The NAF Alumni Awards honor NAF academy graduates who have achieved success in college or in their career, or have demonstrated an entrepreneurial or philanthropic spirit.

We are pleased to announce this year’s alumni honorees.

Jillian Berg, '95 - Jillian’s academy experience has come full circle. As a star student at the Academy of Finance at Cooper City High School in Florida, Jillian held numerous leadership positions and was a member of DECA.  After graduating, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her master’s from Florida Atlantic University. Holding the value of education close to her heart, Jillian became a teacher. Today, she is the lead teacher for the Academy of Finance at Coral Glades High School and the DECA District Advisor for the School Board of Broward County.

Matthew Erickson, '96 - Matthew’s education at the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Lahainaluna High School in Hawaii instilled a sense of responsibility in him. As a student, he took advantage of all the opportunities he could knowing that what he learned in high school would help shape his future. Matthew started his career as an Administrative Assistant for a live-theatrical production called ‘Ulalena. He was soon promoted to Sales & Marketing Representative, where in his first year he increases sales by $1.5 million. Today, Matthew is the reservation sales manager at the Old Lahaina Luau in Lahaina, president of the Lahaina Civic Club, treasurer of Friends of Moku`ula, and a member of the advisory board for his academy.

Chrysta Peoples, '98 - Chrysta credits her experience at Academy of Finance at Golightly Career and Technical Center in Detroit, Michigan, for giving her the foundation for a successful career working at a technology-based language training company. Beyond her success in both academics and career, Chrysta found time to get married, have three children, buy a home, and give back to her academy. Chrysta attends events at her former academy, consults with the advisory board committee that is building a web site, and serves as a mentor to current students.

George Khoury, '04 - George traces the practical skills he uses daily back to his time at the Academy of Information Technology at Louis E. Dieruff High School in Allentown, Pennsylvania. While at the academy, George was one of two students selected for an internship with Agere Microsystems. George received several honors upon graduation and went on to continue his education at Pennsylvania State University's Schreyer Honors College, where he continued to accrue accolades. He was recently selected as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and is pursuing a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Princeton University.

Courtney Curry, '08 - When Courtney decided to attend the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Miami Norland Senior High School in Miami, Florida, she didn't know that it would put her on a path to success. The academy experience helped Courtney realize her love for working with people and building relationships. She is currently enrolled at the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University, one of the top 10 hospitality schools in the country. Courtney remains in close contact with her academy and is working on creating a formal relationship between her college and the academy so more students can have the opportunities she had.

The honorees received an all expenses paid trip to the 2011 Annual Institute for Staff Development in San Francisco, California on July 17-19. The honorees told their inspiring stories of success to over 1,100 NAF educators, directors, students and alumni. Congratulations to all the winners!