Scholarships

The Foundation is proud to assist in administering memorial scholarships arranged by families and friends of those they wish to honor through furthering our students’ educations. We also administer numerous scholarships for local organizations and businesses.

You may donate to a specific memorial or organization’s scholarship by mailing a check made payable to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Scholarship Foundation in your desired amount, and indicating in the memo line to which fund your monies should be allocated.

Our address is PO Box 123, Fanwood, NJ 07023.

Some donor-designated scholarships also welcome donation via PayPal. Scholarships accepting direct payment via PayPal will have the link included in their award description below. Please note: scholarship funds will be credited your donation less a nominal PayPal fee.

Foundation-Administered Scholarships

The following is a list of scholarships currently administered by the Foundation. Information regarding award amounts and qualifying criteria is subject to change. For scholarships including “Foundation Requirements” as criterion, an applicant must exhibit all of the following:

Financial Need
Character
Academic Scholarship
Evidence of financial self-help – requires both employment and a financial contribution toward college expenses by the applicant.
School and/or community service

ADRIAN ANDREWS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2013)
One $2,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service; requires an additional essay describing how a specific friendship has impacted your life. Donate via PayPal.

BESSON FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1992) Two $2,500 awards for a male and female graduating senior exhibiting potential for success, financial need.

THE COACH BREZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Established 2020) Two $1,000 awards, one male and one female, to a graduating senior from SPFHS who is a varsity soccer player, exhibits extraordinary sportsmanship, uncompromising integrity and has given 100% effort to the team. In the spirit of the Johan Neeskens award that Coach Brez used to award each year, the recipient should be a hard worker who was instrumental in cheering on the team and who put the needs of the team first. Applicants must exhibit academic effort and character, and plan to attend a two- or four-year post-high school institution, technical school, or vocational school. Donate via PayPal.

THE DORIS & GEORGE BRYAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2002) One $2,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who overcame adversity during high school. Selection made by the SPFHS Counseling Department. Donate via PayPal.

PHILIP CAPPIO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019) One $2,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior entering the teaching profession and/or participated in track and/or involved in service to others; Foundation requirements.

FRED J. CHEMIDLIN, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019) One $2,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic effort, character, school and/or community service; priority given for exceptional community service and a dedication to caring for and supporting others, secondary priority for an entrepreneurial spirit.

DR. CAROL B. CHOYE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021) One $2500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic potential. Preference given to a minority student; financial need.

CLASS OF 1967 (FIRST TO RECEIVE, FIRST TO GIVE BACK) SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019) One $1,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior. Preference given to a student who plans to attend a 2-year vocational or technical program; Foundation requirements. Donate via PayPal.

JJ CUNNINGHAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020) Two $1500 awards, one male and one female, who participated in track and/or cross country for at least two years at SPFHS, including senior year. Applicants should exhibit academic effort and character, school and/or community service, and is a caring, good friend. Must be attending a two- or four-year post-high school institution, technical school, or vocational school. Donate via PayPal.

THE DAIDONE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021) One $3,000 award to a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic effort, character, and school/community service who plans to study and/or pursue a career around improving our mass transportation systems. Possible areas of study may include, but are not limited to, construction-related services, electrical, civil, structural or computer engineering, or urban planning and design.

MAURO AND RULENE DiFRANCESCO SCHOLARSHIP (established 2014) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who attended School One, financial need.

MAURO AND RULENE DiFRANCESCO SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who attended Saint Bartholomew’s Academy, exhibiting potential for success.

ROCCO AND CAMILLE DINIZO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017) One $1,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting potential for success, character, school and/or community service, evidence of financial self-help, majoring in education with preference given to special education; requires an additional submission – to help us get to know you, please send us your favorite essay from any class taken in high school. Donate via PayPal.

FRANK & EILEEN DiNIZO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2011) One $500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting outstanding community service.

DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1966) Dollars for Students is the Foundation’s general scholarship fund which supports foundation-managed scholarships. Each year, this fund supports graduating seniors and college students in their pursuit for post-high school education; Foundation requirements.

KAREN AND JOSEPH FRANZONE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2001) One $1,000 award for a graduating senior majoring in education at a four-year college with preference given to special education, may have overcome a learning disability; requires an additional personal essay describing what made you want to pursue a career in education and how your life experiences will help you be a better teacher.

FRANK FUMOSA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service, evidence of financial self-help; priority given to an outstanding percussionist majoring in music, secondary priority to a 4-year instrumental music program participant. Donate via PayPal.

