RVCC Service Learning Program receives NJ State Governor's Jefferson Award
Students of Raritan Valley Community College’s Service Learning Program have been honored with the 2018 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award for their extraordinary volunteer service to the community.
The awards program annually highlights the spirit of civic engagement among New Jersey’s 1.5 million volunteers and awards medals in 22 categories of volunteer service. The RVCC students were honored in the “Youth Volunteer Group” category.
RVCC Service Learning students Amber Lindsay of Somerset, Eshley Pinto of Somerville, Anyanna Onwumelu of Highland Park, Lesly Garro of Bound Brook, Sindy Serrano-Maradiaga of Hillsborough, Aaron Habrack of Manville, Phebean Messeh of Sayreville and Janet Adeleke of Hillsborough, as well as nursing faculty members Beryl Stetson and Elliot Stetson of Flemington, accepted the award at a ceremony and celebration of volunteerism, held June 2 at the War Memorial in Trenton.
“It is truly an honor to have RVCC’s Service Learning students recognized with the 2018 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award. The award highlights the college’s commitment to preparing our students for a lifetime of volunteerism. It also acknowledges RVCC’s role as an invested community partner addressing important local needs,” RVCC President Michael J. McDonough said.
The nomination for the Service Learning students from Raritan Valley Community College detailed the work of over 1,000 students contributing over 50,000 hours of service to hundreds of local community organizations.
"Raritan Valley Community College Service Learning students addressed critical issues including hunger, homelessness, illiteracy, environment, disabilities, domestic violence, substance abuse, health, and animal welfare. The achievements of the Raritan Valley Community College students typify the Jeffersonian ideal of an 'informed and involved' citizenry. That is why they are the recipients of the 2018 ‘Youth Volunteer Group’ Jefferson Award,” said Robert Provost, National Board of Selectors, Jefferson Awards Foundation.
RVCC’s Service Learning Program serves 250 community organizations in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties through 75 different courses and student clubs. The students’ volunteer work for local organizations is the economic equivalent of donating more than $1 million in services to the community.
RVCC students serve at preK-12 schools, ESL centers, after-school programs, nursing homes, adult day care centers, museums, libraries, court houses, probation departments, youth correctional facilities, and consumer affairs offices, as well as homeless, domestic violence and animal shelters. Their efforts have contributed to lower high school dropout rates, reduced poverty, and economic revitalization of diverse, healthy and sustainable communities.
In addition to the state honor, RVCC’s Service Learning Program has received other national recognition by being named to the President’s Community Service Honor Roll “With Distinction” in two categories: General Community Service and Education. In the General Community Service category, RVCC was the only community college in the country, and one of only two colleges in New Jersey, to receive this honor “with distinction.” In the Education category, RVCC was the only community college in New Jersey—and one of only 38 colleges nationwide— to receive the distinction. Since the honor roll was launched, RVCC has been named to the list every year and first achieved the honor “With Distinction” in 2006.
The Jefferson Awards were established in 1972 as the official recognition program of the United States Senate. They are considered America’s highest honor for public service and volunteerism. In New Jersey the awards are also the official recognition program of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism, administered by a partnership that includes the NJ Office of Volunteerism, NJ Advance Media, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and corporate sponsors, such as PNC Bank, PSEG, BD and others.
For additional information about the Governor's Jefferson Awards’ nomination process, visit http://www.njgovernorsawards.com/.
Alvernia University
Daria Speranza of Scotch Plains was named a member of the Alpha Pho Omega at Alvernia University during the 2017-18 school year.
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Assumption College
The following Central Jersey residents at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, were named to the spring dean's list: Colleen Kurtz of Somerset and Tressa Novack of Scotch Plains
Baylor University
The following Central Jersey residents at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, were named to the spring dean's list: Christina Marie Munoz of Basking Ridge and Morgan Sara Margolis of Far Hills. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.7.
Becker College
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Becker College on May 5: Avyay Chaganty of Bridgewater, bachelor's degree in business administration, dean's list; Matthew Stoll of Green Brook, bachelor's degree in design, cum laude, dean's list;. ALSO: William Quick of Flemington was named to the spring dean's list.
