MUSIC STUDENT DAVID FIGUEROA RECEIVES THE COVETED GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP
David Figueroa, a senior in the New World School of the Arts high school music program, was among 1,000 students nationwide to receive the 2011 Gates Millennium Scholarship award (GMS). The scholarship will provide him a full scholarship to undergraduate and graduate school as well as support for Doctoral-level studies. He began playing violin at the age of nine and has played piano for thirteen years. David currently holds the position of concertmaster in the NWSA Symphony Orchestra and plans to continue his musical career throughout college. An exceptional violinist in the Music Division, Figueroa will attend Columbia University in the fall to pursue a career in computer engineering. Other outstanding credits for David include the Google STEM Award and the Questbridge College Match Scholarship Program. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society, also holding a leadership position in the Math Honor Society.
THE POSSE FOUNDATION SELECTS MUSIC STUDENT AS A 2011 SCHOLAR
New World School of the Arts’ high school senior Stephanie Maitre, 2011 POSSE Foundation scholar, will attend Mount Holyoke College on a scholarship offered by the POSSE Foundation. Planning a double major in International Relations and Communications, with a Nexus minor in politics and society, the 18-year old vocalist was born in Miami to Venezuelan mother and Swiss father. She takes pride in her upbringing, noting her unique bond in a family that values cultures, traditions and differences. 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 NWSA, earning her prestigious recognitions such as the Presidential Volunteer Scholars Award. Stephanie is the NWSA 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.
ALUM RUSSELL THOMAS PERFORMS FOR ORCHESTRA MIAMI
A star of the Metropolitan opera and stages around the world, Tenor Russell Thomas will offer a solo vocal recital with Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi. Russell Thomas will be interpreting classic works by Beethoven, Griffes, Verdi, Britten and Vaughan Williams.
“NWSA is extremely proud of Russell’s incredible accomplishments as a rising opera star on the international music scene. I remember the first day of school in 1996, when Russell stood up to sing his first song in front of the whole class. He launched into a spiritual with a power and beauty, and I thought to myself, ‘Well, THAT’S a voice that can really go someplace!'” commented Richard Fleischman, one of Russell’s instructors during his time at New World School of the Arts. A native of Miami, Tenor Russell Thomas is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting vocal and dramatic talents on the international opera and concert scene, most recently as the First-Prize winner of the prestigious “Viñas Competition” in Barcelona (First Prize, Audience Favorite and Best Tenor) and at the “Competizione dell’Opera” in Dresden.
May 14; 8:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Miami
609 Brickell Avenue, Miami
Tickets at Orchestra Miami https://orchestramiami.org/Concerts&Tickets-OM.html
ATTENTION ALL ALUMNI – SAVE THE DATE!!
To celebrate the alumni that have contributed to 25 years of excellence in the arts, New World School of the Arts will be bustling with a wide range of activities during the All-Alumni Reunion, in the fall of 2011.
Look for the registration form and highlights of the alumni weekend in the coming issues of NWSA News and Updates.
More information at 305-237-3852