Faces of JFS

Jefferies Family Scholarship has had the honor of assisting hundreds of students pursue their academic goals. It is with great pride that we are able to introduce some of our current recipients.

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006


Karinne Colón

Manhattan College

     Karinne Colón is pursuing her undergraduate studies at Manhattan College with a double major of Psychology and Spanish. After completing her undergraduate work, she plans to go to law school and eventually work as a child advocacy lawyer. Always a natural leader, she graduated from the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula, where she served as student ambassador with honors and was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society. Karinne was also vice president of the Liturgy Club, the school choir which performs at school masses and events. Her strong beliefs and dedication to her religion and community, has led her to serve as lector at her parish and to help with food drives and distribution. In her spare time she loves to write poetry, sing and watch movies. She is described as a sensitive, passionate and determined young woman whose accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom. –August 2006



Rachel Fremont

University of Chicago

  Rachel Fremont is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Chicago. She plans on attending graduate school and is considering both MD and MD/PHD programs. She has spent two summers as a recipient of the Howard Hughes undergraduate research fellowship working at a lab researching topics such as the effect of neural topology changes on behavior which may have relevance as a possible model for human diseases such as epilepsy and dyslexia. Rachel presented her research at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) in 2005 and at the Society for Neuroscience in 2006. Rachel became interested in medicine in high school after her mother broke her leg in an accident. As a result, she volunteered for the local ambulance corp., and quickly tapped into a passion for helping others. She was also a member of the volleyball and fencing teams and actively participated in other school programs including the peer leadership program, the arts, school publications and student exhibition. She was a recipient of the May Sarton creative writing award and spent several summers studying Marine Biology as a participant of Johns Hopkins' science programs. In her free time Rachel has been a volunteer at the La Rabida Children's hospital helping nurses to entertain and sometimes care for children. She is described as an intelligent, caring and dedicated young woman with strong ties to her friends, family and community. –August 2006



Nicole Kameno

Sacred Heart University

  Nicole Kameno is pursuing an undergraduate degree in International Finance at John F. Welch College of Business at Sacred Heart University. An honor student, fluent in French, with a love of travel, Nicole feels the international business world is the place for her. An accomplished gymnast and a strong advocate of physical fitness, Nicole has dedicated many years to coaching a youth cheerleading squad within her community and outside of her studies, Nicole is a cheerleader for the University. Nicole is described as a bright, energetic young woman that can light up a room with her smile. –August 2006



Morgan Christine Kelly

Lynchburg College

  Morgan Christine Kelly is studying environmental science with a concentration in Hydrology at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. As a strong advocate of the environment, her goal is to work alongside oil companies, testing the quality of water at oil rig sites. Outside of her studies, Morgan is a member of the Ski and Snowboard Club, New Horizons Outdoor Club and Women's Club Lacrosse Team at Lynchburg. In high school, Morgan played on the Lacrosse Team and was active in other student activities. Morgan also interned at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation as a high school senior, where she developed her interest in environmental studies, and was an associate volunteer member for the Vista Fire Department. Morgan spent the summer of 2006 as the lighthouse keeper for the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Norwalk Seaport Association, a nonprofit organization devoted to maritime preservation and education. She is described as an intelligent and determined young woman who is as committed to achieving her goals as she is to protecting our environment. –August 2006



Matthew MacPherson

St. Francis College

  Matthew MacPherson is studying at St. Francis College, located in Brooklyn Heights, New York. He enjoys the urban atmosphere of his college and participates in his school's Newspaper with aspirations of one day becoming the sports editor. With a great passion for writing and a very busy imagination, Matthew plans on becoming a journalist, and ultimately would like to become a sports anchor. Matthew has always been a star in the classroom. He was valedictorian of his grammar school and has been a stellar honor student all throughout high school. Matthew has a great appreciation for all those who have helped him along the way. He is described as a very strong-willed young man whose love of sports and writing have always been a major part of his life. –August 2006



Alissa Moon

Raritan Valley Community College

  Alissa Moon is studying Visual Arts at Raritan Valley Community College. She developed a strong passion for and appreciation of the arts at a very young age. Her artistic talents became apparent as a child when she often spent hours perfecting various art projects, later being rewarded for her efforts with various awards and accolades as Alissa's artistic abilities matured. She realized that art was becoming for her a lifestyle that offered great comfort and empowerment in overcoming the ever growing challenges of teenage life. Alissa's skills in photography reached new heights in her senior year of high school, where she completed an AP photography class and was chosen to join the National Honor Society for the Arts. She was also an active member of the Piscataway High School Super Chief Marching band for 4 years, a member of her high school softball team, and a member of the photography club. Outside of school, she works part-time as a Nanny for 2 children ages 8 and 10. She also interned at Jefferies in the Technology department in the summer of 2006. Alissa is described as gentle-natured, outgoing and self-confident, and is enjoying her college experience and aspires to be a leading fashion photographer. –August 2006



