Thirty High School Seniors Receive College Scholarships

Candace Braun

Rutgers University, Georgetown University, and the Empire School in Philadelphia are just a few of the schools that seniors from Princeton High School will be attending next year with the help of a local scholarship.

The Princeton Regional Scholarship Foundation has awarded scholarships to 30 college-bound seniors, which will help pay for the students' tuitions and expenses at their chosen universities. Recipients and their families were honored at a reception held at the high school on Wednesday, June 2.

The following are this year's recipients, along with their chosen colleges: Amber Cifelli, Rutgers University; Sarah Ramierez, Rutgers University; Magdelena Pumpolova, American University; Brianne Schurott, Muhlenberg College; Zach Stern, George Washington University; Sanda Win, Bryn Mawr College; Arwa Ibrahim, Rutgers University; Sumia Ibrahim, Rutgers University; Amar Ibrahim, City College of New York; Kevin Golisano, Roger Williams University; Berline Dessources, University of New Haven; Carla Lopez, Mercer County Community College; Philippa Fraumeni, Georgetown University; LeeAnn Phillip, Kenyon College; Clarissa Noguerra, McGill University; Erica Cook, Mercer County Community College; Nina Vasquez, Mercer County Community College; Sharesse Jackson, Empire School in Philadelphia; Ossie Crocco, Whitworth College; Amber Joseph, Mercer County Community College; Charlene St. Clair, Rutgers University; Chanel Daily, Rutgers University; Jennifer Hart, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; Antoine Newmin, Johnson and Wales University; Claire Marchetta, University of New Haven; Nedgine Douge, Mercer County Community College; Fabiola Mahotiere, Five Towns College; Elisa Stasi, Temple University and Esther Gonzalez, Mercer County Community College.

Founded in 1970, the foundation awards more than $100,000 in scholarships each year to graduates of PHS who need help paying for college. The scholarships typically supplement grants and loans offered by the student's college.

The foundation helps approximately 10 percent of each year's graduating class at the high school, granting scholarships as high as $4,000 per student for their freshman year. All grants are need-based, determined after personal funds, government and college loans and grants have been tallied up for each student. Since the program first began, more than $1 million in aid has been granted to almost 700 seniors.

Funding for the scholarships comes from tax-deductible contributions made by individuals and institutions in the Princeton community.

"We have a loyal group of PHS faculty, alumni, and parents who help us out each year," said Sandy Tait, co-president of the foundation, adding that local charities also contribute to the funds.

"We hate to see a kid decide not to go to college because the family can't afford it," said Carol Golden, co-president of the foundation.

PRSF begins the process of granting funds to seniors each January, by offering help with the standardized financial aid form most colleges require from students. Students then apply for scholarships in the spring.

"These forms can be pretty daunting for families who have never sent a child to college," said Ms. Golden.

Assistance in Spanish is also available during weekend and evening workshops run by volunteers of PRSF.

After students have been accepted into college and notified of their financial aid awards, the foundation reviews their applications to determine their remaining need. Students are notified of awards in late May, and are typically funded throughout all four years of college. Award amounts are reduced after freshman year.

For more information on the Princeton Regional Scholarship Foundation, visit www2.prs.k12.nj.us/PRSF/.