She is one of the most respected and well-liked students in her class by both students and faculty. We hold her in deep regard for she is truly a good person who has worked hard for her successes, yet remained modest about her achievements.”
The Experiential Learner of the Month Award-winner has been featured on television stations throughout central, western, and northern New York state, as well as the Southern Tier.
The participating stations include WTVH, Channel 5, Syracuse (CBS); WHAM, Channel 13, Rochester (ABC); WWNY, Channel 7, Watertown (CBS); and WBNG, Channel 12, Binghamton (CBS).
Following is a list of the monthly winners:
President Joseph G. Burke, Francesca Spina, Mackenzie Meyer, Patrick Campbell, Desiree Ford, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President Carolanne Marquis, and Dean of Admissions and Marketing Fred Hoyle at the Experiential Learner of the Year Award reception.
- September: Patrick Campbell, Avon High School
- October: Amanda Keller, Scotia-Glenville High School
- November: Francesca Spina, Nazareth Academy, Rochester
- December: Desiree Ford, Harpursville Central School
- January: Mackenzie Miller, Eastridge High School, Rochester
Congratulations to Patrick, Amanda, Francesca, Desiree, and Mackenzie. It’s refreshing to see how committed these young adults are to making a difference in their communities.
Congratulations to all the winners and especially Francesca. As a senior here at Keuka and the first recipient of the High School Experiential of the Year it has been a pleasure watching this outstanding award and fellowship program evolve and grow. Keuka is an outstanding school with great programs, faculty, staff, and students. I would like to personally welcome Patrick, Amanda, Francesca, Desiree, and Mackenzie to the Keuka family!
- Matt Connell
Keuka Class of 2010
mconnell@keuka.edu
Congratulations are in order for all of the winners. As a graduate of Keuka College and now a Graduate Studies student here, I know how important choosing a college is. I can say with complete confidence that they have chosen one of the BEST schools in Upstate New York and they deserve a huge Keuka welcome!