Weakened Ecomony Has Affected College Choice for Many
• Many Expect Tuition Bills Will Take Years to Pay
Jun 23, 2010 – For three award-winning Nutley High School seniors, the road to college is fraught with financial difficulties that have affected student choice and led some to settle for lesser colleges.
America's weakened economy has made it more difficult to acquire college scholarships this year, not only for average students for for even those at the top of their class. Tonight's valedictorian Patrick Roche and top scholars Jennifer Cruz and Julia Siniski all agree that acquiring funds for their college education has been an unexpected challenge.
"It's difficult to take out loans," Cruz said. "You really realize how bad the economy is when even paying for local schools is difficult." She said things are even worse for her classmates with one or both parents facing ongoing unemployment. "It's that much harder," Cruz said.
Sinisky said she expects the financial climate "only to get worse. Sometimes you've decided you want to go to a particular school only to learn you can't pay for it."
She said there is "barely any financial aid as the economy has tightened. "I already know I'm going to sacrifice most of my future to paying off my college loans."
Patrick Roche said "not only does the tightened economy means many students have to remain closer to home, but that means you're not going to benefit from the experiences you'd get by going away. The race is on for whatever money is available," Patrick said.
"You have to scramble for as many scholarships as you can, and they're harder to get because there are so many competing for these awards," he said.
Despite the difficulties, this high school trio of top scholars all say they're looking forward to the future and the challenges as are all their classmates who will be receiving their diplomas on the Park Oval tonight.
Graduating as the class salutatorian this year is Jonathan Konel.
The complete list of award recipients this year follows:
Academic Booster Club
The Chuck Appel Scholarship - Patrick Roche
Dr. James J. Fadule Jr. Scholarshiip - Brandon Cresci
Gisela Wiedersich Scholarship - Steven Gerechoff
Academic Hal of Fame Awards - Patrick Roche, Jonathan Konel, Achal Shah, Julia Sinitsky,
Uzma Ahmed, Steven Filippi, Mariel Kennedy, Brendan Striano, Philip Lam and Julia Brindisi.
John AIRES Memorial Trophy<
Jesse Whitman
American Association of University Women
Scholarship In Honor of Gilda Schwartz awared to Amelia Salazar
AMVETS Post No. 30
Scholarships to Meaghan Carlo and Ross Komura
Bank of Nutley Scholarships (Division of Pascack Community)
Scholarship to Alissa Tucci
Bausch & Lomb - Proficiency in Science Award
Patrick Roche
Belleville-Nutley Gridiron Classic
Charlie Piro Memorial Scholarship - Antonio Sibilia
Belleville Political & Social Club
Scholarship - Nicole Mundy
Berkeley College of Business Education
Certificate for Perseverance in High School Business -Simone Molinaro
Berkeley College of Business
Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in High School Business Education - Rachel Conte
Business Education
Amy Bonadonna Memorial SADD Award
Lindsay Ryder
John W. Bresnahan Memorial Scholarship
Michael Koribanick
Barbara Ann Callahan & Joseph M. Callahan English Award
Anette Melendez
Scholarship Fund
Accounting Award - Jeniffer Cruz
Art Award - Marie Hickey
Nursing Award - Sarah Roghanian
Song & Dance Awards - Meghan Mc Grath
Career Education Advisory Council
Recognition Awards - Leigha Di Giacomo, Dana Keriazos, Dana Piccirilli, Alicia Rivera
Dr. Ed Kesser Award
Amber Hopkins
Catholic Daughters of America
Scholarship - Anna Blank
Court Gratia #751-Nutley
Melissa Anne Centrella Memorial Scholarship - Jonathan Konel, Sarah Roghanian, Achal Shah, Brendan Striano
Nicholas Cifelli Jr. Scholarship
Ross Komura
The Robert Citrino Memorial Scholarship
Rebecca Iannucci
Medical Training Scholarship in Memory of William Martin
Nadiah Sukkar
Clara Maass Medical Center - Volunteer Service Awards
Mikey Alfieri, Mark De Furia, Amber Hopkins, Raquel Mecca, Mayra Pacherres,
Nestor Pajares, Dana Piccirilli, Alicia Rivera
Class Officers Recognition Awards
President - William McLellan
Vice President - Michael Iaccarino
Corresponding Secretary - Christina Rafanello
Recording Secretary - Lindsay Ryder
Treasurer - Amanda Rodriguez
The Community School in Nutley
The Mary Anna Hermo Scholarships for Education - Danielle Cristantiello, Timothy Larigan
Filomena Coppola Memorial Scholarship
Samantha Palma
The Jonathan Currie Memorial Scholarship
Anthony Cataldo, Ashley Varga
Daughters of the American Revolution Yantacaw Chapter
Excellence in American History Award - William Mc Lellan
Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation
Scholarships - Laraeb Atiq, Frank Feraco
Dominick DiCioccio Memorial Scholarship
Uzma Ahmed
Mecha DiCioccio Memorial Scholarship
Carrie Tolve
Elizabeth A. Donatiello Memorial Scholarship
Dante Montes
ECADA Scholar/Athlete Award
Patrick Roche, Lindsay Ryder
Elizabeth A. Donatiello Memorial Scholarship
Education Association of Nutley Scholarships
Scott Kilianski, Allyson Lynch, Robert Woll
Drug Awareness Committee of the Nutley ELKS
Scholarship - Stefanie Urso
Youth Activities Committee of the Nutley ELKS
Scholarship - Michael Koribanick
Men of Essex - Scholar/Athlete Award
Raymond Cetrullo, Patrick Roche, Lindsay Ryder
Essex County Department of Education Scholars
Patrick Roche, Jonathan Konel
French Club Scholarships
Mohamed Aly, Hana Angelino, Katie Faurot, Karen Guerrero, Mariel Kennedy, Larissa Lohman, Sarah Roghanian,
Julia Sinitsky, Nadiah Sukkar
Friends of Nutley Singers, Inc. Raymond Kohere Music Scholarship
Christopher Mangum
Irene Aragona Memorial Music Scholarship
Elisabeth Erdman
John Vitkovsky Music Education Scholarship
Amanda Rodriguez
Brian Bellog Musical Theatre Scholarship
Meghan Mc Grath
Charles & Margaret Fucello Scholarship in Memory of Adrian Fuccello
Ashley Varga
The Garry & Angela Furnari Memorial Scholarships
Mark Borino, Daniel Holly, Samantha Palma
Bruce Gallagher Memorial Scholarships
Matthew Newton, Gianna Scarpelli
Thomas C. Gallucci Award
William McLellan
Donald & Janet Gardner Memorial Scholarship
Nicholas Capozzi
Mike Geltrude Memorial Scholar Athlete Scholarships
Shannon Feher, Brandon Smorto
Going Forward Scholarships
Gabrielle Matarazzo, Ashley Varga
Kathryn Napoli Gonnella Memorial Scholarship
Kristin Rempusheski
John A. Gorman Memorial Scholarship
Danielle Cristantiello
Hands Help Hands Scholarship
Gabrielle Matarazzo
Human Relations Club Scholarships
Laraeb Atiq, Claudia Constancia, Harvey Minano, Nadiah Sukkar, Menghui Zhu
Interact Club Scholarships
Jeniffer Cruz, Sajni Desai, Samantha Palma, Sarah Roghanian
Investors Savings BankScholarships
Lauren Mc Cabe, Kevin Norton
Brigadier General John R. Jannarone Scholarship
John R. Kaitlyn Mahon
Key Club - President & Vice President Awards
Mark Feaster, Paula Caputo
Kiwanis Club of Belleville/Nutley - Scholarship in Memory of Frank Pitt
Scholarship in Memory of Frank Pitt - Danielle Mesce
Scholarship in Memory of Nino Bucciarelli - Chelsea Bradl
Memorial Scholarship for Spring Garden Graduate in Memory of Susan La Reau
Melissa Halchak
Scholarship for Lacrosse in Memory of Susan La Reau
Travis Fahey
League of Women Voters of Nutley
John V. Kelly Memorial Scholarship - Lindsay Ryder
Paula Lee Memorial Memorial Scholarships
