The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored three recent high school graduates from the Essex County Vocational Technical Schools who were awarded scholarships from the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) Foundation, Investors Bank and PSEG. The Board’s commendations were sponsored by acclamation and were presented to the students by board representative to NJAC, Freeholder President Brendan W. Gill.
The scholarship awards recognize distinguished students from technical and vocational schools who plan to pursue higher education in the State of New Jersey. Investors Bank awarded the NJAC Foundation a grant of $21,000.00 for county vocational-technical school graduates who plan to continue their education at a county college, or a state college or university. PSEG awarded a grant of $12,000 dollars for county vocational-technical school graduates who plan to study environmental design, alternative energy, and other related subjects at a local college or university
Freeholder President Gill opened the ceremony by stating, “It is my honor to represent the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders with NJAC. This is just one of the many ways NJAC benefits our community and constituents.”
The honorees expressed their gratitude to be chosen as recipients of the award and their appreciation for all the help they received from family and friends.
This year’s honorees were Alexandria Cruz and Ruth Rosario of North 13th Street Technical School, and Careene Etienne of Essex County Schools of Technology.
Alexandria Cruz graduated from North 13th Street Technical School and will attend Montclair State University this fall majoring in Education. Her future goals are centered on her passion to help children. Opening her own tutoring center for children, or daycare center, is an initiative she will work towards. A family motto that has guided her path to success is the expression, “education is power over ignorance.”
Careene Etienne graduated from Essex County Schools of Technology and will attend Caldwell College in the fall majoring in Nursing. She aspires to help society, specifically people that she encounters in life. Her parents instilled in her a sense of respect for her elders and teachers whose support was a crucial element in reaching her goals.
Ruth Rosario, also a graduate from North 13th Street Technical School, will attend Montclair State University in the fall through the Health Careers Program. She will major in Biology with the hopes of becoming an OB/GYN physician. She firmly believes that women are the foundation of the world. Her passion is to assure the health of women and children.
Executive Director John G. Donnadio congratulated the students for their fine effort in attaining the award, and also voiced his appreciation to the Board, Investors Bank, and PSEG for their continued support of NJAC. As a result of the support and generosity from all parties, NJAC, through Investors Bank and PSEG, have given over $300,000.00 in scholarships over the last seven years.
Also on hand to join the honorees were Freeholders Janine G. Bauer, Rufus I. Johnson, Lebby C. Jones, Leonard M. Luciano, Robert Mercado, and Patricia Sebold.
