E-mail this pageMeet Our Fall 2009 Presidential Scholars
45% of SUNY Plattsburgh freshmen receive merit scholarships, but our Presidential Scholars are the cream of the crop. For the Fall 2009 semester, 10 of our best students were selected to receive this prestigious, full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. Here are a few of their stories:
Katie Booth
Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY
High School: Plattsburgh Senior High School
Major: Art
Extracurricular Activities: Biking, Guitar, Tennis, Fun
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh because going here will give me the opportunity to explore all of my interests. Since my education will be affordable and will provide me with a strong liberal arts background, I'll be able to study abroad and take courses outside of my major.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Traveling in high school definitely opened my eyes to what the world has to offer, and more importantly, to my potential as a person. I learned to leave my comfort zone, take risks, and connect with people who were different from me.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited to be able to study material that not only interests me, but also drives me. The only thing I'm nervous about is figuring out what to do with the rest of my life after college!
What are your career aspirations after college?
I would love to work as a designer or in any field that lets me be creative. At this point, I have no idea where my life will take me! It's an open book!
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I would like to study abroad for a semester, and then pursue an internship with a design or advertising firm.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
My bike. It's the fastest way to get down Rugar Street and it would save me from having to find a parking spot before class!
Courtney Rabideau
Hometown: Glenville, NY
High School: Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School
Major: Nursing
Extracurricular Activities: Symphonic Band, Art Club, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Peer Leader: Too Good for Drugs Middle School Program, R.O.C.K. (Reach Out and Connect with Kids), Hand-In-Hand, Spanish Club, Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball, Lakeside Volleyball Club
Awards/Honors: 3rd Degree Black Belt, High Honor Roll, Academic High Honors Award, National Honor Society, NYS Math and Science Honor Societies, National Society of High School Scholars, President's Award for Educational Excellence, Julia O. Wells Memorial Scholarship, New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit, Hugh T. Farley Certificate of Merit
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because of the Nursing program and the college's location. I love the Adirondacks and I camp there every summer with my family. I felt so welcomed when I came for my visit; everyone seemed so friendly.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
After camping in the Adirondacks every summer, I have gained a strong respect and love for preservation and nature.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
What excites me about college are the same things that make me nervous about college. I am excited about being on my own and meeting so many new people, but at the same time, I'm nervous about leaving everything that I know.
What are your career aspirations after college?
I'll be graduating with my BSN, so I could go into the work force. However, I am thinking of furthering my education and becoming an anesthesiologist.
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I am looking for new experiences in the Adirondacks and more importantly, in the nursing field. I am looking forward to working inside a hospital and learning how to help people.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
If I could bring only one item to camps with me this fall it would be my digital camera. It has pictures of my family and friends who I am very close with. I would feel like they're with me and remember how much they love me. Also, I can take pictures of all the new and exciting memories I'm making at Plattsburgh. I can capture a moment in time with one photo.
Brian Drollette
Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY
High School: Beekmantown Central School
Major: Environmental Science and Spanish
Extracurricular: Running, biking, camping, hiking
Awards/Honors: Board of Regents Scholarship, Student Council Scholarship
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because of the highly respected Center for Earth and Environmental Science.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
I had the opportunity to coordinate and run a Model United Nations Conference at my school during my senior year. It was really frustrating but it went very well and I learned a lot about all of the time and effort that goes into planning events.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited to be living on my own, and doing what I want when I want! But, I'm nervous to start my classes.
What are your career aspirations after college?
After college, I hope to have a job with the Department of Environmental Conservation and work outside all day long!
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I'm really looking forward to hands-on field work outdoors at the Miner Institute, with the Lake Champlain Research Institute, and with faculty members.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
If I could bring one item to college, it would be my road bike. I love going for long rides where I'm able to forget about everything for a few hours and just enjoy myself.
Leah Fertig
Hometown: Matawan, NJ
High School: Matawan Regional High School
Major: Environmental Science
Extracurricular Activities: Amnesty International, Safe Space Club
Awards/Honors: I am a member of the National Honor Society, the Foreign Language Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, and the Science Honor Society. I also received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Leadership
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
When I came up to Plattsburgh for the Scholar's Weekend, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and was able to clearly and happily picture myself living there. Not to mention, the surroundings are breathtaking.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
During the fall of my senior year of high school, I got into a car accident with a school bus. While that was not a particularly pleasant experience, it was definitely memorable and had a very significant influence on my outlook not only as a driver, but as a human being. I've learned how quickly devastating things can happen and that you need to look out for yourself and anticipate the actions of others so that you are better prepared to deal with them.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited to learn about and explore a new corner of the world and meet people. However, I am nervous to leave the familiarity of home.