Peter Jones, Allyson Lynch
Lincoln School P.T.O. Scholarships
Jeniffer Cruz, Michael Iaccarino, Bridget Mc Millan
Colin Linn Memorial Scholarships
Julia Brindisi, Nicholas Gencarelli, Philip Lam
LIONS Club of Nutley
The Dr. Robert Levinson Memorial Scholarship - Sarah Roghanian
Dr. Charles Margulies Award
Brandon Smorto
Maroon & Gray Awards
Rebecca Iannucci, Anette Melendez, Anthony Sbarra
Dr. Virginius D. MattiaA Public Service Award
Steven Filippi
The Maurillo Family Scholarship
Daniel Felton
John J. MAURO, Class of '43 Scholarship
Philip Lam
Thomas MC CrohanAward for Outstanding Business Student
Rachel Conte
Brian Mc Ginley Award for Outstanding History Student
Achal Shah
Rose Louise Megaro Music Scholarship
Timothy Larigan
Rob Melillo Memorial Scholarships
Anthony Cataldo, Nicole De Oliveira, Daniel Holly, Gabrielle Matarazzo, Bridget Mc Millan, Alicia Rivera
Michael MillerStudent Council Leadership Award
Stefanie Urso
Music Awards
President's Music Award - Peter Jones
Drum Major's Music Award - William Bain
Outstanding Musicianship Award - Hana Angelino, Thomas Hynes, Judith Kinney, Matthew Newton
Most Improved Instrumentalist Award - Jeffrey Lin
National Football Hall of Fame
Scholar/Athlete Award - William McLellan
National Honor Society Certificates of Merit
Joseph Dispoto, William Mc Lellan, Lindsay Ryder
NJSIAA Scholar/Athlete Award
Matthew Newton, Dana Principe
NJSIAA Scholar/Athlete
Special Recognition - Shannon Feher
Northwest Essex Community Health Care Scholarship
Jeniffer Cruz
Nutley Fire Department Scholarship
Madison Fischer
Nutley Football Booster Club Scholarship
Antonio Sibilia
Nutley High School P.T.O. Scholarships
Harvey Minano, Eliannies Duran, Cori Crisci
Nutley Historical Society
Florence E. Rutan Memorial & Dr. Robert Heald Danielle Cristantiello Memorial Awards
Royal E. Stager Memorial Award - Scott Kilianski
Ann Troy Memorial Award - Samantha Palma
Nutley Hockey Booster Club
Scholarship - Tyler Morgan
Ann Perrone Memorial Scholarship
Anthony Palmieri
Nutley Irish-American Association's Anne P. Keating Memorial Scholarships
Amanda Brandt, Tara Casey
John V. Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Meaghan Carlo
Nutley JAYCEES The Thomas Hanlon Scholarships
Dana Principe, Gianna Scarpelli
Nutley JAYCEES Senior Miss Scholarship
2010 Senior Miss, Shannon Feher; First Runner-up, Stefanie Urso
Nutley Junior Women's Club - e Maureen Marion Memorial Scholarship
Claudia Constancia
Nutley Music Boosters Association
Dr. Ernest Ersfeld Music Scholarship - Cori Crisci
Nutley Music Boosters Association Lester Hrbek Music Scholarships
Daniel Holly, Peter Jones, Jonathan Konel, Timothy Larigan
Mc Bride Family Scholarship
Timothy Larigan
Nutley Post No. 70-The American Legion Scholarships in Memory of Frank Marsh
Gary Lewis, Patrick Roche
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 Scholarships
Mariel Kennedy, Alexandra Lynch, Allyson Lynch, Inae Rurup
Nutley Post & Unit 70-The American Awards for Excellence in History Steven Filippi
Legion & The American Legion Auxiliary Stefanie Urso
Nutley UNICO Scholarship Brendan Striano
Pride in Achievement Scholarship Louis Saporito
Scholarship Steven Filippi
Nutley UNICO Excellence in the Study of the Italian Language Samantha Palma
Scholarships Anthony Palmieri
Nutley UNICO Nicholas Martini Memorial Scholarship Stefanie Urso
Nutley UNICO John V. Kelly Scholarship Kristin Rempusheski
Nutley UNICO Joseph Battaglia Scholarship Frank Feraco
Nutley UNICO Tina Battaglia Scholarship Dana Principe
Nutley UNIICO Alfred A. & Anna Biondi Science Scholarship Paula Caputo
Nutley UNICO Amy Bonadonna Memorial Art Scholarship Lily Pfaff
Nutley UNICO Ritacco Family Grant Michael Koribanick