MARCO M. GIASULLO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019) One $2,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior varsity baseball player displaying team spirit, academic effort, character, school and/or community service. Candidates for this award must be active players during their senior year. Donate via PayPal.

GIRL SCOUT SCHOLARSHIP (established 2011) One $750 award for a female graduating senior and currently registered Girl Scout, active in F-SP Girl Scouts for the last five years, exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service; requires an additional essay describing how Girl Scouts has assisted you in student life and prepared you for adulthood. Donate via PayPal.

DORIS KOUES MEMORIAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP (established 1995) One $400 award for a graduating senior pursuing a major in nursing.

ROBERT H. KRAUS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2010) One $3,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior attending Rutgers, extra-curricular activities or volunteerism, minimum 3.0 GPA, financial need.

GEORGE KUREK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020)
One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic effort, character; requires an additional essay: Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town inspires readers to notice profound beauty and meaning in ordinary daily routines. An important quote from this play is, “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it–every, every minute?” Please reflect on a personal experience that gave you a better appreciation of everyday life. Donate via PayPal.

WILLIAM AND RUTH LINGE SCHOLARSHIPS (established 2006)
Two awards for a male and a female SPFHS graduating senior excelling in a foreign language; requires an additional letter of recommendation mailed directly from a foreign language instructor. Final award amounts announced in the spring.

JOHN AND MARIE LOSAVIO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 1999) One $500 award for a graduating senior majoring in music, exhibiting good character and a good scholastic record, financial need.

LYGHT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020) Up to $6,000 will be awarded to one or more SPFHS graduating seniors, or current college students who are SPFHS graduates, of African American decent exhibiting character, academic effort, minimum 3.0 GPA, school and/or community service, attending a two- or four- year post-high school institution, technical or vocational school; application requires an additional one-page essay answering the following question: There are many influential African Americans past and present. Has there been n individual who you either know or have learned about that has influenced you with your career and personal goals?

JOHN J. MAGGS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2018) One award will be given to a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service, financial self-help; priority given to a major in graphic art, secondary priority to a major in any expressive art. Award amount will be announced in the Spring of 2023.

WILLIAM J. McGINN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2011) One $1,500 award for SPFHS graduating senior majoring in nursing; Foundation requirements.

COURTNEY E. METZGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2000)
One or more awards totaling $2,500 for a female(s) SPFHS graduating senior participating in athletics during high school; requires an additional essay describing yourself as an individual and an additional letter of recommendation. Donate via PayPal.

MOORE-SKILLMAN SCHOLARSHIP (established 2018) One or more awards totaling $3,000 for a female graduating senior attending SPFHS for at least three years with an A- (3.6) or higher GPA, pursuing a degree in a S.T.E.M. field or business; Foundation requirements.

WILLIAM MULLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Rotary-Garbe; established 2010) One $2,000 award for four years for a graduating senior majoring in animal science or veterinary medicine at an accredited college.

KATHERINE NEWCOMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2016) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service; priority given to a nursing major, secondary priority to a healthcare field. Donate via PayPal.

THE CHARLIE NEWMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established in 2021) A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from SPFHS who has shown resilience in the face of adversity. Donate via PayPal.

THE NICK PALUMBO, M.D. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Established 2022) One $1,500 award for a graduating senior from SPFHS who is interested in studying medicine or the sciences, has participated in SPFHS athletics, and has had to overcome adversity. Recipient should exhibit academic potential and uncompromising integrity and participate in school and/or community service.

THE PATRICK’S DOWNTOWN RACE TO SUMMER 5K SCHOLARSHIP, IN MEMORY OF PATRICK J. ALLOCCA (Established 2022) One $1,500 award for a graduating SPFHS senior who exhibits academic scholarship and leadership qualities, participates in extra-curricular activities at SPFHS, and is actively involved in school/community service.

ETHEL PERKINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Rotary-Garbe; established 2010) One $2,000 award for four years for a graduating senior pursuing a degree from an accredited college, financial need.

JAMES O’HARA POWERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1998) Two $1,000 awards for a male and a female SPFHS graduating senior achieving a varsity letter, exhibiting team dedication, enthusiasm, financial need.

LAURIE PRUSIK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019) One $1,000 award for a graduating senior, priority given to a SPFHS senior, whose immediate family has been affected by cancer, exhibiting school and/or community service, priority given to someone who attended Coles Elementary; requires an additional one-page essay describing how cancer in your immediate family has had an effect on your life. Donate via PayPal.

DR. MURIEL H. RAMSDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 1991) One $1,500 award for a female SPFHS graduating senior majoring in science with preference given to chemistry; Foundation requirements.

TERRY AND ARLENE RIEGEL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 2013) Two $5,000 awards for SPFHS graduating seniors exhibiting potential and promise for success in college; Foundation requirements.

ROTARY-GARBE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1987) Three $2,500 awards for four years for graduating seniors from SPFHS, Union Catholic or any school within the UCVTS system exhibiting high moral character, leadership qualities, successful academic capabilities, planning to attend college or vocational school, financial need.

THE DENTAL CARE ASSOCIATES ROBERT AND JOANN SCALERA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2010) One $1,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior pursuing a health-related profession, community service.

LAVERNE SCHNELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2017) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting school and/or community service, financial self-help; priority given to a major in fashion design, fashion marketing or graphic arts.

SCHOOL ONE RETIRED ELEMENTARY EDUCATORS AND STAFF SCHOLARSHIP (established 2014) One $1,000 award for a graduating senior who attended School One, exhibiting potential for success, financial need.

SPFHS BLACK STUDENT UNION SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior and active member of BSU for at least two years who embodies the BSU mission to empower and unify the community by educating one another on issues of race, racial injustice and striving for a more diverse, open-minded and equitable future. Award amount announced in the spring. Donate via PayPal.

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD FIELD HOCKEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP (ESTABLISHED 2021) Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to two graduating seniors who have attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School or Union County Vo-Tech and have been a participant of the SPF Field Hockey Team for 3 years or more. Applicants must show evidence of being a team player, contributing toward the hockey program; exhibit school and/or community service; exhibit proven academic effort with a GPA or 3.4 or above. Applicants must show evidence of financial self-help through employment and financial contribution toward college expenses, and plan to attend a two- or four-year post-high school institution, technical school, or vocational school.

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP (established 2015) One $1,000 award for a graduating senior who is a member of the ice hockey team.

SPF-IU SCHOLARSHIP (established 2022) One $2,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who will be attending Indiana University-Bloomington. Recipient should exhibit academic scholarship and character, and participate in school and/or community service. First preference will go to a student attending the Kelly School of Business, but all students attending Indiana University-Bloomington will be considered.

SPFHS ITALIAN CLUB SCHOLARSHIP (established 2013) One $150 award for a SPFHS graduating senior and active Italian Club member taking four years of high school Italian, maintaining a minimum A- average all four years. Award amount announced in the spring.

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD LACROSSE CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS & THE NICK MICELI LACROSSE SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP (established 2018 & 2022) Four $1000 awards for two male and two female graduating seniors who are members of the lacrosse team exhibiting academic scholarship, character, evidence of financial self-help, school and/or community service.

SCOTCH PLAINS FANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND SCHOLARSHIP (established 2023) One $500 award will be given to a graduating senior from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School who participated in SPFHS Marching Band – including including band, percussion line, or color guard – for at least two years, including senior year. Recipient must exhibit school and/or community service and have plans to attend a two- or four-year post-high school institution; technical or vocational school.

SCOTCH PLAINS RECREATION DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP (established 2021) Two awards at $500 each will be given to graduating seniors who are residents of Scotch Plains or Fanwood and have participated in seasonal or summer camp employment through the Scotch Plains Recreation Department. Exhibits academic scholarship and character; school and/or community service.

NANCY HART SCHOTT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2019) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior pursuing a nursing degree, exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service, evidence of financial self-help.

JAMES R. SOCHAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2002) One $500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior, financial need.

FRANKLIN MAINE AND HELEN McCONNELL SPOONER SCHOLARSHIP (established 2002) One $2,000 award for a female SPFHS graduating senior majoring in biology, botany, chemistry, physics or engineering; Foundation requirements.

JEFFREY SPRING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 1995) One award for a SPFHS or Union Catholic graduating senior exhibiting motivation and progress, academic excellence, involvement in school activities, financial need. Award amount announced in the spring. Donate via PayPal.

LINA SURIANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2016) One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting academic scholarship, character, school and/or community service; priority given to a major in Italian or other foreign language, secondary priority for excelling in Italian or other foreign language throughout high school.

