NJ students: Mount Saint Mary Academy's top-performing students given special awards
The School Counseling Department at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung has presented special awards to top performing students. These awards are given out annually to students who demonstrate both academic and personal success.
"Students do not apply for these awards," said Kacey King, department chair of School Counseling. "They are nominated to a scholarship committee by their teachers. The committee carefully reviews each student’s transcript, résumé, and commitment to service and the academy for final determination. We are so proud to have such dedicated students!”
Chatham University — Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Book Award for student that has promise in the study of science and is deeply concerned about the Environment — Julia Falcone of Chatham.
Knights of Columbus Award for Outstanding Christian Values — Martinsville Chapter — Mary Wieszczek of Scotch Plains.
Rensselaer Medal for Outstanding Student in Math & Science for three years — Giuliana Pelcher of Berkeley Heights.
Saint Anselm College Book Award for Academic Success and Exceptional Leadership Qualities in the Areas of Civic Engagement — Renee Vozza of Westfield.
Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Scholarship and Service — Dena Mistichelli of Watchung and Kayley Moran of Warren.
Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit — Grace Glynn of Princeton and Diana Neste of Whitehouse Station.
Also: Several students at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung demonstrated excellence in the languages of Spanish, Italian and Latin after taking the national exams. Teresa Sengel, World Languages Department chairperson and Italian teacher, and teachers Marian Senior (Spanish), Jennifer Larson (Latin) and Madeline Albrittain (Spanish) held an awards ceremony and breakfast for the honorees in the Student Center on Thursday, May 19.
Also: Kathleen Brennan, math department chairperson at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, reported that the Mount's Euro Challenge team edged out four other finalists in the competition on Thursday, May 19. Their topic was Gender Inequality in Germany.
The sophomore presenters included: Zoe Daly of Piscataway, Victoria Fekete of Livingston, Lillian Del Rossi of Union, Charlotte Jotz of Scotch Plains, and Akshaya Karanam of Woodbridge. The researchers were: Katie Ferris of Westfield and Gwen Oakley of Maplewood.
Brennan said, "The organizers said it was the best presentation they had seen in the 17 years of the competition. They were so confident and poised in the face of some really tough questioning.”
Megan Luppino, a 2012 graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy, who is the co-chair of the Associate Board of Directors for W!SE (one of the organizations that runs the competition), said, "I am so proud of this year's Mount Euro Challenge participants. Congratulations to the students and Ms. Brennan on the big win! As a former Euro Challenge team member, I know how much time and effort the team put into their research and presentation prep this year. I love seeing the Mount's Euro Challenge teams rise to the occasion year after year."
David Brearley High School
The Bears at David Brearley High School in Kenilworth made history at the Union County Conference Championship meet.
The Valley Division Conference title was Brearley’s first-ever girls track championship and only the third track championship in the school’s history. The boys winter track team earned a title in 1991, and the boys spring track team won a championship in 1992.
This year’s champs initially had no idea what they had achieved.
“At first, the girls didn’t even realize the history they had made,” said Head Coach Matthew Pitarresi. “Hearing that you’re a conference champion is one thing, but to know that you’re the first to ever do it in the school’s history and in a county as competitive as ours, that’s something else entirely.”
Union County’s 20-plus teams are divided into three divisions: Watchung, Mountain, and Valley. Brearley, in the Kenilworth school district, competes in the Valley Division alongside A.L. Johnson, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Roselle, Roselle Catholic, and Roselle Park. The Bears came out on top with 156 points, ahead of Hillside’s second place by almost 50 points.
Pitarresi said he and assistant coaches Allen Phillips, Jacob Ulasevich, and Robert Kessler knew the amount of talent they had returning to the team this year and could not be prouder of the remarkable accomplishment.
“Due to the pandemic, this academic year was the first full-on winter and spring season for our team since 2019. We knew we would have some amazing athletes out there competing who were finally given a chance to put in the work.”
Brearley placed in 13 of the 16 events on Friday, May 13, with some athletes placing in multiple events.
Brearley will head to the Central New Jersey Group 1 State Sectional Championship on Friday, June 3, and and Saturday, June 4.
Not only did the girls track team make Brearley history with their division title, but they did so by competing in “arguably one of the best counties in the entire country for track” with many athletes who compete at the New Jersey Meet of Champions coming from Union County year after year, Pitarresi said.
Seniors Catherine Goger (javelin, shotput, discus, long jump) and Maraya Watson (100m, 200m, 100m hurdles, triple jump) said the conference title was a long time coming.
