Jenna Bortolotti
Milton, Massachusetts
Henry O. Peabody Scholarship, 2007-2010
Studying in Milton's Public School French Immersion program for 11 years taught me acceptance and tolerance. By training me to use my eyes & ears, the program opened my mind and introduced me to some of the world's greatest artists; Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Rembrandt. Art is in my life everyday. I am a hobbyist with a wide range of interests, an eclectic portfolio and the courage to try anything, and my passions have morphed me into an Interior Design student. In class we work on demanding projects for sustained periods of time, experimenting round the clock, working in teams, persevering through frustration, envisioning solutions.

Continuous constructive feedback has made me more comfortable accepting criticism, praise, winning & losing. My courses incorporate computer aided design technology, sustainability, drafting plans, lighting, HVAC, construction codes and a thesis. Amazing professors who work throughout the design community are coaching me to reach my full potential. Several school projects have influenced my interest in restaurant design and helped me secure a prized Boston internship, including summer employment. … I love the details, schematics, space planning, mood lighting, acoustics and sense of accomplishment when creating projects from start to finish. My team-oriented work ethic & school studio classes have prepared me well for the workplace.

In addition, as a college student-athlete I am also practicing teamwork, problem solving, leadership and time management daily. I take the softball mound with poise, confidence, a pink mouth-guard and artsy jewelry. No one suspects the driven bulldog in me, a fighter and tough-minded competitor. This year I was awarded Commonwealth Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year among other awards, and I hope to be elected team captain senior year. I've been able to meet town youth and had the opportunity to offer advanced private pitching lessons. Never did I expect to learn so much from my students. At 12 years young they show me how special the gift of politeness can be, and pitching instruction has identified my strengths as a coach/mentor. I feel that I am making a positive difference by motivating kids to reach for the stars while inspiring them to play at a higher level.

Off the field, I am able to make many contributions to the student body -- endless fund-raising activities for athletics, community service events such as scooping ice cream and sewing blankets for the homeless, score keeping at my work-study job, wrapping and delivering holiday gift baskets and manning the football concession stand weekly are all adding richness to my character and campus. I thank you for helping to make all this possible with your support of the Henry O. Peabody Scholarship.

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