Sarah Maisto
East Carolina University’s College of Business has developed a reputation for building leaders for 85 years.
It can now add one more future leader to its ranks.
Eighteen-year-old Sarah Maisto will come to the College of Business as not only an EC Scholar but as someone who welcomes being a leader.
During her time at Apex High School, the Apex native made sure to get involved. She’ll graduate as the executive president of DECA, a high school organization that, according to its website, prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Maisto also was a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the National Technical Honor Society and the Student Union. In total, during her high school years, Maisto has almost 200 hours in community service.
“I am looking forward to being heavily involved in the Honors College and potentially taking on a leadership role,” said Maiso. “I am also interested in the Rise29 internship program; it would be incredible to gain real-world experience through working alongside a local business.”
EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
“I’m incredibly honored to be an EC Scholar,” said Maisto. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge me and build relationships while being in a close-knit community of driven students.”
According to Maisto, she had a number of options when it came time to choose the next path in her educational journey, but she decided on ECU because, as she puts it, “it has everything.”
“Out of all my options, ECU’s faculty was the most supportive throughout the decision-making process, and the students definitely have the most school pride,” said Maisto.
Maisto plans to major in finance, and she’s already calculating what’s next when she completes her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.
“After graduating, (I plan to) … pursue either a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Health Care Administration,” said Maisto. “Two potential careers I am interested in are commercial real estate and health care administration. Both paths enable me to have a positive impact within the community.”
Another decision for Maisto to make is where she plans to go for her study abroad. She doesn’t know, but she’s interested in Japan or Italy since her family comes from both countries. “I would love to experience … and learn about the different cultures.”
With all she has planned, Maisto looks forward to using the upcoming summer to spend time with friends and family and work outdoors as an aquatic supervisor.
She is the daughter of Christopher and Cynthia Maisto.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge me and build relationships while being in a close-knit community of driven students.”
High school: Apex High School
Intended major: Finance
Hometown: Apex