ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York – For the past 35 years, Down to Earth Living in Pomona, New York has been providing scholarships to North Rockland High School graduates. This year’s recipients of the $500 awards are Giuliana Leone, Sarina Neset and Jaden Quezada.

Jaden Quezada
An honors student, Jaden intends to study finance at the University of Florida this fall. He is a three-sport athlete, having played Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, and Baseball. He was also active in VAASA, ASPIRA, Key Club, and Math League, and volunteered with Rockland Cleanup, food drives, and youth basketball clinics.

Sarina Neset
Sarina will attend SUNY Fredonia this fall to study Musical Theatre. At North Rockland, she served as a cast representative for the Drama Society and was active in the Italian Club, Chamber Choir, and Writers Club. Sarina has performed in community theatre for 14 years and volunteers with Smiles for Miles. She was selected as one of 600 students from 10 northeastern states to perform Alto I in the NAfME All-Eastern Treble Choir during the 2024 Eastern Division Conference in Hartford, Connecticut.

Giuliana Leone
Giuliana, Salutatorian of North Rockland’s Class of 2025, will attend Clemson University to major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Sports Communications. She served as Class Vice President, President of the Women in Engineering Club, and Secretary of the Tech Honor Society. A member of Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse and the field hockey team, Giuliana also volunteered at EMT practicals, STEM nights, and youth clinics.

“Down to Earth is delighted to provide three deserving students with an award that will help them continue on their path toward their futures. Helping young people in our community realize their dreams is an important part of the Down to Earth mission,” stated Risa Hoag, spokesperson for the company.

Down to Earth Living staff use five criteria to determine the winners each year. First and foremost is academic performance which is based upon GPA and other available test scores, followed by participation in extracurricular activities, applications and club memberships, and community service. A topical essay is also required to demonstrate the student’s ability to communicate, and the student must also show the specific goal-directed activities taken toward achieving his or her future career. Financial need is also taken into consideration.