Nicole DeCicco – East Stroudsburg University CILLS (Colton Vazquez Scholarship Award)

Nicole is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Colton Vazquez Scholarship Award. This fall she enters her second year in the CILLS program at East Stroudsburg University, where she is very excited to live on campus and continue her courses and internships. She is also involved in the campus musical theater club as well as Best Buddies, because she loves singing and meeting new people.

Her teachers and mentors describe Nicole as hardworking, diligent, empathetic and a natural leader who loves helping others. She also describes herself as someone who loves people and wants to help others, and she hopes to have a career someday in a field that taps into these areas of her interests.

Nicole’s advice for other students with Down syndrome who are considering post-secondary education is to work hard in high school, and stay focused on your studies and extracurriculars. We think that is excellent advice, Nicole! You rock—we’re so proud of you!