Seniors Graduate from University of Success

Eighteen of high school students completed The University of Scranton’s University of Success program, a multi-year, pre-college program that is designed for high school students to develop the skills needed to successfully gain acceptance to college. One graduate will take a gap year, all the other graduates have been admitted to post-secondary schools or have enlisted in the military.

Students enter the University of Success at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their high school years. The program offers enrichment courses in study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, as well as financial aid and wellness seminars. The ultimate goal is for University of Success students to be accepted into a four-year college or university.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include AT&T Foundation, BB&T Bank, Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Medico Industries, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc., Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa C. Thomas, M.D., and Waste Management.

The following is a list of 2021 University of Success graduates, the high school they attended, and their post-high school plans.

Nicholas Alejandro of Cresco, East Stroudsburg Senior High School, plans to attend Washington and Lee University and major in biochemistry.

Rachel Batista of Scott Township, Lakeland Senior High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in communications.

Raphel Carvalho of Scranton, West Scranton High School, plans to attend Penn State, Wilkes Barre campus, and major in pre-med.

Maria Do Vale of Dickson City, Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend Temple University and major in sports medicine.

Nicholas Freeswick of Olyphant, Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend North Point Bible College and major in theology.

Nicholas Hipolto of Scranton, West Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in mathematics.

Shak’ee Hoskins of Carbondale, Carbondale High School, plans to attend King's College and major in psychology.

Kimberly Kovalcki of Scranton, Lackawanna Trail High School, plans to attend West Chester University and has not yet declared a major.

Mauri Kurcin of Olyphant, Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in communications and speech.

Wilber Lopez of Scranton, Scranton High School, has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Marisol Olivares of Covington Township, North Pocono High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in accounting.

Dev Patel of Scranton, Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and has not yet declared a major.

Haripriya Ramkissoon of Milford, Delaware Valley High School, plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in music.

Marytere Qunitana of Scranton, West Scranton High School, plans to attend Wilkes University and major in political science.

Brayan Rodriquez of Scranton, Scranton High School, has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Zi Xuan Weng of Plains, Coughlin High School, plans to attend the University of Florida and major in computer science.

Ivan Urena of Scranton, Scranton High School, plans to attend Johnson College following a gap year.

Paige Zona of Tunkhannock, Tunkhannock High School, plans to attend Marywood University and major in nursing.

For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.