Inaugural STEM Grads on Track to Earn GCC Degree Alongside High School Diploma

Seventh Annual Talent Search for Next Class of Math and Science Scholars

Batavia, NY (02/12/2018) — Eleven extraordinary students are on track to finish high school while earning an associate degree from Genesee Community College this summer. Triton Adamski (Pembroke), Carrie Hathaway (Geneseo), Trevor Fitzgibbon (Alden), Tara Jagodzinski (Pavilion), Shaun LoVerdi (Byron-Bergen), Jacob McQueen (Attica), Taylor Nusstein (Attica), Justina Pruski (Oakfield-Alabama), Kiara Santiago (Pembroke), Chloe Schrier (Pavilion) and Nicholas Ventola (Pembroke) finished the fall 2017 semester on track to complete an associate degree shortly after they graduate from high school this summer. While all of the graduating students have performed extraordinarily well in their college courses, Triton, Carrie, Justina and Kiara have maintained perfect 4.0 averages throughout the entire multi-year Math Science Preparatory / Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (MSP/STEM) program.

Since middle school, these extraordinary students have been immersed in college level coursework, and GCC is currently inviting the next cohort of students to join the MSP/STEM program that provides this pathway to exciting opportunities.

Each year, all Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County region middle schools are invited to nominate their top 6th and 7th grade students for GCC's MSP/STEM enrichment program. The affordable two-year preparatory program was developed for the unique needs of gifted students and is staffed by GCC's full-time math and science faculty. The MSP Program offers an opportunity for middle school students to earn up to 10 college credits before they enter high school and at one-third the usual tuition cost.

Middle schools have already begun distributing invitations to students and placement testing reservations are currently underway, however, there is still time to apply. All interested parents and students are encouraged to request information about the nomination process and program through GCC's ACE Program or with their school counselor.

For more information contact: Karlyn M. Finucane, program specialist with the ACE Programs (585) 343-0055 ext. 6320 or email kmfinucane@genesee.edu. The ACE website is http://www.genesee.edu/home/ace/.

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Editor's Note: For a group photograph of the inaugural MSP/STEM graduation class go to:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/STEM_Students_Dec2017.jpg

Front row: Trevor Fitzgibbon (Alden), Carrie Hathaway (Geneseo), Justina Pruski (Oakfield-Alabama), Triton Adamski (Pembroke)

Back row: Kiara Santiago (Pembroke), Tara Jagodzinski (Pavilion), Chloe Schrier (Pavilion), Jacob McQueen (Attica), Nicholas Ventola (Pembroke)

Not pictured: Shaun LoVerdi (Byron-Bergen), Taylor Nusstein (Attica)

Media Attachments

STEM_Students_Dec2017.jpg

Front row: Trevor Fitzgibbon (Alden), Carrie Hathaway (Geneseo), Justina Pruski (Oakfield-Alabama), Triton Adamski (Pembroke) Back row: Kiara Santiago (Pembroke), Tara Jagodzinski (Pavilion), Chloe Schrier (Pavilion), Jacob McQueen (Attica), Nicholas Ventola (Pembroke) Not pictured: Shaun LoVerdi (Byron-Bergen), Taylor Nusstein (Attica)