Scholarship Recipients 2015-2016
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Regina Peters
Recipient of the Joanne L. Brannon “Hope” Scholarship My name is Regina Peters, and I am a senior at James Caldwell High School. I will be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall as a biology major. Around JCHS, I have run track, cross country, played lacrosse and soccer, as well as participated in numerous theatrical productions, singing groups, and played violin. One of my biggest cheerleaders and my best friend throughout my life who has encouraged me to try anything and everything I possibly can do is my mother, one of the strongest women I know. In October of 2000, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After aggressive chemo and others treatments, she has thankfully been in remission for 14 years. My mother is here because of awareness, which is why this topic is paramount to me. Finding the tumor by chance, she immediately got a biopsy, and was able to address and treat the cancer. My grandmother was diagnosed as well, and she too was able to beat it due to early detection. Awareness and understanding takes some of the fear of the unknown out of the words, “You have cancer,” and I hope that this awareness makes women stronger, ready to fight a battle that absolutely can be won. Early detection, treatment and awareness gave me an infallible best friend who has been able to see me grow into the young woman I am today and be a huge part of my future! |
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Zuri Rivera
Recipient of the Lenora Adams-Alston “Courage” Scholarship Zuri Rivera is a member of the 2015 graduating class of Essex County Vocational & Technical High School (Bloomfield Tech). Zuri was an honor roll student all four years and served as a peer counselor and member of the Volleyball team. Outside of school, Zuri, studied dance for over 10-years, participated in the Junior Delta Academy, National Leadership Training Institute and was inducted in the National Honor Society. Last summer Zuri received her Red Cross Lifeguard training, and was employed at area pools as a Lifeguard. In the Fall, Zuri will be attending Montclair State University where she plans to study Art History. |
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Michaela Campo
Recipient of the Diane Jane Wood “Faith” Scholarship My name is Michaela Campo, and I am currently a senior at Nutley High School. In the fall I will be attending William Patterson University as a communications major. My mother came down will breast cancer during my sophomore year in high school which had a tremendous impact on my life as well as my family. I truly feel that this situation has made me a stronger person as I feel that there is nothing my family or I cannot overcome. Through this experience I have gravitated towards communications as my future major. My passion now is to make people in my community as well as the world more keenly aware of diseases and health issues that people face every day. I will forever be involved in Breast Cancer Awareness due to my personal circumstance. It is my pledge as a future broadcaster to continue to educate people on the importance of screenings and other preventative health measures. This somewhat tragic situation in our family, did in fact, have a silver lining. These situations in our lives make us who we are and how we handle things. Let us hope that in the future this disease will be eradicated. But until that time comes, I will stay strong with my family and endure any future challenges and hardships that come our way. The word SURVIVOR has a strong and powerful meaning to me. Being a recipient of this scholarship is an honor an a privilege, as I will pay it forward in my future to be a spokesperson for people who are touched by cancer. |
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Kylah Brooks
Recipient of the Orange Police Department, Platoon 1, Squad A Scholarship (organized by Lt. Tracey Wright, Tour Commander) My name is Kylah Brooks and I am 18 years old. This fall I will be attending William Paterson school for Vocal pop performance. Singing means everything to me . I’ve been a singer since about 4/5 years old . It has been first nature to me for about 14 years and I plan to pursue it as my career goal . My plan B would be to become either an Anesthesiologist or a Forensics scientist. I am very well rounded when it comes to the various activities I choose to partake in at my own leisure time. Karate ( Taekwondo ) has also been apart of me since about 5. I’ve been dancing since about 11 and acting came about 2 years after I began dancing. I’ve done many plays that I am rather proud of at Cicely Tyson school where I will be graduating from soon. DreamGirls ( as Michele/ Effie’s replacement). “Pippin” as ensemble and “The color purple “as Shug Avery. I was also “Clara” in the Christmas classic ” The Nutcracker”. I try to keep myself busy not because I’m just bored but so that I am always striving and achieving things that matter most to me . Not to mention my grades play a huge part In my life as well. I am a member of the National Honor Society and honor roll / high honor roll is all I accept from myself. I think I’ve done quite well balancing , and keeping everything in tact through my years. |