Senior Vincenza Garofalo Chooses Nova Southeastern

Vincenza Garofalo is a decisive young woman. The Huntington High School senior isn’t prone to making emotional or rash decisions. Instead, she probes, researches, questions and reflects. When she applied all of that to choosing a college, one name kept coming up: Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

“I had originally seen Nova Southeastern University at one of the college fairs during my junior year and I immediately wanted to tour the campus just because of the palm trees that were on the front of the pamphlet,” Ms. Garofalo said. “I researched more about the school and learned that they have a prestigious business and entrepreneurship program. The campus is gorgeous and I knew it was the perfect place for me to spend the next four years. My major is finance and I am very excited to start this next chapter in my life.”

“Actively engaged” is a good phrase to describe the senior. She follows through on commitments and contributes in one way or another to every club, team and organization she joins.

“My plan is to go into the field of wealth management and financial planning,” Ms. Garofalo said. “I was always really good at math growing up, and it wasn't until my tenth grade year where I had an interest in finance. This was due to Mr. [Bryan] Outsen’s Career and Financial Management class that I had taken. My mom always taught me to save my money and invest it in the right places and I'm hoping I can help others do the same!”

Ms. Garofalo has a wonderful sense of humor and she has enough confidence that she can laugh at herself, too. She is widely regarded as a valued and loyal friend.

“To be honest, I’ve had a wonderful experience at Huntington High School,” Ms. Garofalo said. “I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime, whether it’s through sports, clubs or school events. My teachers have always been very supportive of me and everything that I do. Some teachers that have been by my side for the past four years are Mrs. [Ayallah] Jeddah, Ms. [Suzi] Biagi, Mrs. [Paige] Furman and Mr. Outsen.”

Her teachers and friends expect Ms. Garofalo to dive right into life at Nova Southeastern, participating in just above every aspect of the university.

“I’ve been involved in many activities throughout my four years and all of them have left an impression on me,” Ms. Garofalo said. “I’ve played varsity tennis, coached by Jamie Fishlow and he always taught me to persevere in whatever I do. I also play varsity golf, where I have been able to try new things and ultimately end up on the starting team this year. I’ve been in student government for the past three years, which truly inspired me to continue to help my community.”

A three year member of Huntington’s vaunted mock trial program, Ms. Garofalo will always cherish her participation on the team. “I’ve made my best friends through this program and loved every moment of it,” the senior said. “My advisors, Mr. [Xavier] Palacios, Mr. [Don] Savatta, Mr. Outsen and Ms. Biagi have all inspired me to stand up for what I believe in and taught me very good time management skills.”

With less than three months remaining prior to commencement, Ms. Garofalo is making every day count.