ALBANY, N.Y. The New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (NYISF) awarded its 2017–2018 scholarship to Jean Emile Leconte II, a senior at St. John’s University studying risk management and insurance from Queens, N.Y.

“The New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation is pleased to recognize a student as accomplished as Jean,” Ellen Melchionni, president of NYISF said. “His accomplishments, both academically and professionally, are quite admirable. Jean will undoubtedly make tremendous contributions to the insurance industry.”

NYISF was founded to encourage scholastic achievement, community involvement and a commitment to advancing the insurance industry. “Jean embodies all of these qualities,” Melchionni said. “He carries a commendable grade point average, is devoted to giving back to the community, including as an instructor in an after-school program for underprivileged students, and is keenly interested in using his real-world experience to further the contributions of insurance to society.”

The development of future leaders is essential to ensure the viability of the insurance and risk management industry. NYISF addresses the great need to attract young professionals. “Insurance and the needs of consumers grow increasingly more complex,” Melchionni said. “The cultivation of new talented leaders is critical to the future of the industry.

The New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (NYISF) is a public charity initiated by the property and casualty insurance industry that supports students studying the business of insurance in New York. The foundation is affiliated with the New York Insurance Association, Inc.