“We’ve been working toward this with our coaches since freshman year,” said Goger. “We worked hard this season, and the gears just seemed to click.”
“Words cannot explain the amount of joy and excitement that we have,” said Watson. “It’s more than just a trophy to us. It’s what we’ve been working toward for the last four years, and we did it as a family.”
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Mount Saint Mary College
Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York, recognized more than 500 graduates at its 59th annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 21.
Of the graduates, the college awarded 122 master’s degrees and more than 380 bachelor’s degrees. The graduating students hailed from 11 states, including NJ.
Among the speakers, the graduating students then heard from honorary degree recipient and Commencement speaker Karina Cabrera Bell, Class of '01, a Fortune 500 executive and former official in the Obama White House. Cabrera Bell currently serves as senior manager within the Inclusion, diversity, and equality (ID&E) practice at accenture, a multinational professional services company that specializes in information technology services and consulting. In this role, she advises Fortune 500 clients in ID&E, talent strategies, cultural transformation, and responsible business practices.
Ranked a Top-Tier Regional University by U.S. News & World Report, Mount Saint Mary College offers strong career preparation in the health professions, education, business, psychology, social services, the liberal arts, and more.
Raritan Valley Community College
Raritan Valley Community College in the North Branch section of Bridgewater will offer a new Supply Chain Management Certificate of Completion program beginning this fall. The fully online program, which is designed for those new to the industry or currenting working in the field, will provide educational opportunities to prepare participants for entry-level and middle-level employment in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) industry.
To assist future and current employees with staying up-to-date in the field and meeting the changing needs of the workforce, the program also will provide ongoing professional opportunities for students. Program faculty will include industry experts who also will serve on an advisory board to provide insight into the curriculum and keep the program current.
To learn more about RVCC’s new Supply Chain Management Certificate of Completion program, register for a virtual Information Session, Wednesday, June 15, at 5 p.m., at raritanval-edu.zoom.us/j/87971664883 or www.raritanval.edu/visit.
The 18-credit program, which can be completed in two semesters, includes courses focusing on such topics as supply chain management, transportation, purchasing, inventory management, logistics technology and operations management.
Businesses are looking for supply chain professionals to continuously increase the organization’s capability by reducing costs and improving the efficiency of relationships, both internal and external. RVCC’s new program addresses a national skills gap, helping to equip employees with much-needed, multi-faceted skills in the area of operations, transportation, and planning.
As the local logistics industry continues to become an increasingly important part of an international business network, the Supply Chain Management Certificate of Completion is designed to meet the employment opportunities and workforce needs of the field. The program provides a strong foundation in the core principles and applications required to prepare students for industry employment. Specifically, this program emphasizes the essentials of supply chain and operations management, the transportation and distribution process, warehousing, and sourcing, as well as the professional business and communication skills required to excel in the field. The credits earned in this certificate program can be used toward RVCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Business Management — Supply Chain Option program.
Graduates of the new Certificate of Completion program will be able to:
Apply inventory management and control concepts in planning and forecasting
Explain purchasing processes, policies, and procedures
Demonstrate problem-solving utilizing technology in logistics and supply chain management
Compare modes of transportation and related policies
RVCC’s Fall Semester classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 31.
For additional information about the new Supply Chain Management Certificate of Completion program, or registering for the Wednesday, June 15, Information Session, contact Tracy Rimple, Chair, Business and Public Service Department, at tracy.rimple@raritanval.edu.
Readington Township School District
The Readington Township School District has announced the appointment of Timothy Charleston as the next Principal of Readington Middle School, effective Friday, July 1, 2022. Charleston’s appointment was approved by the Readington Board of Education at their meeting on Tuesday, April 26. Dr. Jonathan Hart, Superintendent of Schools, said, “We are thrilled to have Mr. Charleston join the RMS family and the leadership team. His skill set, previous experiences, and connection with children will serve our community well.”
Charleston comes to Readington from Princeton Public Schools in Princeton, where he has been employed for the past eight years, most recently serving as the assistant principal of the middle school. His previous experience also includes appointments as supervisor of Social Studies Enrichment and Global Education, acting director of Technology and Innovation, and School Safety Specialist for Princeton Public Schools; District Supervisor of Instruction, Information and Technology Coordinator, and Social Studies Teacher for Green Brook Township Public Schools.