Berkeley College
The following Central Jersey residents were named to the president's and dean's list: Jessica Balick of Lebanon, president; Deepak Kanda of Whitehouse Station and Danielle Maxwell of Asbury, dean's. Students must achieve a grade-point average; president's 4.0 and 3.5 dean's
Bethany College
Brian Weakliem of Skillman was named to the spring dean's list at Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.65.
Bryant University
Amanda Moss of Lebanon received a bachelor's degree in marketing, magna cum laude on May 18 from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Bucknell University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 20 from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania: Amber Mironov of Pittstown, Julia Farley, Katie Cappola of Basking Ridge, Catherine Higgins of Watchung, Meghan Kovac of Warren, Jenna Slusar of Annandale, Morgan McAlister of Westfield, Gwen Paul of Frenchtown, Alex Puleo of Lebanon,Jake Papa of Califon, Kathryn Chesebrough of Skillman, Lauren Caldas of Watchung, Molly Farrell, Kortney Klingert of Basking Ridge, Mary Margaret Kenney of Summit, Emily Mell of Far Hills, Charlie Duryee of Whitehouse Station, Kristen Davis of Dunellen, Jack Foley of Westfield, Kate Sidlowski of Warren, Christopher Sisto of Bernardsville, Emily Gagis of Bernardsville, Lena Miskulin of New Providence, Mukta Phatak of Berkeley Heights, Cricket Treanor of Pottersville, Claire Jenkins of Oldwick, Madison Simon of Gillette, Andrew Capuano of Westfield, Brian Moretti, Mike Moshier of Basking Ridge, Maddie Davidian of Skillman, Collin Boylan of Flemington, Gabriella Gomes of Dunellen, Krysta Holman of Princeton, Austin Mendez, Maddie Boone of Warren.
ALSO: Ian Vogel of Flemington received a Goldwater scholarship at the university.
Capital University
Shelby Koches of Frenchtown was named to the spring provost's list at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Students must have a grade-point average of 3.70
Cedarville University
The following Central Jersey residents were at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, were named to the spring dean's honor list: Skyler Farrand of Annandale, Emily Smisek of Ringoes, Abigail Van Esselstyn of Lebanon and Lindsey Yarrington of Bridgewater. For the dean' list: Kaela Indyk, Alyssa Nusser of Flemington and Briana Johnson of Somerset. Students must achieve a grade-point average 3.75 (dean's honor) and 3.5 (dean's).
Champlain College
The following Central Jersey residents at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, were named to the fall dean's list: Jamie Abar, Andrew Rimpici of Scotch Plains, Steven Heron of Westfield. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5
Clarkson University
The following Central Jersey residents at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, were named to spring dean's list: Aadhilakshmi Balasubramanian of Belle Mead and William Cleverley of Pittstown. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.25.
Coastal Carolina University
The following Central Jersey residents at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, were named to the spring president's list: Maria Costa of Flemington, Emily Scheier of Califon, Victoria Schuyler of Manville and Gina Sileo of Hillsborough. For the dean's list: Trisha Berry of Flemington, Victoria Ciallella of Hillsborough, Megan Colagrande of Manville, Victoria Gluck of Belle Mead, Sophia Kider of Warren, Grant Martin of Ringoes, Lexa Samer of Westfield, Maeve Stewart of Stockton, Emmet Ward of Hillsborough, Alexandria Willard of Pittstown, Alexia Woerner of Warren. Students must achieve a grade-point average 4.0 (president's) and 3.5 (dean's).
Colby College
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 27 from Colby College in Waterville, Maine: John E. Egner of Ringoes, Ahsan-ur R. Khan of Basking Ridge, Craig L. Leonhardt of Milford, Amelia A. Patsalos-Fox of Bernardsville, Ryan M. Sellar of Hillsborough, Nita M. Whelan of Westfield.
