Celebrating Freeporters' college successes

Since Jan. 3, the Herald has received the names of eight Freeport students who were honored recently for excellence in their college work. One student, Dezarae Hall, responded to a request to speak about herself and why she made the Dean’s List at the College of Saint Rose in Albany for the Fall 2021 semester. We offer brief profiles of the others below her.

Herald: Dezarae, what year are you in college?

Dezarae: I’m a third-year student, graduating class of 2023. I major in psychology, with a concentration in clinical counseling and a minor in social work.

Herald: Why did you choose the College of Saint Rose, a private Catholic college in Albany?

Dezarae: I've never been a big fan of change, so I was super-nervous to go away for college. I loved all of my friends and family back home and wished that I could just bring everyone with me to keep everything the same. When looking at colleges, I was desperately searching for that familiar, warm, comfortable, cozy feeling that being back home brought me. … After my first campus visit, I knew that I had finally found the right place to call home. I loved the atmosphere, the people and everything Saint Rose had to offer. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

Herald: What is it like to know you made it to the Dean’s List?

Dezarae: It feels like I've truly made it. All of my hard work, time and effort are paying off. I’m doing all the right things and just need to continue down this path. College isn't the easiest at times, but this proves to me that despite the obstacles I may have to face, I can still rise to the top in the end when I continue to try my very best no matter what.

Herald: You graduated from Freeport High School. How do you think the Freeport School District prepared you for college?

Dezarae: I feel like Freeport schools have given me all the tools I needed to begin preparing for the next stage in my life. School is where I first really began unlocking my true passion for psychology. … I remember in 10th grade, I took my first psychology class just as an elective and I was hooked. … By the completion of senior year, I had taken psychology, [Advanced Placement] psychology and sociology. I feel those courses really helped realign me to my future path of pursuing my true passion.

Freeport teachers, alongside my parents, of course, have also helped set the foundation for my future success. There was always encouragement to always try your best and to strive to reach all your hopes and dreams. Whenever it was possible, in any way they possibly could, Freeport schools would provide countless resources and opportunities in hopes to aid its children of tomorrow in terms of future growth and prosperity, both academically and inwardly. I loved that the teachers always found ways to keep their students involved, promote the creation of new connections with others and stimulate academic as well as personal growth.

Tobias Hall

Tobias Hall was recently congratulated by Zvi Szafran, president of the State University of New York at Canton. Hall, a game design and development major, was one of 600 students this past fall to earn a spot on the President's List, which recognizes full-time students who achieve a 3.75 or higher grade point average.

"You are among the students who have earned top honors at SUNY Canton," Szafran said. "I hope that you take great pride in this impressive achievement."

Yasmin Kadir

 Yasmin Kadir was recently initiated into the University at Albany Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, which welcomed 626 new members from 23 universities in December.

Members must be sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate or professional students in the top 35 percent of their class, demonstrate leadership in at least one of ODK’s Five Pillars of Campus Life and embrace the ODK ideals. Less than than 5 percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

The Five Pillars are academics and research, athletics, service to campus and community, communications, and creative and performing arts.

Christina Morris

Christina Morris was recently named to the President's List at SUNY Potsdam. Morris, a musical studies major, was among 887 Potsdam students who were honored for academic excellence in the Fall 2021 semester. To achieve a place on the President's List, a student must take 12 credits and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Elizabeth Negron and Catherine Nunez 

SUNY Canton recently recognized Elizabeth Negron, a health care management major, and Catherine Nunez, a finance major, for academic excellence during the Fall 2021 semester. Negron and Nunez were among more than 200 part-time SUNY Canton students who earned a 3.25 GPA while taking six to 11 course credits.

Jonathan Puente

Jonathan Puente was named to the Chancellor's List at Troy University for Fall Semester/Term 2 of the  2021-2022 academic year. The Chancellor's List honors full-time undergraduate students who take at least 12  credits and earn a 4.0 GPA.

Jennifer Ramos Abreu 

Jeniffer Ramos Abreu, a Buffalo State College criminal justice major, was named to the Fall 2021 Dean's List. Students must complete at least 12 credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher.