Scholarships Awarded 2026

 June 11, 2026 - The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Scholarship Foundation has continued to fulfill its mission of helping local students achieve their goals of a higher education by distributing 148 scholarships with over $256,400 in scholarship aid to 133 deserving students at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. 

Throughout the year, members of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood community generously contributed to the Foundation’s “Dollars for Students Campaign,” which distributed $21,000 to various high school and college students who are residents of Scotch Plains or Fanwood and have demonstrated both impressive academic achievement and financial need.  

“The dedication of our community and donors to supporting our mission is so inspiring,” said Michelle Wyrwa, Foundation President. “The annual awards night is one of my favorite nights of the year and I am so impressed by the graduating seniors and college students who receive awards.”

Congratulations to these outstanding scholars and our deepest thanks to all of our partners who have stood by us for over a half a century. For further information, please visit our website www.SPFScholarshipFoundation.org or contact the Foundation’s president, Michelle Wyrwa at spfscholarshipfoundation@gmail.com.

DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS (established 1966):

High School Recipients - $1,500 each

Thomas Dowling (Lee Stein)  |  The College of New Jersey — Major: Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a Pre Physical Therapy track

Rebecca Lacerda (Eleanor Kramps)  |  Kean University — Major: Elementary Education Devin McAuliffe (Henry Schwiering)  |  Indiana University — Major: Finance

Vance Slack (Joseph Nagy) |  The Ohio State University — Major: Finance

College Recipients: $1,500 each

Antonio Cerchio Saggese  |  Fairleigh Dickinson University — Major: Accounting

Samantha Friscia  |  West Chester University

Lily Gaulin  |  University of Florida — Major: Health Science: Pre-Occupational Therapy (Major); Disabilities in Society (Minor)

Bridget Hernandez  |  University of Arizona — Major: Accounting and Political Science

Katelyn Lester  |  University of Texas at Austin — Major: Nursing

Sairah Llano  |  The College of New Jersey — Major: Mechanical Engineering

Maria Sao Jose  |  Fairleigh Dickinson University — Major: Forensic Psychology

Claire Swensen  |  Mount Holyoke College — Major: Neuroscience & Behavior

Natasha Vega (John Lawson)  |  Case Western Reserve University — Major: Human Nutrition

Kelly Stewart (Recipient Funded) |  University of Connecticut — Major: Nutritional Sciences

DAVID E. RINGLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (Rotary-Garbe):

Valedictorian: Bella Mirenda  |  University of Pittsburgh — Major: Engineering ($750)

Salutatorian:  Gabriella Suriani  |  Wake Forest University — Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ($500)

ADRIAN ANDREWS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2013): $2,000

Erica Giuliani  |  Clemson University — Major: Elementary Education

BESSON FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1992): $2,500 each

Natalia Hollins  |  Rowan University — Major: Public Health

Paul Vlkovic  |  Montclair State University — Major: Theatre Studies

COACH BREZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020): $1,000

Olivia Domingues  |  University of Tennessee — Major: Kinesiology

Bradley Pearce  |  Sacred Heart University — Major: Finance

THE DORIS & GEORGE BRYAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: $5,000

Claire Widder  |  St. John's University

DOROTHY ANNE BUTLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: $2,500

Kiersten O'Donnell  |  Clemson University — Major: Biological Sciences

PHILIP CAPPIO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019): $2,000

Tony Lourenco  |  Ramapo College of New Jersey — Major: Finance

FRED J. CHEMIDLIN, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019): $2,000

Amelia Condell  |  Northeastern University — Major: Biology

CAROL B. CHOYE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021): $1,500

Joseph Lambert  |  Syracuse University — Major: Television, Radio and Film

THE CLASS OF 1967 – (FIRST TO RECEIVE, FIRST TO GIVE BACK) (established 2019): $1,000

Jack Trojan  |  Raritan Valley Community College — Major: Business Management

THE CLASS OF 1979 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019): $500 each

Greg Baerson  |  Syracuse University — Major: Business

Gabriella Debrito  |  University of Delaware — Major: Human Services

JJ CUNNINGHAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP– (established 2020): $2,000 each

Mia Savare  |  University of Maryland — Major: Dietetics

Jonah Tamayo  |  University of Maryland — Major: Mechanical Engineering

DAIDONE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020): $3,000 each for 4 years

2026 Garet Su  |  University of Michigan — Major: Engineering

2025 Sofia Murray  |  Rutgers University

2024 Rebecca Sohmer  |  Georgia Institute of Technology— Major: Mechanical Engineering

MAURO and RULENE DiFRANCESCO SCHOLARSHIP (established 2014): $1,500

Samantha Chan  |  Pace University - NYC — Major: Accounting

MAURO and RULENE DiFRANCESCO SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017): $1,500

