Montclair State Accepts Quintuplets

From Montclair State University:

February 3, 2020

For many college-bound seniors, worries about paying tuition can temper the joy of being accepted. For the Povolo quintuplets of Totowa, New Jersey, those worries were multiplied by five.

But that anxiety was alleviated when Montclair State not only accepted all five of the Povolo quintuplets — Victoria, Masha, Ashley, Michael and Marcus — but also invited them to attend as Presidential Scholars, a program that rewards high-achieving in-state students with scholarships and additional academic, cultural, research-driven and career-focused activities.

In a surprise reveal at Passaic Valley High School on Monday, Feb. 3, the University further sweetened the offer with grants and other merit awards, ensuring that all tuition and fees will be covered if they decide to attend.

The proud parents were visibly moved and relieved. “Your world can change in a moment,” Silvia Povolo reflected.

Passaic Valley High School counselor, Diana L. Pasquariello, helped Montclair State pull off the surprise after the first-born quint, Victoria Povolo, took the initiative in exploring financial aid options.

The quints and their unsuspecting parents were scheduled to meet with the guidance staff under the guise of exploring ways to pay for college. When they arrived, they were greeted by the University’s mascot Rocky with a giant replica check made payable for five higher educations.

Supplementing the scholarship with grants, the financial assistance offer from Montclair State could be valued in excess of $250,000 over four years.

As the Povolos continue to weigh their college options, Montclair State’s offer lifts a financial burden that has long concerned the family, Paolo Povolo said.

“We worried about that a lot. Will we have to refinance the house? How much aid can we get?” he said. “The last several months while they were applying to college have been so stressful.”

Silvia Povolo reacts as the family learns that not only has Montclair State accepted all five of her children, but that their high grades and achievements have earned them generous scholarships that cover tuition and fees.

The Povolo quintuplets, first-generation Americans, have been making news since the day they were born on the Fourth of July, 2002. A local newspaper dubbed them “Five Little Firecrackers” on their first birthday. When they turned 7, they shared their thoughts about the Independence Day displays. “We know they’re not for us, but we like them anyway.”

Now, on the threshold of fulfilling their dream of going to college, the Povolo quintuplets are once again in the spotlight as they ponder their choices, which are plentiful because of their outstanding academic achievements and participation in sports and clubs.

“As equally wonderful as they are, they are also equally different in their interests and strengths,” said Pasquariello, their school counselor.

Victoria wants to be a forensic pathologist. Masha will study political science and plans to be a lawyer. Ashley dreams of teaching. Michael will study nutrition and food science. Marcus wants to be an accountant.

Montclair State is high on their list as they consider taking on the college experience together, while on these separate and distinct paths.

“They were looking at different colleges, but there’s a bond that I can’t explain that is there,” their mother said. “So even though they have their own lives, at the end of the day, everybody comes home.”

The Povolo quintuplets — from left, Marcus, Ashley, Victoria, Michael and Masha — jump for joy for scholarship offers.

Finances will play a big role in any decision. “Being a quintuplet, I have always seen my parents work hard to provide for us and have food on the table, but sending us five to college isn’t going to be a very easy task,” Masha penned in his college essay. “I’m constantly worrying that we, as a family, will be in debt trying to pay off college tuition.”

Victoria has known for a couple of weeks that tuition would be covered, but couldn’t reveal the surprise to her family — even to her siblings — and that was a challenge. “I don’t think I’ve ever kept anything from them before. That was really hard,” she said.

The high school’s guidance staff and administrators, including JoAnn Cardillo, superintendent of Passaic Valley Regional High School, and Patricia Capitelli, superintendent of the Totowa School District, where the Povolos attended grades K-8, and University officials attended the heartwarming surprise.

“The burden of a family sending five children to college at the same time is extraordinary,” said James Anderson, Montclair State’s director of Financial Aid. “We were happy to have made this a possibility for the Povolo family.”

As Presidential Scholars, the financial rewards — valued each at $20,000 over four years of study — go hand-in-hand with meaningful academic experiences, including access to alumni mentors and internships, spring break community service, lectures and research opportunities.

“The Povolos are exactly the type of students we had in mind when the University began offering this generous financial support to New Jersey’s most ambitious and determined students,” said Jeff Gant, director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren

Jeff Gant, left, director of Undergraduate Admissions, and the Montclair State mascot Rocky, congratulate the Povolo quintuplets, from left, Marcus, Victoria, Masha, Michael and Ashley, and their parents Silvia and Paolo Povolo.

This press release was produced by Montclair State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.