Scholarship Recipients

2019 Scholarship Recipients

Virginia Lewis (Spring and Fall Semesters) – I am an Education Major, and because of your gift to UWF I was able to pay my student fees and purchase all of my required textbooks for the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters. I attend UWF as an online student. I live in Jacksonville, Florida and I work at a local high school with students that have disabilities. Your gift has tremendously helped me. …I want to express my gratitude for your gift to UWF and for helping to make my dream of attending college possible. 

Hanna Moreno (Fall Semester) 

I am an Elementary Education graduate and currently teaching 4th grade in Suwannee County, FL. Because of her gift to UWF I was able to pay my student fees and purchase books for the Fall 2018 semester. UWF is the best option for me because of their flexible courses, online opportunities, and student-professor report. Because of your gift I have been able to stay in my hometown and attend UWF classes. Thank you so much for your generous gift and for helping make a passion into a reality, without which I would not have been able to attend UWF in Fall of 2018.

2018 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Stormy C. Robbins 

Destinee T. Merkison

Virginia Lewis

Hanna M. Moreno – This semester, I have had the opportunity to intern full time in a local elementary school, in order to gain experience and further my skills as an educator. Due to my full-time interning obligations, I have been unable to work or earn any form of income. This scholarship has alleviated the financial stress of taking out a student loan and has helped me focus more on my duties in the classroom. This scholarship has impacted my last semester and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Becoming an educator is and always has been a dream of mine. Because of scholarships like The Beverly and Jennifer Acierno Special Education Scholarship, I am able to reach my dreams and accomplish my goals of becoming an educator.  ~ Hanna Moreno, Class of 2018

2015 – 16 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Brittany Piper received the first Acierno Scholarship in 2015. Read here about her studies and how the scholarship assisted her in reaching her educational goals. Brittany Piper Report Fall 2015 (1)

Madeline Pitt received a scholarship in 2016. She is a junior studying education. The scholarship helped her pay for one of many certification exams required for her degree.

College is almost always a tough time monetarily for students. With my being on the swim team, it is impossible for me to hold down a job while attending classes, going to nine practices a week, and performing in competitions. Due to this, I rely a lot on the scholarships I get to help me pay for my studies. This scholarship came at time when I particularly needed financial assistance. Because I am a junior in the Education program, I am taking many of my certification exams so that I can begin my student teaching. These exams are very expensive, ranging from $150-$200 for each attempt. This scholarship allowed me to save enough money on my tuition for me to begin taking my exams. I have passed one and only have two more to go. Without this scholarship, I would have had a much tougher time saving up the money to pay for the exams. I greatly appreciate everything it has done for my academics. Thanks,  Madeline Pitt

Brooke Hopkins was our third scholarship supported student. During the summer of 2016, Brooke used the scholarship to pay for her books. There is little scholarship support for students during summer semesters so this support was important for her goals.

I am forever grateful to have received the Beverly and Jennifer Acierno Special Education Scholarship for the Summer of 2016. Taking summer classes is never easy because there is no specific financial aid during that term. Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to buy the textbooks necessary for my classes. I am so thankful for this scholarship and I hope one day I am able to give to others just as the Beverly and Jennifer Acierno Special Education Scholarship gave to me. ~ Thank you again, and happy holidays! ~ Brooke Hopkins

2017-18 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Destinee Merkison –

In 2017-18, four students were awarded Acierno Scholarships. Here is how Destinee Merkison used hers to advance her studies to teach students diagnosed with Autism.

“I cannot express how thankful I am that they chose me for this scholarship. With this scholarship, I have been able to pay for the Exceptional Student Education certification test. I have also been able to buy textbooks for my Elementary Education/Exceptional Student Education classes. I was also able to purchase informational books that will help enhance my ability to teach students on the Autism Spectrum Disorder in the near future.” ~ Destinee Merkison

Stormy Robbins – 

“Receiving The Beverly and Jennifer Acierno Special Education Scholarship has helped me to continue working towards my goal to work with students with disabilities. This semester, I have received multiple opportunities to work with students with special needs individually, in small groups, and in the general education classroom. Without this scholarship, I may not have been able to continue my education and participate in the opportunities I have been given. I am grateful for this scholarship as it has allowed me to continue my professional development and helped me make a difference in the lives of students with special needs.”