Neighbor News
The Wall Business and Finance Academy Graduate 19 Students
Jillian Ludwig Scholarship Unveiled; Jeffrey Baker, Founder of Bakes Brewing Company, Delivers Impactful Speech Around Baseball & Beer.
The Wall Business and Finance Academy (WBFA), one of Wall High School’s esteemed ancillary academies, proudly graduated 19 dedicated students on Monday, May 20th, during a heartfelt ceremony that featured the unveiling of a new scholarship in memory of the late Jillian Ludwig.
Students accepted into the WBFA customize their elective choices with a focus on business and finance, committing to a rigorous curriculum that includes a minimum of 20 credits of mandatory business courses. They also must successfully complete a paid internship between their junior and senior years. Lindsay Mossa, WBFA Director, expanded on the value that business leaders and advisory board members deliver to its students: “From what should be included in a resume, how to ace an interview, or why a LinkedIn profile is so important; they also provide internship and mentorship opportunities, a privilege most often afforded to college students.”
Starting in 2024, the Academy will annually honor a graduating senior with the Jillian Ludwig Scholarship. Jillian, a 2023 WBFA graduate who tragically passed away last November while pursuing a degree in Music Business at Belmont University, was known for her hardworking nature and positive energy. Her inspirational advice from her 2023 WBFA graduation speech remains a guiding light for many:
- Stay true to yourself - we are all fantastic in our own ways.
- Work hard - hard work pays off without question.
- Enjoy every moment and do not take anything for granted … We are all very lucky for the lives we have … so enjoy it.
Jillian’s legacy will continue to inspire through this scholarship, which recognizes a WBFA student who exhibits enthusiasm, compassion, a love of music, and uses their voice to impact others. Jillian’s parents, Jessica and Matt, presented the first recipient of the Jillian Ludwig Scholarship to Alana Sabonjian.
In combination with the Jillian Ludwig Scholarship, a total of $8,750 in scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors. Michael Steitz received the Cary McCormick Scholarship, Isabella Esposito was awarded the Colleen Badecker Scholarship, and additional unnamed scholarships were awarded to Dylan Biolotta, Christopher Dailey, Nicole Hartz, Isabella Scott, and Ava Wilenta.
Additional graduates included Tyler Armenti, Ava Doria, Catherine Fischer, Jake Howlett, Boden Pepe, Dylan Pratola, William Reinhard, Matthew Remishofski, Colin Roarty, Patrick Scenna, and Brooke Surgent.
This year’s keynote speaker was Jeffrey Baker, Founder and President of Bakes Brewing Company in Wall. The brewery, which opened at the end of 2023, is the culmination of Jeff’s decade-long vision to bring a microbrewery to his hometown. His journey and love of “baseball and beer” provided the groundwork for an uncharacteristic success story that fittingly inspired the graduates as they embark on their own professional paths: “Life is going to throw you many hurdles, sometimes punches to the gut, sometimes punches to the face. Find something you love and are passionate about, and pursue it relentlessly. Never give up. Never lose faith.”
Additional speakers included WBFA Advisory Board President, Kevin Carcich; Wall High School Principal, Kevin Davis; WBFA Student Co-Presidents, Isabella Esposito and Christopher Dailey; and WBFA Assistant Director, Charles McCarthy.
The WBFA is committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the business and finance sectors, and this year’s graduation ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of its students and educators.