$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes award for local student

A local student will continue their education this fall with the help of Smith Haven Mall and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF).

Antionette Timmerman (second from left) of Rocky Point, has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between Smith Haven Mall and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth. Along with her family, Timmerman accepted an oversized check recognizing her achievement, presented by Smith Haven Mall General Manager Christopher Brivio (right), during a recent ceremony held at the center.

Timmerman is a recent graduate of Rocky Point High School who exemplified herself through academic excellence, leadership skills and participation in both school and community activities. In the fall she plans to study childhood special education and theatre at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York.

Throughout high school, Timmerman completed nine advanced placement classes while maintaining an overall weighted grade point average of 101, placing her as number 10 in the graduating class. She has received numerous awards including the Principal’s Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and AP Scholar with Honor Award. Timmerman was active in school activities such as National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Tech Crew, Talent Show, Interact, Peer Networking, Big Buddy Little Buddy, and Students Against Destructive Decisions Club. In her free time, she volunteered for organizations and charitable initiatives including Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Christmas Adopt-A-Family, Red Ribbon Week-Drug Awareness, Town of Brookhaven Beach Clean Up and Thanksgiving meals for the homeless. In addition to her community involvement, Timmerman teaches religion, tutors younger students and volunteers at blood drives.

“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” commented Brivio.

Simon Youth Scholarships are awarded annually to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon® property. This year, approximately $1.1 million will be awarded.

“Simon Youth Community Scholarships reward academic excellence across the country and help students to continue their education,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF. “Financial concerns should never be the reason preventing a child from pursuing their dreams.”