Charleston is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Rutgers University with a Masters in Social Studies Education, and the University of Scranton with a Masters in Educational Administration. Charleston’s teaching philosophy includes fostering inclusive learning environments that allow all students to find their joy and purpose in a global society.
Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools
Nicholas DeRovira of Branchburg, a freshman in the electrical construction program, has been selected as Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) in Bridgewater's Student of the Month for May 2022.
SCVTHS Social Studies Instructor Dr. Louise Tokarsky-Unda nominated DeRovira for the Student of the Month award stating, “Nicholas has gone from dreading history to loving history; he engages in class discussion, is diligent about doing his homework on time, and most recently he asked if he could improve upon an already good test score because he wanted to make it an exceptional test score. He is an example of a student who is excelling because of the goals he sets for himself. His natural love of learning has returned, and he challenges himself to do his very best. I couldn't be prouder.”
Electrical Construction Instructor Michael McClain said, “Nick has a positive attitude towards learning and has taken on a large role in helping other students learn as well. He is an excellent candidate for the student of the month.”
Outside of school, DeRovira participates in the Mercer County Golf League. Additionally, at SCVTHS, DeRovira has assisted in the beach clean-up and participated in SkillsUSA. In his free time, DeRovira enjoys golfing and playing video games.
After graduating from SCVTHS, DeRovira hopes to become an electrician or an electrical engineer.
Also: For the sixth year, and first since the COVID-19 pandemic, Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School Social Studies Instructor Ed Graf has put together an event titled, "Proud to be an American Day. " "Proud to be an American Day" will be held on Thursday, May 26, with events beginning at 9 a.m. Graf’s vision and purpose for the day is to teach students the importance of honoring our veterans and the reasons we celebrate Memorial Day.
Some of the day’s events include:
Honoring the memories of fallen veterans, promoting patriotism, creating unity as a school community and nation
Special tributes will be paid to USMC Captain Jesse Melton III, who was KIA in Afghanistan and NJ National Guard Soldier, PFC Anthony Stietz, who died in a car accident
Speakers to include USMC Lt. Gen. John Toolan
Demonstrations by the United States Military, including armored vehicles and helicopters
Wreathes to be presented
Bagpipe and bugle player to perform
21-gun salute will be performed by American Legion Post 35 out of Union, New Jersey
Civil War cannon volleys
Union High School JROTC Honor Guard will hold a “Posting the Colors”
Members of the USO Show Troupe will perform patriotic musical selections
Following the events, a luncheon will be held for all of the attending veterans, honorees, and their families. For more information contact James Strickhart at 908-526-8900, ext. 7169 or jstrickhart@scvts.net.
Thomas Edison State University
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $20,000 in nuclear engineering scholarships to support two Thomas Edison State University (TESU) in Trenton students in the Heavin School of Arts, Sciences, and Technology.
Nuclear energy engineering students Richard Zealy and Brandon Burgess are TESU scholarship recipients who were awarded $10,000 each.
The awards are provided through the Office of Nuclear Energy’s (NE) University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) and include 61 undergraduate scholarships and 28 graduate fellowships for students at 32 colleges and universities in 23 states.
UNLP is investing in the next generation of leaders who will research innovative nuclear energy solutions to today’s climate challenges and help the United States meet the Biden Administration’s goals of 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Nuclear energy currently provides about 20 percent of the country’s electricity, and 52 percent of its clean energy.
“The DOE support will empower the next generation of scientists and engineers and give them the tools they need to find nuclear energy solutions that ultimately lower emissions with even greater performance than today’s very capable technologies,” said Dr. Richard P. Coe, assistant dean in the Heavin School of Arts, Sciences, and Technology at the university. “This generous funding underscores the UNLP’s endorsement of our academic programs and the value they bring to the workforce.”
Through the UNLP, the DOE is awarding more than five million in undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to students pursuing nuclear engineering degrees and other nuclear science and engineering programs relevant to nuclear energy. The awards include 59 scholarships at four-year institutions, one scholarship at a two-year institution, and 28 fellowships for students at U.S. colleges and universities. Through this program, undergraduates at four-year institutions will receive $10,000 and undergraduates at two-year institutions will receive $5,000 to help cover education costs for the upcoming year, while the three-year graduate fellowship provides $52,000 each year to help pay for graduate studies and research. Fellowships also include $5,000 to fund an internship at a U.S. national laboratory or other approved research facility to strengthen the ties between students and DOE's energy research programs. Since 2009, DOE has awarded close to 929 scholarships and fellowships totaling approximately $55 million to students pursuing nuclear energy-related degrees. Prior to 2021, UNLP was known as Integrated University Program.
