Jamie wa a senior, who went to SUNY-Geneseo in fall 2003. She majored in Biology. Jamie was a member of the school's Drama Club, DECA, Varsity Track, National Honor Society, Hunger Action Group and School Chorus. In her application for this scholarship, Jaime wrote about herself saying:
I strive to be the best I can and to follow my dreams. I would like to make a difference in the world of science; possible contribute a cure to a presently incurable disease, or make a significant discovery that will enhance the lives of others. I have done community work and participated in service events since I was a freshman. Through church, DECA, Hunger Action, and the National Honor Society, I have helped to feed the hungry, raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, kept families in the poorer sections of Buffalo warm in the winter (I winterized homes in Buffalo with my church), cleaned up the Hamburg Beach, and kept company with senior citizens at several nursing homes.
Paulette's family was so excited for Jaime and wished her all the best in her academic, career, and personal life endeavors. The following is a beautify thank you letter to Paulette's family, from Jamie Miranda dated June 22, 2003.
Thank you so much for presenting me with the Paulette Messina Scafetta Memorial Scholarship. I am truly honored to be the recipient of a contribution awarded for "self-less giving and supportive service to other." I am proud of the work I have done; yet I've only scratched the surface of what I hope to accomplish in life. I'm glad your family is familiar with Geneseo, and I hope you can identify with my excitement of going off to an academically well-known quaint college where I will encounter the friends, career, and memories that will be cherished throughout my life.
Now I will take some time to tell you about myself. I am part of a loving family of four. (Plus my doggie, Buster!) I have a brother, Jeremy, who just a year younger than me. We are friends and I enjoy spending time with him. I love art: in the summer, one of my pastimes is finding a cool, comfortable spot and sketching the world around me. I also paint when I get the urge; I need to have a flash of inspiration or creativity in order to sit down and paint for a few hours. When I get bored, I head off to the library to take an appealing book out. (Some books on "to read" list include The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and the new Harry Potter novel.) I like to spend time with my treasured friends; we hang out at coffee shops, eat dinner together, or catch a movie. Here's an interesting tidbit of information: I like frogs and collect little figurines. My dresser is decorated in stuffed frog toys, candleholders (and candles), and key chains. I have frog socks and tee shirts. I also consider myself to be musical. I've sung in a school choir ever since fourth grade, and this year I had the privilege of singing at the renowned Carnegie Hall with my school's Concert Chorale. I also have sung in my church choir, the Voices of Hope, since eighth grade.
As for my future goals, I'd like to successfully complete college with an overall 3.4 grade point average. I may go on to further my education if I decide to delve in pharmacology or some type of medical field. I hope to get a job in some type of research field or in a lab, where I can fully take advantage of all of the scientific ideas I will learn in my future schooling.
I am only sorry that I did not have the pleasure of befriending Paulette, as she seems to have possessed the power to charm anyone whom she came across. I feel as if I've known her vicariously through your beautiful website and stories that I've heard from a neighbor who was acquainted with Paulette. A smile kept finding its way onto my face as I read about the many instances she scared people (even Dr. Roswell!) with her prosthetic leg. I never ceased to be amazed by stories of her tremendous attitude and good humor. I know Paulette was loved by many. She is always in my prayers.
I hope through this letter, you have come to know me better. Than you again for your overwhelming generosity. It is certainly appreciated.
God Bless, Jamie Miranda