23 Aug August Spotlight 2025
This month’s student-mentor spotlight features mentor Mary Trino and her mentee, Zoe Placzkowski, from Fernandina Beach High School. The two have been matched since June 2023.
MARY TRINO, Mentor
What do you consider to be your hometown?
I was born in Rome, NY. That is smack dab in the middle of New York State (snow country). It snowed every day during the winter. I have lived in Delaware, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, London and 29 years in Atlanta.
I have lived in Amelia Island for eight years now. We love it here.
What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock?
My dear friend Regina Lee introduced me to TSIC over seven years ago. I have said this before, mentoring these kids is the most important thing I do.
How many students have you mentored?
Two. I have had two students so far. My first student is a rising junior at UCF. She is an amazing student and a gifted artist.
Zoe Placzkowski is my student now. She is a rising junior. Zoe is an absolute joy.
What have you gained from mentoring Zoe?
I love her eagerness to learn and achieve success. This young woman is bound and determined! When she tells me she wants to do something she does it! What I love so much about Zoe is her positive attitude.
I feel truly Blessed.
ZOE PLACZKOWSKI, Fernandina Beach High School Junior
Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?
I applied to Take Stock before I even knew what it was because I knew I was going to need scholarships if I wanted to go to university. Little did I know, it was way more than just a scholarship.
What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Mary?
Mary ad I have gotten to know each other very well over our time spent together. This time has shown me how much Mary is really there for me.
What is your favorite memory from TSIC?
My favorite memory with Take Stock would have to be playing The Game of Life. It showed me it’s not easy in the real world world and taught me some very valuable lessons.
What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?
After I graduate high school, I plan on attending UCF in Orlando to major in business, minor in Spanish, and to study the pre-law program there. After my bachelor’s degree, my goal is to to finish out my masters and potentially my doctorate out of state. The dream is to study at Harvard or Columbia University. Long term, I would eventually like to use both my business and law background to start my own law firm.After I graduate high school, I plan on attending UCF in Orlando to major in business, minor in Spanish, and to study the pre-law program there. After my bachelor’s degree, my goal is to to finish out my masters and potentially my doctorate out of state. The dream is to study at Harvard or Columbia University. Long term, I would eventually like to use both my business and law background to start my own law firm.