College of William and Mary
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia: Emily Connolly of Basking Ridge, bachelor's degree;Caitlin Taylor of Basking Ridge, bachelor's degree; Melissa Horne of Bound Brook, master's degree; Jenna Nerger of Bound Brook, master's degree; Gregory Dahl of Bridgewater, juris doctor's degree; Mary Grutta of Califon, bachelor's degree;Hannah Bruzzio of Flemington, bachelor's degree; Jean Marie Krupinski of Flemington, bachelor's degree; Jason Nykorczuk of Flemington, bachelor's degree; Matthew Giardiello of Scotch Plains, bachelor's degree; John Poillon of Scotch Plains, bachelor's degree; Nicole Lorenzi of Skillman, bachelor's degree; Ryan Leigh of Watchung, master's degree; Sophia Palia of Westfield, bachelor's degree.
Colorado College
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 21 from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado: Caleigh Cassidy of Bernardsville, bachelor's degree in psychology, sum laude; Brian Chen of Martinsville, bachelor's degree in organismal biology and ecology.
Dean College
The following Central Jersey residents at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, were named to the spring dean's list: Benjamin Klitenick of Bridgewater, Alexandra Roden of Princeton and Matthew Tazbin of Westfield.
Denison University
Elizabeth Higley of Lebanon was named to the spring dean's list at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.7
DePauw University
Amalia Crevani of Milford was named to the spring dean's list at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Student must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5.
DeSales University
The following Central Jersey residents at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania ,were named to the spring dean's list: Kayla M. Epple of Basking Ridge; Kara N. Churylo, Katherine M. Clark, Frances R. Fasanello, Haley E. Jacobs, Joseph A. Takacs of Bloomsbury; Jennifer Blandino, Christian J. Bryson, Danielle A. Czarkowski, Giuseppe S. Natale, Jr. of Bridgewater;
Clare M. Kisch, Michael F. White of Clinton; Desirae L. Forrest of Dunellen; Christopher E. Cozzi, Nicholas A. Turkynak of Flemington; Sean A. Hanczaryk of Frenchtown; Alexander M. Vreeland of Glen Gardner; Kevin F. Larkins, Jr. of High Bridge; Jack T. Kinst, Lindsay M. Pappalardo, James P. Smith, Sarah E. Turck of Hillsborough; James T. Evans of Lambertville; Ava M. Graszl, Matthew J. Lytle, Jesse P. Stoner of Milford; David O. Siy of Piscataway; Tyler A. Marcantuono of Pittstown; Jacqueline E. de Raismes of Port Murray; Christopher J. Hudak of Ringoes; Ashley E. Dalessio of Somerville; Christina M. Rohal of Stirling; Joseph D. Manobianco of Three Bridges; Alexis R. Girgis of Whitehouse Station. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.25.
Dunellen/Faber School
Faber School student Melanie Leyden is a runner up in the Keep Middlesex Moving Bookmark Contest.
For the contest, students were asked to create a bookmark that embodied the theme: Travel Green, Travel Clean. The contest was created to remind community members that we need to conserve energy to keep our earth green. Organizers wanted students to think about how we can conserve energy in our travel, and create a bookmark to get the message across.
Melanie was excited to hear that she won and to see the bookmark after it was created.
Earlham College
Victor Zuniga of Middlesex received a bachelor's degree in computer science at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, on May 5.
East Stroudsburg University
The following Central Jersey residents at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania were named to the spring dean's list: Me'Saj Closs of Somerset, Luis Guerrero of Middlesex, Ashley Hernandez of Annandale, Austin Hopkins of Milford, Christina Jannone of Pittstown, Nicole Karch, Stephanie Karch of Somerset, Rachel Labella of Berkeley Heights, Christian Lettieri of Fanwood, Shannon Long of Annandale, Kerry Loprete of Scotch Plains, Cody O'Connor of South Plainfield, Kimberly Pulliam of Westfield, Alexandra Reidy of Bound Brook, Christine Romano of Piscataway, Kaitlyn Squires-Black of Flemington, Bryonna Thompson of Somerset, Tiana Webster of Somerset, Kayla Whitaker of Plainfield, Nathan Wojick of Milford. Student must achieve a grade-point average of 3.50.
Elizabethtown College
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 19 from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania: Juliana Krampf of Lambertville, bachelor's degree in theater; Colby Smith of Middlesex, bachelor's degree in accounting; Matthew VanCleef of Middlesex, bachelor's degree in English education.