What are your career aspirations after college?
While I cannot say exactly what job I intend to get after college, I can say that it will be something that deals with the care taking of the Earth and its inhabitants.
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I'm really looking forward to getting my hands dirty and exploring all that beautiful upstate New York has to offer me. With the mountains and lakes around campus and a river that runs through campus, I know I'll have some great places to do research!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
My apple tree! This will be the first apple season that I won't be home to pick apples and make apple sauce. And while it saddens me greatly, I know that New York has plenty of apple orchards for me to choose from to help ease the transition.
Jamila Hinton
Hometown: Jamaica, NY
High School: Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School
Major: Sociology
Extracurricular Activities: Liturgical Dance, Babysitter, Social Wellness Club
Awards/Honors: Honor Roll
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh immediately after visiting! I realized that I loved the community feel that both the students and classes had to offer. After going to such a small school for high school, it was the ideal middle ground!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
One experience that stays with me is the day my friends finally convinced me to go on a roller coaster. I am terrified of both roller coasters and heights so it took a lot of courage for me to do it. I actually had fun and I realized that sometimes fear only blocks you from unrealized happiness.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm most excited about living on my own with my mother six hours away! However, I'm most nervous about whether or not I'm responsible enough to survive with my mother six hours away!
What are your career aspirations after college?
Right now, social work is my number one choice for a career after college. But, I still have a lot of time to decide.
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I can't pick just one! I want to experience everything the college has to offer!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I'd bring my iPod. It has all of my favorite music and movies on it and it helps me unwind after a stressful day.
Diana Gaston
Hometown: Rochester, NY
High School: Pittsford Sutherland High School
Major: Environmental Studies
Extracurricular Activities: Ski Club, French Club, National Honor Society
Awards/Honors: High Honor Roll, PTSA Character Development Award, Business & Marketing Honors Society, French National Contest winner, Financial Literacy Recognition Award
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
SUNY Plattsburgh was the last of many college campuses that I visited and the first thing that made Plattsburgh stand out from rest was the friendly atmosphere. Other colleges seemed more interested in getting your tuition payments than receiving you as a student. Plattsburgh was definitely the kind of welcoming community I had always envisioned myself in.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
When I traveled to France for a foreign exchange program in my sophomore year of high school, I was immersed in a new and exciting culture that I had previously known only through textbooks. I made lots of international friends with whom I am still in contact today and look forward to studying abroad again. I'm thinking France or another European country for my next trip.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
The most exciting aspect of college for me is moving away from home. Having lived in the same town for all 18 years of my life, I look forward to starting over somewhere new and making new friends. At first, the idea of being the only student in my graduating class to attend Plattsburgh made me a little nervous, but after meeting some great friends at orientation, I realized I would do just fine on my own.
What are your career aspirations after college?
After taking a course in Environmental Science my junior year, I decided that my passion lay in the study of our natural environment. I'm not sure exactly what career I'll pursue, but by taking different classes and working towards completing my major, I hope to find a specialized area of Environmental Studies that I'm particularly interested in.
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
During the academic advisement portion of orientation, I learned that there are many internships in Canada and Quebec available to students. As a French student, as well as an Environmental Studies major, an opportunity like this would be an invaluable experience.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I'd have to say my snowboard. Not only is snowboarding great exercise, it's a fun way to spend time with friends, or just reflect and think. If you were ever to ask me, “What would you rather be doing right now?" I can guarantee the answer would be hitting the slopes!
Gwyneth Hyland
Hometown: Oneonta, NY
High School: Oneonta High School
Major: Environmental Science
Extracurricular Activities: Drama club, jazz band, jazz choir, environmental club, game club
Awards/Honors: Honor Roll, DAR Good Citizen Award, Area All-state Band
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh because it has a fabulous environmental science program and I really liked the location. It is in close proximity to cities like Burlington and Montreal. It's a beautiful area!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
During the latter half of my senior year, our school's Envirothon team won Regionals against thirteen other teams and went to states. None of us thought that we would do that well, but we ended up coming in eighth overall. It was really great to do something I'm passionate about and that pertains to my major in such a significant way.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm really excited for the overall college experience, especially for the chance to live independently. Nothing I can think of at the moment makes me really nervous - I'm definitely more in a permanent state of nervous excitement!
What are your career aspirations after college?
I hope to somehow combine my love for the environment and my love for writing.
