Apr 2011.
“The students at New World School of the Arts view the Posse Foundation as a symbolic bridge between the high school and top tier universities” stressed Lisa Noffo, high school principal at NWSA, and assured that “Posse allows them to transition smoothly and to be identified as the diverse and highly talented group of students that present at NWSA.”
Planning a double major in International Relations and Communications, with a Nexus minor in politics and society, Maitre stated the following with regard to her future “I hope to join the Peace Corps and help people in third world countries as well as in my own. After, I hope to become a UN Ambassador. Although I do not know specifically what type of Ambassador I would like to be, I know that it will have something to do with social justice issues.” She concluded, “I hope to use my love and knowledge of languages, culture and people to help with poverty, education and equal rights issues that are so close to my heart.”
Born in Miami to a Venezuelan mother and a Swiss father, Stephanie takes pride in her upbringing and notes her unique bond in a family that values cultures, traditions and differences. Driven by what she calls “four concise words” – “think globally, act locally” – Stephanie aims to make a difference by having a positive impact on her surroundings and her community. A sentiment she has demonstrated through her commitment and more than 1,000 hours of community involvement, Stephanie has held numerous leadership positions in and outside of New World School of the Arts, earning her prestigious recognitions such as the Presidential Volunteer Scholars Award for her volunteer work at St. John Neumann Church and at the Read to Succeed Organization. At New World School of the Arts, Stephanie is the Student Government Treasurer, the Environmental Club Vice-President, the National Honor Society Co-President, and the French Honor Society President. She is also an active member of the Women of Tomorrow and the Amnesty International Club.
Principal Noffo also noted that “being selected as a Posse finalist is a once in a life time opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence with the continued support and guidance of multicultural students.” This is the second year that the Posse Foundation draws students from the Miami-Dade Public School Systems, thanks to a personal appeal made in 2009 by Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho. In 2009-2010 two students from New World School of the Arts, Gregory Almonord and Sabrina Debrosse, both visual art students of Haitian descent, also became POSSE Scholars and are currently attending Ivy League universities.
The Posse Foundation’s track-record demonstrates that underrepresented, high-achieving, self-motivating students will remain in college through graduation, at higher rates, if they can share the process with members of their own group. In other words, a posse that stays together succeeds together. Posse scholars boast a 90% graduation rate, compared to the 57% national standard rate. This means that successful completion of an undergraduate program not only improves for applicants of multicultural backgrounds but also for other ethnicities or races, including Caucasians, despite the institution’s cultural composition. Students that can rely on ready-made support groups report feeling a higher sense of worth.
A Florida center of excellence in visual and performing arts, NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative and academic development through a curriculum that reflects the rich multicultural state of Florida. With programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art, Dance, Music and Theater, NWSA offers four-year BFA and BM college degrees, and the high school diploma. Through its rigorous curriculum and conservatory-style teaching NWSA empowers its students to become leaders in the arts. New World School of the Arts was created by the Florida Legislature in 1984 as a center of excellence in the performing and visual arts. It is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College and the University of Florida.
For more information about New World School of the Arts please call 305-237-3559 or visit http://nwsa.mdc.edu/splash.html
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