CSI is proud to recognize the extraordinary talent and generosity of incoming student Sofia Nielsen, recently featured in a Staten Island Advance article for her heartfelt graduation gift to her classmates at Notre Dame Academy High School.

Nielsen, just 17 years old, painted 110 individual portraits of her fellow graduates as a surprise gesture of appreciation and celebration. Her work in secret was chronicled by Staten Island Advance reporter Shaina McLawrence for the feature on Friday.

This remarkable blend of artistic skill, dedication, and community spirit is just a preview of the kind of student Nielsen will be as she joins the College of Staten Island community this fall as part of the Macaulay Honors College. We look forward to welcoming her to our campus and seeing how her talents continue to grow.

Read the full story on Staten Island Advance. All credit to reporter Shaina McLawrence for the original coverage.

This story was also picked up by Good Morning America and ABC News. You can view the piece online.