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I really like the idea of spending a semester at the Miner Institute my senior year. The chance to live there and get hands-on environmental science experience with professors is great!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
Definitely my iPod. I'm a very musically-oriented person and I don't think I could survive without it!
Kate Pais
Hometown: Latham, NY
High School: Shaker High School
Major: Art Studio and English
Extracurricular Activities: Visions Literary Magazine, Ceramics Club, Creative Writing Club, Theater, Speech and Debate, English Council
Awards/Honors: National Honors Society, Honor Roll
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
It was really the only choice for me. I had been toying with the idea of double majoring and Plattsburgh excelled in all the programs that I was interested in. When I stepped on the campus and walked around, it felt so comfortable that I knew I had found my home.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
My high school has a five-year art sequence that you can start in the eighth grade, which I have completed. It was so influential; working with roughly the same group of kids, getting well-thought critiques, and developing a style was both educational and an incredible bonding experience. I could not give it enough praise if I tried!
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
Everything! I want to meet new people and really take courses in subjects I am truly passionate about. It's my first time really away from home and meeting new people, and the workload can only get more hectic I'm sure! But I can't express how ready and excited I am to take on all of it.
What are your career aspirations after college?
Fortunately, college is where you figure out what exactly you want to do. I don't have any solid career plans yet, maybe a practicing artist, or art director, or magazine editor... who knows!
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
Because I don't have a specific profession in mind yet, I am looking forward to taking on any internship I can get at Plattsburgh and in other nearby areas. It's all about trying on roles and seeing what can really fit for you.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
My camera, for sure! Not only does it cover my photographic art needs, but I can capture the moments with my friends and really just goof around and have a good time!
Emma Puglisi
Hometown: Port Washington, NY
High School: Paul D. Schreiber High School
Major: Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management (HRTM)
Extracurricular Activities: Field Hockey, Stage Crew, Cooking Team, Senior Class Club, Yearbook, and National Honor Society
Awards/Honors: Principal's Honor Roll, Presidential Award for Academic Excellence
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I love the area! It is such a change of scenery for me, which I am very excited about. I think the part that had the biggest influence on me was how friendly everyone was on campus.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am most excited about meeting new people and for the new challenges that lay ahead. I am most nervous about being away from home. I know that I can take care of myself, but I know I will miss my family and friends.
What are your career aspirations after college?
I am planning on going on to graduate school to get my Masters. I would love to work at Disney World after I graduate. It is one of my favorite places and I would love nothing more than be an employee!
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I am looking forward to being able to work at Samuel D's as part of a mandatory hands-on learning experience through my HRT major. I also hope to have the chance to intern at Walt Disney World in one of their hotels as past Plattsburgh students have done.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I would bring my iPod. It has all of my music, which I could not live without. My music is a very true representation of who I am. There are certain songs that remind me of memories and people that are very important to me.
Roxanne Brault
Hometown: Newport Center, Vermont
High School: North Country Union High School (NCUHS)
Major: Art Studio
Extracurricular Activities: I enjoy art, writing, reading, camping, and being outdoors
Awards/Honors: Scholarship pin, highest honors, senior art award, science departmental award, Congressional Art Competition People's Choice, 2009, NCUHS People's Choice, 2007, Creative Writing Award, etc.
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I have visited only a few colleges, but when I saw Plattsburgh, I knew that it was the college for me. The professors and administrators who interviewed me for the Presidential Scholarship were very kind and seemed very pleased to meet me. They took a genuine interest in me and made me feel at home. That's exactly what I was looking for in a college!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
When I was a little girl, I was very interested in drawing ballerinas. One day, my teacher saw my drawings and decided to have a talk with my mother. She told her that I had an eye for placement and design. Though I didn't exactly know what she was talking about, the praise made me realize that if I worked hard, I could turn my passion into something the world would be interested in.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
It's very simple. I'm excited to be challenged and ready to improve myself, but I'm very scared to leave my twin sister and my family.
What are your career aspirations after college?
I hope to enter into an artistic career path. I want to enjoy my work, because I believe money counts for nothing if you don't enjoy what you are doing.
What type of hands-on experiences or internships are you looking forward to pursuing at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I cannot wait to be in a real art studio. I have never done a live figure study before, so that will be very exciting!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I would bring my sketchbook. In it, there are picture of my family and friends, my animals, and my creations; things that come from my imagination!
Contact Information
For more information about scholarships at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Richard Higgins, Director of Admissions
Plattsburgh State
101 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-2040
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012
Fax: (518) 564-2045
E-mail: admissions@plattsburgh.edu