Colleen Kennedy  |  Sacred Heart University — Major: Finance

FRANK & EILEEN DiNIZO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2011): $500

Greg Baerson  |  Syracuse University — Major: Business

THE DR. RICHARD W. DOBYNS MEMORIAL ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP (selected by guidance dept): $1,000

Sara Montero  |  Union College of NJ — Major: Music

KAREN and JOSEPH FRANZONE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2001): $1,000

Natalia Lambert  |  Ramapo College of New Jersey — Major: Elementary & Special Education

FRANK FUMOSA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017): $1,500

Ethan Fellen  |  University of Delaware — Major: Chemical Engineering

MARCO M. GIASULLO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019): $2,500

Alex Bolton  |  Fairleigh Dickinson University — Major: Finance

ELEANOR GILPATRICK FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP (established 2024): $1,000

Madelyn Latham  |  Franklin and Marshall — Major: Biology

GIRL SCOUT SCHOLARSHIP (established 2011): $1,200 each

Normandie Beversluis  |  Amherst College — Major: Political Science and English

Elyse Lamberti  |  University of Scranton — Major: Counseling and Human Services

Bella Mirenda  |  University of Pittsburgh — Major: Engineering

CHESTER J. JANUSZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2024): $1,000 each

Justin Bogdan  |  University of Tennessee — Major: Business

Taryn Ribaudo  |  Rider University- Westminster Choir College — Major: Music Education

DORIS KOUES MEMORIAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP (established 1995): $400

Irfa Azhar  |  Rutgers University — Major: Nursing

ROBERT & CAROL KRAUS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2010): $5,000

Kevin Shehata  |  Rutgers University — Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences

GEORGE KUREK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020): $1,000

Madelyn Latham  |  Franklin and Marshall — Major: Biology

THE CARL M. KUMPF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $2,500

Darren Edelman  |  University of Georgia — Major: Business

WILLIAM AND RUTH LINGE SCHOLARSHIPS (established 2006): $1,500 each

Kayla Mcnair  |  Rutgers University — Major: Biological Sciences - Pre-Dental

João Morais Sarmento Lopes  |  Rochester Institute of Technology — Major: Electrical Engineering

NICO LOMBARDI MEMORIAL BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $1,500 each

Natalia Lambert  |  Ramapo College of New Jersey — Major: Elementary and Special Education

Max Nicholson  |  University of Maryland — Major: Accounting

JOHN and MARIE LOSAVIO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 1999): $500

Spoorthy Gundra  |  Vanderbilt University — Major: Music Performance

LYGHT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020): $3,000 each

Venny Ebrahim  |  Seton Hall University — Major: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience 

Codeylia Frimpong  |  Major: Electrical Engineering

WILLIAM J. McGINN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2011): $2,000

Kelsie Waldron  |  University of Delaware — Major: Nursing

COURTNEY E. METZGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2000): $2,500

Shae Trenery  |  University of Maryland — Major: Economics

MOORE–SKILLMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2018):

Lily Cirillo  |  Lehigh University — Major: Integrated Degree in Engineering and Arts and Sciences (IDEAS) - $1,500

Juilee Joshi  |  Rutgers University — Major: Biology with Pre-Med Track - $2,000

Grace MacDougall | Boston College —  Major: Finance on the Pre-Law Track - $2,000

WILLIAM MULLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Rotary–Garbe; established 2010):  $2,000 each

2026 Rose Weisman  |  University of New Hampshire — Major: Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology

2025 Everett Boris  |  University of Vermont — Major: Animal Science

2024 Taylor Clement  |  University of Rhode Island 

2023 Mikayla Mari  |  Delaware Valley

KATHERINE NEWCOMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2016): $1,500

Irfa Azhar  |  Rutgers University — Major: Nursing

CHARLIE NEWMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021): $5,000

Monique Francilot  |  Tuskegee University — Major: Architecture

THE “PLAY 4 PHIL” ORSINI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2024): $2,000

Emily Roof  |  Coastal Carolina University — Major: Exercise and Sport Science

NICK PALUMBO, M.D. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2022): $1,500 

John Buckley  |  Loyola University of Chicago — Major: Biochemistry

THE PATRICK’S DOWNTOWN RACE RACE TO SUMMER 5K SCHOLARSHIP, IN MEMORY OF PATRICK J. ALLOCCA (established 2022): $3,500

Spencer Martin  |  Duke University — Major: Physics

ETHEL PERKINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Rotary–Garbe; established 2010): $2,000 each

