Local student receive scholarships

LYNDHURST – The Board of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission awarded $26,000 in science scholarships today to 13 college-bound students from the Meadowlands District.
“These are exemplary students whose commitment and dedication is to be commended,” Chairman of the NJMC and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community AffairsJoseph Doria said. “The Commission is delighted to recognize their achievements as they move upward and onward in their education.”
The NJMC Science Scholarship Award assists graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and plan to major in a science-related field in college. Eligible students must maintain a B average, participate in community service, and write a 500-word essay on the importance of science, technology and education. The program is in its fourth year. Applications were submitted during the spring.
Science and education are key components of the NJMC’s programming and mission. This year the Commission opened its new Center for Science and Environmental Education, a state-of-the-art facility which provides science education to thousands of students in Grades K-12 each year.
“We are proud to honor these outstanding young people who have chosen to pursue higher education in a science field,” Executive Director of the NJMC Robert Ceberio said. “They have worked very hard to establish an academic foundation that will lead to future success.”

The scholarship awards are listed below by student’s hometown followed by the student’s name, the high school from which they graduated and the college or university they will attend this fall:

• Carlstadt: Angela Park, Becton Regional High School, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
• East Rutherford: Lauren Van Winkle, Becton Regional High School, The College of New Jersey.
• Jersey City: Arati Patel, Dickinson High School, Rutgers University.
• Kearny: Jessica Rodriguez, Kearny High School, Arcadia University.
• Little Ferry: Andradene Lowe, Ridgefield Park Junior/Senior High School, Washington College.
• Lyndhurst: Natalie Fencik, Lyndhurst High School, University of Connecticut.
• Moonachie: Sharlynne Cabrales, Wood-Ridge High School, Penn State University.
• North Arlington: Rami Alrabba, Bergen County Academies, Ramapo College of New Jersey.
• North Bergen: Sani Patel, North Bergen High School, Rutgers University.
• Ridgefield: Hye Jin (Claire) Park, Ridgefield Memorial High School, Stony Brook University.
• Rutherford: Brandon Marsella, Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
• Secaucus: Michael Lienhard, Secaucus High School, Georgetown University.
• South Hackensack: Gary Yannetti, Bergen County Technical High School, Fairleigh Dickinson University.