ALSO: The following Central Jersey residents were named to the spring dean's list: Veronica Christ of Pittstown, Jessica Clark of Middlesex, Kinsey Kliment of Milford, Katrina Morales of Princeton,
Fairfield University
The following Central Jersey residents at Fairfield University in Connecticut were named to the spring dean's list: Matthew Mark Errico, Luke Melcher of Basking Ridge; Briana Marie Maddaluna of Bernardsville; Kelsey Michelle Kacsmar of Franklin Park; Katherine Barber of Gillette; Caroline Herdje, Courtney Lynn Scrivanich of Hillsborough; Matthew John Gilbert of Lebanon; Taylor Alexis Armstrong of Millington; Kathryn Emily Kalaigian, Jeffrey Rodgers of Scotch Plains; Breanna Laurie Cocuzzo, Alexandra Stratton Gennari of Skillman; Jessica Pil of Somerset; James Raia of Warren; Brian Robert Beckert of Watchung, Kristen Bonelli of Westfield. Student must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5
Far Hills Country Day School
Furman University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 5 from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina: Sabrina C. Riebman of Basking Ridge, Rebecca A Cooley of Branchburg, Jackson W. DuMont and Francis M. Pinney of Westfield.
Hofstra University
The following Central Jersey residents at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, were named to the spring dean's list: Kiran Ahmad of Bridgewater, Jonathan Allen of Belle Mead, Amelia Beckerman of Princeton, Andrew Bogin of Westfield, Natalie Khait of Bridgewater, Dana Mastrull of Flemington, Madison Mento of Franklin Park, Kayleigh O'Brien of Middlesex, Rachel Rea of Piscataway, Courtney Shapiro of Hillsborough Township, Mia Thompson of Stockton, Elizabeth Torre of Middlesex, Simon Wang of Westfield, Nicholas Zinn of Milford. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5
James Madison University
The following Central Jersey residents at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, were named to the spring president's list: Ashley Amoia of New Providence, Alyssa Bobcheck of Berkeley Heights, Sophie Brause of Scotch Plains, Rose Devlin of Branchburg, Jordan Green of Stirling, Shanna Kelly of Westfield, Robin Lauber of New Providence, Alice Littlejohns of Pittstown, Kristine Parisi of Flemington, Natalie Phillips of Asbury, Freya Puxted of Pittstown, Brandon Soong of Flemington, Claire Zakszewski of Lebanon.
For the dean's list: Catherine Acito of Scotch Plains, Matthew Albanese of Bridgewater, Sarah Andersen of Ringoes, Haley Armstrong of Branchburg, Grace Aronds, Jane Aronds of Westfield, Alexandra Benc of Watchung, Kristina Benton of Ringoes, Matthew Boczon of Scotch Plains, Lindsay Bohon of Flemington, Nicole Caruso of Basking Ridge, Kevin Delatte of Frenchtown, Kelly Drake of Hillsborough, Alexander Dunham of Raritan, Shelby Estevez of Westfield, Lyndsay Evans of Frenchtown, Robert Ford of Basking Ridge, Kaelyn Heard of Westfield, Olivia Hendrzak of Mountainside, Kelly Johnson of Bridgewater, Michael Kendzulak of Flemington, Anna Labrozzi of Westfield, Saidah Lerman of Lambertville, James Magnier of Annandale, Marc Monk of Basking Ridge, Sarah Moody of Bridgewater, Megan Muller, Abigail Nemec of Hillisborough, Harlee Peterson of Flemington, Madison Probst of Ringoes, Claire Ravenburg of Asbury, Elena Russo of Berkeley Heights, Ashley Sedlazek of Bridgewater, Brianna Semanchik of Flemington, Lauren Shaw of Califon, Devon Smith of Scotch Plains, Julia Thompson of High Bridge, Erin Trella of Berkeley Heights, Brian Way of Basking Ridge, Emily Willoughby of Bridgewater, Catherine York of Pittstown, Brandon Zarzecki of Flemington, Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.9(president's) and 3.5 (dean's).
