Student Spotlights

Sofia P. Corsico-Sanchez ’22

One of Notre Dame’s core values is service to others, and all students Chez Nous give of their time and talents to the school and their local communities. The social outreach of one such student, Sofia P. Corsico-Sanchez ’22, caught the attention of the Imagine Society, an organization dedicated to the development of future service leaders and recognizing students who make a difference.

For several years, Sofia has volunteered at her church’s food pantry. Ascension Church on 107th street is a vibrant parish with an extremely active food pantry run by the youth. Their goal is the collection of foods of all kinds from parishioners, especially canned fruits, canned tuna and chicken, boxes of pasta, cereal and packages of dried rice.

These students then organize the nonperishables for distribution on the third Saturday of each month. Sofia has been an active participant

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in the Food Pantry for the past three years and has been deeply impacted by what she has seen. Wanting to hear her perspective, The Imagine Society asked her to share her thoughts, and her article was published in the Imagine Society’s Newsletter in June.

Sofia has made a difference for others with her compassionate outreach, and ND is proud of her living the mission of the school. Nicely done, Sofia!

Laura De Los Santos ’20

The annual Dominican Day Parade is a brilliant showcase of numerous artistic talents and cultural pride. Even though it was virtual this year, the excitement was still high, especially for the Dominican Day Parade Scholarship Finalists. The Dominican Day Parade Scholarship Program offers $100,000 in scholarship monies. With a pool of more than four hundred applicants, the competition is tough.

One of these remarkable students chosen as a finalist was Laura De Los Santos, a 2020 graduate from Notre Dame. She is currently attending Binghamton University where she plans to study biomedical engineering.

“Being selected as a finalist means that here are a group of Dominicans, who see your potential, and they want to support you on your career path,” Laura said. “It's nice to know that there are people who believe in you.”

Notre Dame certainly believes in Laura and looks forward to seeing the successes in store for her in college and beyond. Editor’s Note: We recently received the news that Laura was awarded the scholarship. Congratulations!

Avelicia Doster-Schellenbaum ’22

With the pandemic and the social unrest, this past year has been filled with challenges, fears, and sorrows for everyone. Those who ventured out into the streets of NYC last spring found shuttered buildings and vacant storefronts, adding to the sadness people were feeling. Ava Doster ’22 and her mother Eileen decided to do something about it. Last June, they were part of a beautification project, painting murals on boarded up facades throughout the city. The colorful work of art they created was at the Bowery Bar and Grill on 4th St and Bowery. Their positive actions provided cheer and motivation for all those who encountered it, giving the artists a sense of satisfaction during a challenging time.

Jillian Lewis ’20

Notre Dame empowers all students to find their voices and use them. The school offers opportunities on campus for students to develop confidence and learn leadership skills, as they collaborate on social justice and community service projects, and the results are amazing. What is more impressive, however, is when the students take their voices and the actions to the world at large. Jillian Lewis ’20, is one such voice. In April, as the pandemic reached its peak, and fear and uncertainly were pervasive, people were searching for answers, especially the youth. As a means to dialogue, Global Kids scheduled a special virtual panel discussion on how these children are coping with the pandemic crisis. Global Kids is an organization that develops youth leaders through dynamic global education and leadership development programs. Begun in 1989, it works with more than 20 schools in NYC, including Notre Dame. Jillian, who has been a member of Global Kids for many years, was asked to be on this special panel. Jillian represented her school well as she expressed herself thoughtfully and articulately. She stated that it should not have taken a pandemic for people to realize the needs of some of the world’s populations, especially the more vulnerable ones. Each person, including the youth, can play a role in making a difference in any small way.

Notre Dame is proud of Jillian’s outreach and her important message, and knows that she will continue using her powerful voice in in the future.