Rising Stars 2025
The Maverick Foundation is proud to announce the award of six new scholarships to well-rounded eighth graders who are determined to reach their full potential in all areas of life and have a passion for community service.
Gabriella Avitto, a graduate of Blessed Sacrament, will be attending Notre Dame Academy. Gabriella is a consistent honors student, a member of the Hillside Swim Team, and a player for the Cedar Stars Soccer Academy. Gabriella volunteers with the Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Staten Island Giving Circle, and with Beeping Egg Hunt for City Access. Her quote from her application is from Stevie Wonder, “We all have the ability. The difference is how we use it.”
Julianna Binetti, a graduate of Blessed Sacrament, will be attending Notre Dame Academy. Julianna is a consistent Honors Student, a player for the Manalapan Soccer Club, an after-school tutor, and player for the Manalapan Flag Football Team. Julianna created 100 Easter Baskets for children in need for Hope House. She also volunteers with the American Heart Association. Her quote from her application states, “Small actions accumulate into something larger. If you make the world a little kinder each day, you are doing something meaningful.”
Connor Gioia, a graduate of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC), will be attending Monsignor Farrell. Connor is a consistent Honors Student, a member of the Boy Scouts with Star Rank, a member of the Hillside Swim Team, Altar Server with the OLGC Parish, and a member of the OLGC Swim Team. Connor volunteers with Special Olympics and the Knights of Columbus. Connor was nominated by his school principal for the Maverick Foundation Good Citizen Award that was presented to him at his graduation noting his sincere, polite nature and willingness to help others. His hand is always raised to offer assistance. Connor’s quote from his application states, “I know the work I do to help better my community is making a difference and the feeling I get when I serve my community is a great one.”
Jack Hayden, a graduate of Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP), will be attending Monsignor Farrell. Jack is a consistent First Honors Student, a player for NY Prospects Baseball Team, and a player for the OLQP CYO Basketball Team. Jack mentors younger players for the NY Prospects Baseball Team and volunteers with the OLQP Family Association. His quote taken from his application states, “Trust in God’s plan and keep moving forward.”
Steven Ragucci, a graduate of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC), will be attending Monsignor Farrell. Steven is a consistent High Honors Student, a member of the Boy Scouts Troop 77, a player for “The Knights” Flag Football Team, a player for OLGC “Blue Knights” Soccer Team, trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and takes independent classes in Sign Language. Steven volunteers with “Wreaths across America”. His quote taken from his application states, “Hard work pays off.”
Robyn Rockfeller, a graduate of Blessed Sacrament (BS), will be attending Moore Catholic. Robyn is a consistent First Honors Student, a player for the BS Soccer Team, a player for the Cedar Stars Soccer Team, and a member of the BS Drama Club where she played the role of Maria in “The Sound of Music” and Lily in “Annie”. Robyn assists with the “Beyond Play” Children’s Program. Robyn was nominated by her school principal for the Maverick Foundation Good Citizen Award that was presented to her at her graduation noting her polite, respectful nature and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Robyn’s quote taken from her application is from Steve Covey, “Begin with the end in mind.”
Scholarship recipients are enrolled in the nationally-recognized Congressional Award and are challenged to achieve the prestigious Gold Medal by their senior year requiring a minimum of 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and 10 days of expedition/exploration. We develop mentoring relationships and inspire our rising stars to accept a challenge, believe in their ability, help others, and realize their full potential.
Please join us in congratulating our Class of 2029 Scholarship Recipients. We look forward to helping them achieve their goals and realize all of their dreams and aspirations.
Pictured in the left column from top to bottom are Connor Gioia, Jack Hayden, and Julianna Binetti while in the second column on the right from top to bottom are Gabriella Avitto, Steven Ragucci, and Robyn Rockfeller.
“The journey never ends.”
“There is always time for a greater cause.”
“Opportunity and Challenge.”
“The whole trick to life is to open your eyes and see what is going on around you.”
“To the Max!”