Junior Achievement of New York student survey
New 2018 research conducted on behalf of Junior Achievement and Ernst & Young LLP illustrates how in just one year after first being surveyed, high school age teens’ career ambitions have shifted further away from careers in STEM and the arts and how more 13- to 17-year-old students are expecting to take out loans to help pay for college.
In a significant drop, 24 percent of boys want a STEM career, down from 36 percent in 2017; girls’ interest remains unchanged at 11 percent, year-over-year; Among girls and boys, desires for careers in the arts dropped from 18 to 13 percent; The percentage of teens expecting to take out a student loan increased from 33 to 45 percent.
Career choices that have risen in popularity include the medical and dental fields, as well as public service, illustrating that what kids find most appealing about their dream job is that they are “good at it” and can help people.
Careers in medical and dental fields increased from 15 to 19 percent, with girls far more likely to choose this path; Interest in careers in public service increased from 7 to 10 percent overall; starting one’s own business (8 percemt) and careers in business (7 percent) remained the same.
According to kids, their parents still hold the top spot in terms of who or what influences their choice of dream job. Parents’ influence, in fact, increased from 19% to 28% since last year. Societal influences such as social media declined from 15% to 8%. Other sources of inspiration include teachers, courses, volunteering and extra-curricular activities.
“Teens today report they are leaning toward jobs that highlight their capabilities, as well as careers that offer altruistic outcomes,” said Joseph Peri, president, Junior Achievement of New York. “As parents, educators, mentors and counselors, we need to continue to give students the skills to become more proficient in the areas in which they need to advance and grow, as well as show them how all types of careers provide opportunities to benefit society. JA volunteers, who come from all fields, help students make these types of connections about what they are learning in school and what they need and want to succeed at work and life.”
The survey data implies that teens today are viewing the economy as improving. One year ago when this same Junior Achievement-EY survey was conducted, the percentage of teens who were changing career plans based on the economy was 52 percent. Today, that number has decreased to just 40 percent. Fewer teens also plan to get a job and go to school at the same time – 22 percent this year vs. 30 percent in 2017. However, some data contradicts teens’ awareness of economic conditions.
The number of teens who have taken a financial readiness class decreased from 33 to 28 percent; 81 percent of teens would take a work/financial readiness class if it was offered to them; The percentage of teens that have a bank account decreased to 52 from 59 percent; 43 percent of teens expect their parents to pay for college, up from 32 percent in 2017.
“With teens beginning to join the workforce and looking ahead to future careers, the timing is right to work with them to build and strengthen financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness skills,” said Gary Kozlowski, Partner, Ernst & Young, who leads a network of EY leaders serving on more than 40 local JA boards across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. “I was surprised to see a reduced interest in STEM careers, which are taking on larger and more important roles in the transformative age in which we are living. Together, EY member firms and JA can team to help strengthen these critical skills for the workforce of tomorrow.”
Methodology: This report presents the findings of ORC International’s Youth CARAVAN survey conducted among a sample of 1,000 13- to 17-year olds. This survey was live from February 27 to March 6.
Respondents for this survey are selected from among those who have volunteered to participate in online surveys and polls. Because the sample is based on those who initially self-selected for participation, no estimates of sampling error can be calculated. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to multiple sources of error, including, but not limited to sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options.
Lebanon Valley College
The following Central Jersey residents at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, were named to the spring dean's list: Charlie Besjak of Watchung and Jessica Katzenberger of High Bridge. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.4.
