Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Recipients 2012-2013

Zachary Goldstein

My name is Zach Goldstein. I am currently a second semester freshman at Syracuse University Throughout my four years at Montclair High School, I was involved with volunteer work in the Key Club as an associate member, sewed as a member of the Breast Cancer Club, where I become president in my senior year, working with Officer Kim Nelson Edwards, and was a member of the National Honors Society.

Breast Cancer awareness and volunteerism means a lot to me. My aunt died of breast cancer in 2004, and shortly after my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, my mother was also diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. As a third grade student, my family did their best to fill me in on what they deemed the most appropriate for an emotional. only child, going through school. I remember my mother going through chemotherapy, and the love and support we received from our family and friends.

From a little boy until now, I have always remembered the support we received as a family, and felt the need to give back what was received; Fortunately, my mother is now a ten-year survivor of Breast Cancer, and I feet as though it is my responsibility and moral obligation to keep advocating for Breast Cancer awareness, as it takes so many lives every year!

As a full time student, I am working with -Syracuse University to support our Breast Cancer clubs in money, and support the local SUNY Upstate Hospital with fundraisers and walks. With that said, I would like to personally thank and congratulate Officer Kim- Nelson Edwards for her dedication and time, and her overcoming breast cancer Lastly, I would like to thank” and congratulate my mother, Susan Goldstein the most dedicated, hardworking, beautiful woman in the world. who has dealt with a vast amount of surgery within the past ten years, and has persevered unlike anything I have ever seen before!

A huge thank you to AAngels NJ for granting me this wonderful scholarship, and together. Iet’s keep saving tines!

Mi’Chaelah Smith

Mi’Chaelah Smith, Montclair High School Class of 2012 graduate, is currently attending Kean University in Union, New Jersey. Mi’Chaelah’s never had the opportunity to meet her dad, he passed away before she was born. Her mom, who is now also deceased, suffered with both breast and lung cancer. Mi’Chaelah has had to overcome many obstacles in her life and throughout it all, she has managed to stay focused on her studies and graduated high school with a 3.8 GPA. In the future, Mi’Chaelah plans to start a program for children of parents who are dealing with breast cancer.

Scholarship Recipients 2013-2014

Jacqueline Noyes

Jacqueline Noyes is a member of the Verona High School Class of 2013. Her mom battled with breast cancer for nearly 8 years, had a recurrence about 3 more times and had multiple complications along the way. Jacqueline was seven years old. Her mother’s strength inspires her to make a difference. Jacqueline is currently interested in the study of genetics. She is taking part in genetic research regarding cancer and other harmful genes. Her mom has the mutated BRCA gene and because of that, the constant thought of breast cancer and her mom’s battle is always on her mind. This has brought her family even closer together.

Michael Harrington Jr.

Michael Harrington Jr. is a member of the Verona High School Class of 2013. His mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011. Michael was very concerned about his mom, however, just like a survivor, she did her best to keep their family life as stable and normal as possible. Michael asked his football coach if the team could wear pink gloves and the coach said yes. This was just the beginning. The Verona High School football team wears more than pink gloves in October, now, they adorn themselves with pink socks and ribbons. Thanks to Michael, the awareness continues to spread. His mom has won her battle with Breast Cancer and is a “Survivor” and she has been named the honorary captain of the football team. Every October, she gets to toss the game starting coin. Michael continues to fundraise for area community breast cancer organizations and we hope that he adds AAngelsNJ to his list.

Biancia Malone

Biancia Malone is a member of the Orange High School Class of 2013. Her great aunt was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when she was in her 80’s and lived as a survivor for another 5 years. She was a dedicated and compassionate person. Biancia believes because of the money raised and the work of community organizations such as AAngels, the lives of her aunt and others like her are prolonged because of research and support. Biancia’s grandmother discovered a lump in her breast and thankfully it was not malignant. Biancia hopes to raise a lot of money for breast cancer research and help eradicate this disease that infects so many women.

