WNY Native, Graduate to be Honored at Prestigious Convocation

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Western New York native, high school valedictorian, Cornell University graduate, soon-to-be Harvard Law student, and Cellino & Barnes staff member Christina Drakeford has yet another title to add to her résumé: Cornell University Merrill Presidential Scholar.

Awarded to just a handful of the University's top graduates, the Merrill Presidential Scholars Program recognizes students like Drakeford for their academic accomplishments, and their contributions outside the classroom.

A Kenmore West High School alum, Drakeford graduated from Cornell a semester early, and has spent the last five months at Cellino & Barnes as an administrative assistant. She will be attending the prestigious Harvard Law School in the fall, as she pursues her goal to become a corporate attorney.

"At Cellino & Barnes, I've witnessed the crucial importance of attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving-I plan on taking these skills with me to Harvard, and expand upon them even more," Drakeford said. "The staff members at Cellino & Barnes are hardworking and extremely dedicated. And in a few years, I hope I'll become an attorney at a law firm that exhibits these characteristics."

Next week, Drakeford will be attending the Merrill Presidential Scholars Convocation, which will be held May 23rd and 24th at Cornell University in Ithaca. The students chosen for this distinct honor are also asked to have one of their high school teachers at their side. Drakeford said she has asked her high school history teacher, Laura Howse, to join her at the convocation next week.

"Mrs. Howse entered every history class with an incredible amount of passion for her job," Drakeford said. "She showed me what it means to put 100-percent into your career, which is what I plan on doing as an attorney."

That passion to help others shows in her work at Cellino & Barnes, too. Drakeford's co-workers and firm management have praised her for her creativity, drive and teamwork. And the 'secret' to her success is something she'd like to share with other students and young professionals:

"Giving back to the individuals and communities that have invested in you is a crucial part of being successful in school and in your career," Drakeford said. "Getting involved early in these pursuits and never ceasing to take on new experiences to develop yourself will do so much good for you and those around you."

For further information, contact the Law Offices of Cellino & Barnes, (800)888-8888.

Background on Cellino & Barnes:
Cellino & Barnes is a personal injury firm that focuses exclusively on accident cases. They have helped thousands of injured victims from all fifty states recover more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts.
The firm has nine office locations in the U.S. including offices in Rochester, Buffalo, New York City, Long Island, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information about Cellino & Barnes visit our website at
www.CellinoAndBarnes.com
###