A recent West Islip graduate was recently awarded a scholarship through the Simon Youth Foundation.
Jaclyn Valentine received the $1,400 Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship. The scholarship was awarded in a partnership between Smith Haven Mall and Simon Youth Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities to teens.
During her time at West Islip High School, Valentine earned academic excellence, showed leadership skills, and participated in both school and community activities. Valentine was president of DECA, adn placed first in the FBLA Tax Day Regional Competition. She plans to study accounting at CUNY Baruch College in in the fall.
Valentine was awarded during a special cermony held at Walt Whitman Shops.
“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” said Ashley Jacobsen, director of mall marketing & business development for Smith Haven Mall.
The Simon Youth Foundation awarded more than $1 million in scholarships this spring.