2026 Grace Taylor  |  Villanova University — Major: Nursing

2025 Saanvi Suresh  |  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Major: Computer & Systems Engineering

2024 Catie Skwirut  |  University of Delaware

2023 Madison Diaz  |  Brown University

THE LAURIE PRUSIK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (ESTABLISHED 2019): $1,000

Michael Savare  |  Syracuse University — Major: Business Analytics and Sports Management

DR. MURIEL H. RAMSDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 1991): $1,500

Colleen Gillen  |  Rowan University — Major: Nursing

TERRY and ARLENE RIEGEL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 2013): $2,500 each for 4 years

Terry Riegel

2026 Samuel Duque  |  Rutgers University — Major: Finance

2025 Saman Zeb  |  Swarthmore — Major: Political Science, Philosophy & Economics

Arlene Riegel

2026 William Liu  |  University of Michigan — Major: Biomedical Engineering

2025 Isabella Rocha  |  Emerson College

ROTARY–GARBE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1987):

2026 Recipients: $2,500 each

Bella DeSanto  |  University of New Hampshire — Major: Occupational Therapy

Brian Natareno Santiago  |  Rutgers University — Major: Civil Engineering

Michaela Tang  |  Penn State University — Major: Computer Engineering

2025 Recipients: $2,500 each

Elizabeth Agnello  |  Fordham University — Major: English

Isaac Duque  |  Kean University — Major: Forensic Science

Chris Murphy  |  Fairfield University — Major: Psychology

2024 Recipients: $2,500 each

Matan Goldstein  |  Rutgers University

Rachel Lacerda  |  Montclair State University

Maisie Shimko  |  Cornell University

2023 Recipients: $2,500 each

Jessica Gallagher  |  TCNJ

Ava Mach |  Rutgers University

Eli Ware  |  Liberty University

THE RORY RUHL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $1,000

Alex Chen  |  George Washington University — Major: Political Science

PATTY RUSSO WHITEHOUSE CLASS of 1979 FUTURE EDUCATOR SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $2,000

Carlie Gleason  |  Quinnipiac University — Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

THE SPF STUDENT, ATHLETE, COACH, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR - EUGENE SCHILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $1,000

Reid Buehler  |  University of South Carolina — Major: Finance

LAVERNE SCHNELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2016): $1,500

Elissa Steingart  |  Lasell University — Major: Fashion Merchandising

SCHOOL ONE RETIRED ELEMENTARY EDUCATORS and STAFF SCHOLARSHIP (established 2014): $1,500

Jacob Cristobal  |  Montclair State University — Major: Hospitality, Sports, Events and Tourism

SCOTCH PLAINS–FANWOOD FIELD HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021): $2,000 each for 4 years

2026 Claire Abadir  |  Liberty University — Major: Mechanical Engineering

2025 Carolina Conklin  |  University of Delaware — Major: Business

2025 Kayla Murray  |  Ohio State University

2025 Meredith Reilly  |  Clemson University — Major: Pre–Professional Health Studies

SCOTCH PLAINS–FANWOOD ICE HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP (established 2015): $1,000

Nick Movsesian  |  University of Tennessee — Major: Electrical Engineering

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD LACROSSE CLUB - LAURA ROESSLE LACROSSE SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $1,000

Elissa Steingart  |  Lasell University — Major: Fashion Merchandising

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD LACROSSE CLUB - NICK MICELI SENIOR LACROSSE SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017): $1,000

Caleb McDowell  |  Yale University — Major: Political Science

SCOTCH PLAINS–FANWOOD LACROSSE CLUB SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017) : $1,000 each

Brian Kloepfer  |  University of South Carolina — Major: Economics

Emily Thompson  |  Montclair State University — Major: Business Administration

SCOTCH PLAINS RECREATION DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021): $500 each

Reid Buehler  |  University of South Carolina — Major: Finance

Emily Clarke  |  University of South Carolina — Major: Marketing

THE SOCIAL STATUS CO. NEXT GEN SCHOLARSHIP (established 2025): $1,000

Emily Clarke  |  University of South Carolina — Major: Marketing

AMELIA SOLLITTO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2024): $500

Gabriella Debrito  |  University of Delaware — Major: Human Services

SPFHS ITALIAN CLUB (established 2013): $150

Gabriella Debrito  |  University of Delaware — Major: Human Services

SPFHS MARCHING BAND SCHOLARSHIP (established 2022): $500

Ethan Fellen  |  University of Delaware — Major: Chemical Engineering

SPF– IU SCHOLARSHIP (established 2022): $1,500

Griffin Hough  |  Indiana University — Major: Finance

FRANKLIN MAINE and HELEN McCONNELL SPOONER SCHOLARSHIP (established 2002): $2,000