Also: Thomas Edison State University’s Division of Community and Government Affairs will distribute free food to Trenton community residents.
The Community Food Distribution event will be held on Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kelsey Building, 111 W. State. St., Trenton. The event, which is co-sponsored by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, will share free food with individuals and families from the Trenton community.
The event expects to provide more than 5,000 pounds of free food to more than 300 families and individuals. The items that are likely to be distributed vary, but can include fresh produce, dairy, etc. Since participants will be going from table to table to select food to make their own packages, it’s best if they bring their own durable bags and carts for easy transportation to their homes.
No registration is necessary for this event since TESU will be distributing food on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, email community@tesu.edu.
Union County College
The Center of Economic and Workforce Development is providing Virtual information sessions for those interested in a career in the Supply Chain, Healthcare, and Financial Services industry. You will learn about our occupational training programs, offered this summer and fall, including Essentials of Supply Chain Management, Patient Care Technician, and Accounting Technician.
Employment opportunities for those who successfully complete the programs are currently available county-wide. Opportunities include Supply Chain Management — Customer Service Representative, Import Coordinator, Export Coordinator, and Warehouse Manager; Patient Care Technician — Physician office support, patient care technicians in hospitals and medical centers, and Accounting Technician — Bookkeeper, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Accounting Clerk.
Students who complete the program and pass the certification exams will obtain industry-valued credentials for in-demand jobs that are currently hiring qualified applicants. Furthermore, students will learn on how they may qualify for On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs. The information sessions will be held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m.
For more information or to enroll, register to attend an information session at www.tinyurl.com/UCC2022 or call 908-965-2992.
Also: In a time of economic uncertainty, the Union County College Foundation continues to help students lessen their educational financial burden at Union County College. This year, more than $1 million has already been provided to students by the college’s Foundation. This is the earliest in the year the Foundation has reached this milestone. There is a wide array of scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students at Union.
One of the biggest concerns facing college students today is the cost of college. Being cognizant of this, the college’s Board of Trustees has not raised tuition for a third consecutive year. Beyond affordable tuition, the Foundation’s availability of scholarships further assists in defraying the costs for our students.
The Foundation holds three major events every year to raise funds for Union students. The events taking place this year include a virtual casino night which happened in February, a golf outing that was held on Monday, April 25, and the Close the Gap reception planned for Thursday, July 14.
“Higher education is the foundation of success in our current environment,” said Doug Rouse, executive director of the Foundation. ”By providing our students with the opportunity to not only receive education, but to help relieve some of that financial pressure is something that the Foundation prides itself on. We could not do it without the generous and unwavering support of those in our community who understand that education is the key to economic mobility.”
New scholarships are created every year. With many in need of support, there is always room for more. For more information how to create a scholarship, contact the Foundation Office at 908-709-7505 or email foundation@ucc.edu. For new and returning students, there are many opportunities for scholarships. For more information on the different opportunities available, visit www.ucc.edu/admissions/paying-for-college/scholarships.
Westfield Public Schools
Sixteen Westfield High School student-athletes signed Letters of Intent with colleges and universities, signifying recognition of the seniors’ accomplishments both academically and athletically. The following student-athletes will continue to compete at the college level:
Owen Carolan — Hobart and William Smith Colleges — Sailing
Michael “Trey” Constantinou — Stevens Institute of Technology — Lacrosse
Nicholas Conti — Gettysburg College — Golf
Adam Contract — Gettysburg College — Tennis
Sean Crann — Stevens Institute of Technology — Fencing
Conor Daly — Washington University in St. Louis — Cross Country/Track & Field
Emily DiSarno — Providence College — Cross Country/Track and Field
Shane “Duke” Edmondson — Dickinson College — Lacrosse
Patrick Flaherty — Gettysburg College — Baseball
Emma Heinze — Ithaca College — Swimming
Sarah Kennedy — University of Scranton — Swimming
Kieran Koenke — Susquehanna University — Lacrosse
Chloe Kreusser — Emory University — Basketball
Erin McKinney — Iona College — Swimming
Charlie Stock — Virginia Tech — Cross Country/Track & Field
Jack Walter — Wheaton College — Lacrosse
Student and School news appears on Saturdays. Email: cnmetro@mycentraljersey.com
Carolyn Sampson is Executive Office Assistant for the Courier News, The Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com, and handles the weekly Student News page.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ students: Mount Saint Mary Academy students given special awards