Ryan Elie

Ryan Elie is a member of the Cicely Tyson High School for Performing Arts Class of 2013. Ryan’s grandmother and two aunts all were diagnosed with breast cancer and succumbed to the disease. For Ryan, it was a very difficult time. As a result, he has an internal goal to be as involved as possible with any breast cancer awareness initiatives in any way possible. Ryan has committed himself to walk each year during the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and to raise much needed awareness in regards to breast cancer

Scholarship Recipients 2014-2015

Kathryn Garrison

My name is Katie Garrison and I am a senior at James Caldwell High School. I have always been an “artsy” kid. I love to sing and have been apart of my schools chorus for 4 years. Along with chorus I have been heavily involved in my school’s theatre program which I consider to be a home away from home. Breast cancer awareness is something I believe to be of incredible importance. I’ve been involved in Relay for Life for the past four years and have raised over $2500 collectively. Awareness means earlier detection and giving people the understanding they will need to help them cope with their disease. My mother is a survivor and continues to fight everyday. She is the strongest lady I know and I think her and many other women’s stories should be heard. The more positive energy and love we give to the fight the more success we will have in curing this debilitating disease. I truly believe that one day I will get to hear that my mom has been cured and I wont stop fighting until I do.

Clarke Jackson

A gifted dancer and lover of the visual and performing arts, Clarke has been training professionally since she was twelve years old. While maintaining Honors classes in both English and Art, Clarke continued the demanding dance training at Dance Theatre of Harlem, New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble, and spending summers with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She is a member of the Color Guard, Art Club, and Sisterhood Club, and works part time at Starbucks in the Short Hills Mall. She volunteers feeding the Homeless, conducting toy and food drives, and teaching dance in several community based programs. Clarke has faced many challenges in her life but always maintained a positive outlook realizing that her obstacles were not stopping blocks but detours which tested her perseverance and determination. She developed these skills from the strong women in her life especially her baby sitter and “big sister” who is a Breast Cancer Survivor. Clarke was able to witness first hand not only the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness, since her big sister was only 28 years old when diagnosed, but more importantly how a positive attitude and sheer fortitude can make all the difference in the world. She used these lessons in her own life and when an injury ended her chances of auditioning for college, Clarke used her other gifts to continue realizing her future dreams. In the fall of 2014, Clarke will be majoring in Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management at Point Park University in Pittsburg.

Ilona Toth

My name is Ilona Toth. I was born in Stony Brook, New York, but I have lived in Montclair since I was four. I am presently a senior at Montclair High School, and in the fall I will be attending Syracuse University. I plan to major in business management, and minor in both public relations and Spanish. Although I am not a child of a breast cancer survivor, this devastating disease has run rampant through my family. Two of my cousins, Cory Tanzer and Melissa Hage, were diagnosed, both under the age of 30; together they beat their battles with cancer. One of my aunts recently combated breast cancer, and at the age of 50, emerged triumphant. Sadly in 1994, the year before I was born, my aunt Susan Fowler from whom I get my middle name, lost her long battle at the age of 47. These four women inspired me tremendously as they remained strong and optimistic throughout their fights.

During my four years at Montclair High School I was a member of the girls volleyball team. In my second year of playing I was given the opportunity to give back to those affected by breast cancer. I was approached by a senior who had, the previous year, spearheaded the idea to hold an annual fundraiser for breast cancer awareness month, called Dig Pink. As she was graduating, she offered me the opportunity to continue on her legacy. Over the course of my next two years in high school it was my position to orchestrate Dig Pink. My teammates and held bake sales, solicited donations for raffle baskets from local businesses, and fundraised for this cause so near to my heart. Each year we had a goal to raise $3000 for the Side Out Foundation, an organization that combines both volleyball and breast cancer awareness. Side Out Foundation funds support groups, scientific studies, and clinical trials. Since I began organizing Dig Pink in 2012, we have raised nearly $6,120!

My dream is to one day own my own event-planning firm, in hopes of being able to focus on non-profit fundraisers similar to Dig Pink.

Scholarship Recipients 2015-2016

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!

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.

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.

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.