Samantha Gettler  |  Seton Hall University — Major: Social and Behavioral Science 

JEFFREY SPRING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 1995): $500

Justin Bogdan  |  University of Tennessee — Major: Business

LINA SURIANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2016): $1,500

Annie Ricca  |  Rutgers University — Major: Biological Sciences

KERRI VILLANE SUNSHINE SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020): $1,000 each

Jenna Lourenco  |  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Major: Information Technology and Web Science

Kamryn Nesmith  |  Hampton University — Major: Business Administration

MARY CAROLYN WERTS WOOD CLASS OF 1951 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2018): $2,000

Jack Trojan  |  Raritan Valley Community College — Major: Business Management

PTA SCHOLARSHIPS:

BRUNNER

Dr. Albert DeSousa Memorial Scholarship: $1,500

Sam Hale  |  Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Major: Biochemistry

Brunner PTA Scholarship: $1,500

Callum Fynes  |  Indiana University — Major: Business

Brunner PTA Scholarship: $1,500

Reilly Amberg  |  University of Scranton — Major: Biology- Pre-Physician Assistant

J. ACKERMAN COLES

Carol Patten Memorial Scholarship (established 2012): $1,500

Deegan Ventura  |  SUNY Purchase — Major: Design and Technical Theater

Michelle Crisafulli Memorial Scholarship (established 2018): $1,500

Xing Liao  |  University of Massachusetts Amherst — Major: Accounting

Laurie Prusik Memorial Scholarship (established 2019): $1,500

Ava Bonczek  |  Fordham University — Major: Psychology

Beth Mulvaney Memorial Scholarship (established 2021): $1,500

Alexandra Savare  |  Lehigh University — Major: 4+1 MS in Business Analytics

EVERGREEN

Dr. Beverlee Kaminetzky Memorial Scholarship: $1,500

Brandon Dinizo  |  University of South Carolina — Major: Sports and Entertainment Management

Kehs–Aakjer Memorial Scholarship: $1,500

Sammie Nocera  |  Penn State University — Major: Kinesiology

Mary ”Chickie” Giraud Memorial Scholarship: $1,500

Joseph Souza  |  Fordham University — Major: Accounting

McGINN

Mariana Cassidy Excellence Awards (established 1995): $1,500 each

Aanya Wright  |  Rutgers University — Major: Business

Gabriella Suriani  |  Wake Forest University — Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Juliette Gutierrez  |  University of Delaware — Major: Cognitive Science

SCHOOL ONE

James V. Cerasa Scholarship (established 1993): $2,000

Kamryn Nesmith  |  Hampton University — Major: Business Administration

Jeffrey Grysko Scholarship (established 2014): $2,000

Kevin Wright  |  Cornell University — Major: Mechanical Engineering

NETTINGHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

McTB Scholarship (established 1993): $1,500

Tess Coffey  |  Boston College — Major: Management & Leadership

Dave Cilio Scholarship (established 2021): $1,500

Timothy Dematteo  |  University of Florida — Major: Mathematics

TERRILL MIDDLE SCHOOL

John C. Foulks Scholarships (established 1994): $1,500

Matt Krantz  |  Tufts University — Major: Biochemistry

Emma Telpis  |  American University Honors College — Major: International Studies

SCOTCH PLAINS FANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Robert Adams, Jr. Scholarship (established 1967): $2,000

Asher Jackvony  |  Florida State University — Major: Biology

Dr. Terry K. Riegel Scholarship (established 1999): $2,000

Paul Boyle  |  Wesleyan University — Major: Economics/Film

Dr. David Heisey Scholarship (established 2024): $2,000

Dylin Kervel  |  University of Massachusetts — Major: Political Science

PTA COUNCIL

Manya S. Ungar Scholarship (established 1969): $1,500

Olivia Rotondo  |  McGill University

Dr. Margaret Hayes Scholarship (established 2019): $1,500

Varun Chauhan – $1700 – Arizona State University – Computer Systems Engineering

Dr. Carol B. Choye Scholarship (established 2007): $1,500

Joseph Lambert  |  Syracuse University — Major: Television, Radio and Film

Dr. Joan Mast Excellence in Leadership Scholarship (established 2024): $2,500

Georgea Stellakis  |  University of Florida — Major: Neuroscience

SPF Super Sports Scholarship (established 2024): $1,500

Mia Trombetta  |  Sacred Heart University — Major: Health Science