Lehigh University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on May 21 from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania:
Lauren DiNapoli of Glen Gardner, bachelor's degree in anthropology with high honors
Sophie Davis of Skillman, bachelor's degree in cognitive science with high honors
Daniella Fodera of Clinton, bachelor's degree in bioengineering with high konors
Cody Chen-Shao of Warren, bachelor's degree in business and economics with a major in accounting and finance with high honors
Yin Luo of Green Brook, bachelor's degree in computer science with high honors
Jake Blecher of Belle Mead, bachelor's degree in computer science with highest honors
Evan Riddell of Warren, bachelor's degree in economics with highest honors
Emily Motola of Lambertville, bachelor's degree in business and economics with a major in accounting with highest honors
Melanie Grycan of Westfield, bachelor's degree in business and economics with a major in marketing and finance with highest honors
Noah Marcus of Berkeley Heights, bachelor's degree in computer science and business with highest honors
Kyle Kristiansen of Westfield, bachelor's degree in integrated business and engineering with highest honors
Robert Axelsen of Glen Gardner, bachelor's degree in business and economics with a major in finance/ mathematics with highest honors
Korey Finn of Whitehouse Station, bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with highest honors
Julia Nelson of Basking Ridge, bachelor's degree in molecular biology and pharmaceutical chemistry with highest honors
Kelly Jacob of Bloomsbury, bachelor's degree in biology with honors
Matthew Enslin of Westfield, bachelor's degree with a major in English with Honors
Rafael Fernandez of Bridgewater, bachelor's degree in biochemistry with honors
Rebecca Muller of Martinsville, bachelor's degree in biology with honors
Akhil Patil of Skillman, bachelor's degree in business and economics with honors
Megan Laguardia of Mountainside, bachelor's degree in business and economics with honors
Elizabeth Flynn of Flemington, bachelor's degree in business and economics with honors
Michael Whang of Warren, bachelor's degree in business and economics with honors
Austin Feng Wang of Belle Mead, bachelor's degree in business and economics with honors
Megan Schappert of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with honors
Jillian Cunha of Whitehouse Station, bachelor's degree in civil engineering with honors
Tyler Sudol of Skillman, bachelor's degree in computer science and business with honors
Megan Olivola of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with honors
Dylan Karchere-Sun of Princeton, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with honors
Quinn Furnald of Califon, bachelor's degree in music
Emma Strong of Scotch Plains, bachelor's degree in women, gender, sexuality studies
Michael Oldenburg of Stockton, bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience
Charlie Lu of Westfield, bachelor's degree in biochemistry
Alexis Fairman of Princeton, bachelor's degree in bioengineering
Jeremy Sordan of Princeton, bachelor's degree in bioengineering
Rebecca Jones of Pittstown, bachelor's degree in biology
Scott Mure of Lebanon, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Kirsten Olsen of Lebanon, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Ian Smith of Warren, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Sean Ream of Berkeley Heights, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Blake Lieberman of Princeton, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Alexis Mims of Flemington, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Nicole Behany of Bernardsville, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Matthew Donahue of Princeton, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Megan Burke of Westfield, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Tyler Lessner of Westfield, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Sarah Spring of Basking Ridge, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Alexandra Barish of Lebanon, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Alyssa Riporti of Scotch Plains, bachelor's degree in business and economics
Vikranth Eleswarapu of Westfield, bachelor's in chemical engineering
Kyle Malek of Flemington, bachelor's degreee in chemical engineering
David Mugavero of Clinton, bachelor's degree in chemical engineering
Adam Knuckey of Belle Mead, bachelor's degree in computer science & business
Daniel Lee of Belle Mead, bachelor's degree in computer science & business
James Surace of Middlesex, bachelor's degree in computer engineering
Charles Mulrooney of Westfield, bachelor's degree in industrial and system engineering
Ryan Vargo of Mountainside, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
Christopher Geissler of Milford, bachelor's degree in molecular biology
Lycoming College
The following Central Jersey residents at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania were named to the spring dean's list: Rachel Brokaw of Scotch Plains, Caroline Miller of Princeton.
Northern Illinois University
Pavan Ravikanth Kondamudi of Bridgewater received a master's degree in computer science from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, on May 12.
Ohio Wesleyan University
Alix Templeman of Stirling was named to the spring dean's list at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.
Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools
Earlier this year, Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School student Veda Kota of Hillsborough, a sophomore in the Academy for Health & Medical Sciences, along with two students from Monmouth County Academy of Allied Health and Science and two students from Biotechnology High School placed first in two events at the second annual Oncology Olympiad.
Held at Rutgers University, the Oncology Olympiad seeks to raise awareness about cancer and support the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
During the Olympiad, Veda and her team placed first in the Round 1 Quiz Bowl and in the Round 2 Cancer Knowledge Mini Event. Program Coordinator Casandra Gabriele explained, “As an academic competition, the Oncology Olympiad was open to high school students across the country, focusing on cancer diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, genetics, and healthcare specialists. This elite event aimed to inspire the next generation of medical leaders and raise philanthropic support for education programs.”
