Ozone Park Grad Wins $3K Scholarship for Nursing Dreams

A high school graduate's years of community service just earned her a major boost toward her dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist.

Emma Fernandez of Ozone Park received the Conte Memorial Academic Scholarship worth $3,000 from the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators. She'll use it to attend New York University this fall, where she plans to pursue a career in nursing.

The St. Francis Preparatory School graduate didn't just excel in the classroom. She logged over 100 volunteer hours at Jamaica Hospital and helped organize community events like trunk-or-treats and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies through the Ozone Park and Lions Club.

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. presented Emma with an oversized check at his Woodhaven District Office on June 11. The ceremony celebrated not just her academic achievement but her commitment to helping others.

The scholarship program awards four $3,000 scholarships each year to New York students who combine academic excellence with community involvement. Students need at least an 85% GPA and must demonstrate financial need to qualify.

The Ripple Effect

Emma's volunteer work at Jamaica Hospital gave her real-world experience in healthcare while she was still in high school. Now that hands-on service is coming full circle, helping fund her education so she can return to healthcare as a professional.

Her goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a specialized nursing role that requires years of dedication and training. The scholarship takes some financial pressure off, letting her focus on the rigorous academic path ahead.

"Emma's academic excellence and community service embody the best of our district," Senator Addabbo said. "I'm sure she will be very successful."

From volunteering at holiday events to supporting hospital patients, Emma showed up for her community when it mattered, and now her community is showing up for her.