Victor Negron III

Sussex County Community College

  Winner of the 2006 Alan Herrick Award, Victor Negron III is studying Criminal Justice at Sussex County Community College. Victor chose Sussex County because of its excellent athletic program and strong criminal justice department. He plans to transfer to a full four-year institution for his bachelor's degree and felt the transition would be much better if he went through the experience at a smaller school first. While a student at Marist High School Victor was an outstanding student-athlete. He graduated with a B average while playing four years of varsity baseball and three years on the track team. During his last two years he was the team captain of the varsity baseball team. His efforts on and off the field made him a favorite with scouts who wanted to recruit him to play baseball. Victor wants to be a U.S. Marshall in the future because he feels a duty to serve his country. Outside of school Victor is on several traveling all-star teams. Victor is described as a caring, determined and hard working young man and a true gentleman. –August 2006



Anthony Rodriguez

Florida State University

  Anthony Rodriguez is currently pursuing a master's degree in urban and regional planning at Florida State University. He received his bachelor's degree in American Studies from Rutgers College in New Jersey with a double minor in Psychology and History. Anthony's desire to understand and improve urban centers, as well as his dedication to serving the community has been the inspiration behind pursuing a career in the planning field. Outside of the classroom, Anthony enjoys reading, writing music, and traveling. He also enjoys working with children, and works part time as a reading, writing, and math tutor at Sylvan Learning Center. While at Rutgers, he volunteered as a team leader for Rutgers Orientation for incoming students. Anthony is described as an intelligent young man with a tremendous appetite for knowledge. –August 2006



Jessica Streeter

Hofstra University

  Jessica Streeter is currently pursuing a master's degree in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) at Hofstra University. Her love for children led her down this academic path and, after completing this program, she hopes to obtain an additional master's degree in special education, birth- 2nd grade. Outside of school, Jessica is working in a special education preschool in Inwood, NY. She is very involved with the community, participating in many foundation walks such as breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis. She has also helped in the hosting of an annual holiday party for the less fortunate—giving children food, gifts, and helping them enjoy the holiday. Jessica is described as warm, caring, and great fun to be with. She is always on the go, and, despite the responsibilities of school and work, she always finds time for her friends and family. –August 2006



Brittany Tyler

University of North Texas

  Brittany Tyler is majoring in Finance at University of North Texas. Math and numbers have always come easily for her, and her ability to analyze situations and weigh costs led her to this course of study. While attending North Texas, Brittany hopes to continue her passion for writing and reporting by working for the school paper and leveraging the journalism skills she cultivated through high school. Outside of school, Brittany is active in her church by assisting in retreats and youth programs. Brittany is a natural leader with a warm personality and strong work ethic. She is described as a caring and thoughtful young woman whose smile makes everyone around her feel better. –August 2006



Richard Watts

Leeds University

  Richard Watts is pursuing a BA degree in Sociology at Leeds University in the UK. He has enjoyed his time at Leeds, meeting new people and getting involved in a range of activities including playing rugby (outside centre) for a local team. He is interested in pursuing a career in law. Outside of school, he donates his time to helping people. In the summer of 2006, Richard helped at a camp for underprivileged children in Wales and worked at a holiday playscheme for underprivileged children in Bristol. He is described as very humorous, quick-witted and caring young man. –August 2006



Shanequa Wood

Penn State University

  Shanequa Wood is a graduate of Benjamin Cardozo High School and is studying Kinesiology at Penn State University. As a student athlete, she has a very busy schedule with classes, volunteer work and daily training sessions. In High School, Shanequa was a member of the Accelerated Honors Program and was nominated to appear in 'Who's Who Among American High School Students' her sophomore through senior years. In addition to academic awards, Shanequa received numerous athletic awards as a member of the nationally ranked Cardozo Girls' Track team, and Cross Country team. She has been very active in her community, combining her love of sports with her desire to give back. She enjoys volunteering at youth athletic events and mentoring younger students. Shanequa is described as a calm, level-headed and caring young woman who enjoys spending time with her family and friends and always finds time to lend a helping hand. –August 2006


2006 JAM Recipients




Paul Barndt

Columbia University

  Paul Barndt attends Columbia University in New York City, and is a winner of the 2006 Jefferies Award of Merit. With a keen interest in communication, he is both a writer and editor of the school newspaper as well as a radio host for college radio. During his seven years as a participant in Quizbowl, a form of Jeopardy for students, his team placed third two years and captured the national championship in 2002. A self-motivated scholar, Paul is eager to continue his study of languages as well as piano, while maintaining his high grade point average. Paul is described as an intelligent, hard working and focused young man. –August 2006



Daniel May

University School of Nashville

  Daniel May attends the University School of Nashville, and is a winner of the 2006 Jefferies Award of Merit. In his senior year of high school he is still undecided about where he will attend college, however his interests are clear. As first chair trombonist, he has participated in band for over 7 years. With a keen understanding of government and politics, he is an accomplished member of his school's debate team. In the summer of 2006, he attended the Debate Institute at Dartmouth College where he continued to hone his debate skills. Daniel is described as a serious student and a good- natured young man with a great sense of humor. –August 2006


Persistence always wins, never quit, be true to thy self, nothing is impossible—always bet on yourself.

Alexandra Wolles, JFS Alumni


Don't procrastinate and keep moving forward. Once you fall behind, it's hard to catch up.

Steven Cao, JFS Alumni






  • The average total cost for just one year at a private four-year college exceeds $33,000, according to CollegeBoard.com.
  • For the last two years, forty percent of JFS recipients' parents reported total family incomes under $100,000 and many of our scholarship winners are being raised by single parents.
  • Nineteen percent of Jefferies' employees make less than $75,000 per year.