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The White Plains resident attends Mamaroneck schools because her mother teaches at Central School. Inside of school, Mancuso most enjoyed math and science classes, particularly physics. Outside of school, she is involved in several clubs, including the MHS chapter of Kids for World Health.
"We raise money and awareness for neglected diseases around the world," said Mancuso, who has been involved since the third grade and is now co-president of the MHS chapter.
The 501©(3) not-for-profit organization has undid five clinics for the treatment of diseases including buruli ulcer, chagas, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in developing countries. The fifth clinic opened in Bodo, Chad in October 2011 and services about 100,000 villagers. Another Kids For World Health clinic in Lwala, Uganda services about 100,000 villagers.
The long-time Girl Scout is also involved in the Chinese club and started her own knitting club called the "Knit-Wits." When MHS Principal Elizabeth Clain gave Mancuso the good news, she said she was "pretty surprised and excited."
"I feel really honored," she said. "I have worked really hard all throughout school and I guess this makes all the hours studying worth while. I also feel quite humbled to have such an amazing honor.
"My mother always told me of how her grandmother (my great-grandmother) couldn't even write her own name. I feel really privileged and thankful to have had such wonderful teachers and parents who have supported me throughout school."
The avid violinist will attend Johns Hopkins University in the fall. Before then, she will take a well deserved break from hitting the books and work at a sleep away camp in Mahopac.
"I am excited to take a break from all things school related and relax," she said.
Reflecting on the last few weeks of her high school career, Mancuso said, "I have had a lot more time to spend time with my friends and it has been a really special time knowing that we will all be in different places next year."
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