KERRI VILLANE SUNSHINE SCHOLARSHIP (established 2020) Two $1,000 awards for a graduating senior who attended School One, exemplifies friendship, community leadership and kindness, financial need, evidence of financial self-help, requires both employment and a financial contribution toward college expenses by the applicant; preference given to a major in education, medicine or accounting and/or involvement in emergency services in Scotch Plains/Fanwood. Donate via PayPal.

MARY CAROLYN WERTS WOOD CLASS OF 1951 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (established 2018) One $2,000 award for a SPFHS graduating senior exhibiting good academic effort, character, school and/or community service; priority given to a student enrolling in a two-year community college or Vo-Tech program, secondary priority for a major in education.

BRUNNER PTA and DR. ALBERT DeSOUSA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1994, 2013)

Two $1,500 awards for graduating seniors who attended Brunner Elementary School.
One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who attended Brunner Elementary School, attending a technical or trade school, college or university; priority given to a student who received assistance at some point during their academic career from the Department of Special Services.

J. ACKERMAN COLES PTA: CAROL PATTEN MEMORIAL, MICHELLE CRISAFULLI MEMORIAL, LAURIE PRUSIK MEMORIAL, and BETH MULVANEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (established 2012, 2018, 2019, and 2021)

One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who attended Coles Elementary in 1st-4th grade, minimum 3.0 GPA. Priority given to a former student of Mrs. Patten and community volunteer and/or pursuing a 4-year degree in either visual arts or education/child studies.
One $1,500 award for a graduating senior who attended Coles Elementary, exhibiting good academic effort, character, school and/or community service. Priority given to a former student of Mrs. Crisafulli and/or pursuing a 4-year degree in education.
One $1,500 award for a graduating senior who attended Coles Elementary, exhibiting good academic effort, school and/or community service, a friend to everyone, demonstrating good character particularly in terms of being able to strongly connect with others in the community.
One $1,500 award for a graduating senior who attended Coles Elementary, exhibiting good academic effort, character, school and/or community service. Priority given to a former student of Mrs. Mulvaney and/or majoring in math or a math-related field including, but not limited to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).

EVERGREEN PTA: DR. BEVERLEE KAMINETZKY, KEHS-AAKJER MEMORIAL, MARY “CHICKIE” GIRAUD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who attended Evergreen Elementary School, attending a technical or trade school, college or university.
Two $1,500 awards for graduating high school seniors receiving part of their education at Evergreen Elementary School.

McGINN PTA: MARIANA CASSIDY EXCELLENCE AWARDS (established 1995)

Two $1,500 awards for graduating seniors who attended McGinn Elementary School for a minimum of three years, demonstrating dedication to academic excellence and social service during high school.

SCHOOL ONE PTA: JAMES V. CERASA, JEFFREY GRYSKO SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1993, 2014)

One $2,000 award for a graduating senior who received the majority of their elementary education at School One Elementary School
One $2,000 award for a graduating senior who received the majority of their elementary education at School One, striving for high academic achievement, a commitment toward citizenship, and demonstrating integrity, sincerity, loyalty and honesty.

MALCOLM E. NETTINGHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA: McTB AND DAVE CILIO SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1993, 2021)

One $1,250 award for a graduating senior who attended Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School (formerly Park Middle School) for a minimum of three years, exhibiting motivation for academic success.
One $1,250 award for a graduating senior who attended Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School (formerly Park Middle School) for a minimum of three years, exhibiting motivation for academic success. Dave Cilio was dedicated to fitness, devoted to honor and modeled a positive attitude. Recipients should exhibit an appreciation for discipline and a respect for their communities.

TERRILL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA: JOHN C. FOULKS SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1994)

Two $1,500 awards for graduating seniors who attended Terrill Middle School for a minimum of three years, exhibiting motivation for academic success.

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PTA: ROBERT ADAMS JR. and DR. TERRY K. RIEGEL SCHOLARSHIPS

Two $1,500 awards for SPFHS graduating seniors demonstrating school spirit through involvement or support of SPF High School activities.

PTA COUNCIL: MANYA S. UNGAR, DR. CAROL B. CHOYE, HEALTH & WELLNESS, DR. MARGARET HAYES SCHOLARSHIPS (established 1969, 2007, 2011, 2019)

Two $1,500 awards for SPFHS graduating seniors.
One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior pursuing a career in a health/wellness field including, but not limited to, alternative medicine/non- traditional medical practices, nutrition, chiropractics, physical therapy, sports medicine or psychology.
One $1,500 award for a SPFHS graduating senior who spent majority of K-12 education in SPF school district, community service, priority given to teaching or education career.