The Oncology Olympiad consisted of a qualifying test, taken in January 2018. All of these students scored in the 90th percentile of more than 200 students who registered to take the qualifying test to participate in the team event. Sixty-seven students representing 26 high schools from New Jersey and Pennsylvania attended the team competition.
St. Joseph Parish Altar-Rosary Society
Four parishioners of St. Joseph Church in High Bridge were presented with scholarships by two parish organizations on June 9.
The St. Joseph Parish Altar-Rosary Society award was presented to Hailey Conroy, a senior at Voorhees High School where Hailey participated in Varsity Volley Ball, Basketball, S.H.I.P., Life Saviors Club, the Relay for Life, Ocean Conservation Club and the National Honor Society. Conroy, a volunteer at the High Bridge School Garden, plans to attend Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania, and major in occupational therapy.
The Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Council 10627, awarded three Joseph F. Labuta Memorial Scholarships to Voorhees High School seniors Svetlana Boyle and Sarah Furka and North Hunterdon High School senior Madeline Voorhees.
While completing her senior year at Voorhees, Boyle also completed courses at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg which she will enter full-time in the fall, majoring in biology. She will be one of 50 students attending the Honors College at RVCC, and plans to transfer to Rutgers University to complete her degree requirements.
Furka participated in the Voorhees High School softball program for four years and basketball program for two years, the Relay for Life, New Jersey Math League, Mathematics Honor Society, Math Tutor, Lifesavers Club, Red Cross Club, Ocean Conservation Club and Student High School Integration Program. She also volunteers for the High Bridge Summer Recreation program, March for Life, and is a Softball Mentor for young children. In the fall Furka will enter attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she will major in biomedical engineering.
At North Hunterdon High School, Voorhees participated on the Varsity Swimming Team, and was a member of the Search for a Cure, and Hoops for a Heart programs. Madeline also volunteered at the Hunterdon County YMCA. In the fall she will attend West Virginia University in Morgantown West Virginia.
All four students were also participated in various parish activities.
Saint Mary's College
The following Central Jersey residents at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, were named to the spring dean's list: Abigail Parsons of Annandale and Molly O'Rourke of Basking Ridge. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.6.
Susquehanna University
The following Central Jersey residents at Susquehanna University in Selingsgrove, Pennsylvania, were named to the spring dean's list: Kieran Arrigan of Basking Ridge, Christopher Bayer of Hillsborough, Andrew Bloom of Frenchtown, Ryan Carter of Bridgewater, Cassandra Coombs of Whitehouse Station, Bianca DiTrolio of Ringoes, Alexa Iannitelli of Asbury, Rachel Lambert of Fanwood, Megan McFadden of Green Brook, Jill Pace of Branchburg, Kaitlin Paciullo of Whitehouse Station. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.4.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Ethan Krell of Westfield was awarded a Love of Learning award worth $500 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
James Killeen of Scotch Plains was named to the spring dean's list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5.
Virginia Military Institute
Christopher S. Choi of Clinton received a bachelor's degree in international studies for Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, on May 16.
Wagner College
Elizabeth R. Patton of Hillsborough was named to the spring dean's list at Wagner College, Staten Island, New York. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.7.
Western New England University
John Shahpazian of New Providence was among 66 Western New England University student athletes honored on June 11 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference announced its spring Academic All-Conference Team. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.3.
Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center
Molly McEnroe, a senior at Ridge High School in Bernards, was presented with the Ruth Award by Patricia Colbert, a member of the Board of the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC), at the high school’s Senior Awards Assembly on May 29. WAMMC’s Ruth Award is presented annually to a senior high school student who is an active Morristown Medical Center volunteer and completes more than 50 hours and six months of consecutive service. McEnroe was recognized with the Ruth Award for more than 260 hours of service over four years. She plans to pursue a career in nursing based on her experiences.
Youngstown State University
Miranda Ricci of Hillsborough received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, during the college's spring commencement celebration.
Student and School news appears on Fridays. Email: cnmetro@mycentraljersey.com