Nutley UNICO Brian Piccolo Scholar Athlete Scholarships Raymond Cetrulo
Lindsay Ryder
Nutley UNICO Cosimo D. Geltrude Literary Skills Emphasis Carrie Tolve
Scholarship
Nutley UNICO Mike Geltrude Foundation Scholarship Michael Iaccarino
Nutley UNICO Pennoni Associates, Inc. Study of Engineering Dominic Lore
Scholarship
Nutley UNICO Arthur M. Scavone Scholar Athlete Scholarships Joseph Dispoto
Gianna Scarpelli
Nutley UNICO Music Scholarship Timothy Larigan
Nutley UNICO Nanina's Culinary Arts Scholarship Michael Delgado
Outstanding Female Athlete Award Dana Principe
Outstanding Male Athlete Award Joseph Dispoto
Parent-Teacher Council of Nutley Scholarships Achal Shal
Melissa Halchak
The John Walker Scholarship Mark Feaster
Sandy PHILLIPS Memorial Trophy Antonio Sibilia
Policemen's Benevolent Association Local #33 Scholarship Samantha Palma
The Andrew POWELL Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Andrew Powell Cara Conte
Principal's Distinguished Service Award Daniel Holly
Radcliffe School P.T.O. Scholarship Joseph Dispoto
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Outstanding Academic Achievement in the Study of Richard Bak
Mathematics & Science Award
Martin RIZZOLO Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Martin Rizzolo John Perez
John H. ROSS Memorial Scholarship in Memory of John H. Ross Danielle Cristantiello
Major Robert A. ROSSI, M.D. Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Major Robert A. Rossi, M.D. Brendan Striano
ROTARY Club of Nutley Rotary Scholarship for Scholastic Excellence & Mark Feaster
Community Service
ROTARY Club of Nutley Thomas D'Ambola Memorial Scholarship for Louis Saporito
Scholastic Excellence & Community Service
ROTARY Club of Nutley Joseph Viola Memorial Interact Scholarship for Sarah Roghanian
Scholastic Excellence & Community Service
ROTARY Club of Nutley Chester H. Ryan Vocational Craftsman Award Daniel Cioban
ROTARY Club of Nutley Juried Art Exhibition Jennifer Nastasi
Robert Woll
Gina SAFONTE Scholarship in Memory of Gina Safonte Anette Melendez
Israel & Celia SONENSHEIN Memorial Proficiency in Industrial Arts Award Alexander Bruno
Spanish Honor Society Scholarships Mark Feaster
Rebecca Iannucci
Jonathan Konel
Jessica Raimondo
Spencer Savings Bank Scholarship William Mc Lellan
Spring Garden School P.T.O. Scholarship Jamie Donatiello
Anne STARACE Award for Outstanding Student Pursuing Education Brandon Cresci
Elizabeth STOLFI Award for Outstanding English Student Patrick Roche
Student Council Officers Recognition Awards President Stephanie Urso
Vice President Alyssa DeMatteo
Corresponding Secretary Shannon Feher
Recording Secretary Brielle Trujillo
Treasurer Danielle Cookson
Jack SUFFREN Award for Outstanding Mathematics Student Jeffrey Lin
Frank V. TANGORRA Scholarship in Memory of Frank V. Tangorra Michael Koribanick
Dr. Horace TANTUM Athletic Trophy Lindsay Ryder
Vincent Scuttaro
The THIRD HALF Club of Nutley Charlie Piro Award Vincent Ciallella
Jack Speary Awards Joseph Dispoto
Gianna Scarpelli
Scholarships Travis Fahey
Douglas Wiedman
The TOSCANO Family Scholarship Caroline Martin
Tri-Town Business & Professional Women's Scholarship Samantha Palma
Club of Belleville, Bloomfield & Nutley
United States Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award Kevin Konapaka
Gianna Scarpelli
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Brendan Striano
Paula Caputo
United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Awards Patrick Roche
Jonathan Konel
Semper Fidelis Awards for Musical Excellence Peter Jones
Julia Sinitsky
Veterans of Foreign Wars-Nutley Chapter Stuart E. Edgar Post #493 Scholarships Gary Lewis
Michelle Martorelli
Veterans of Foreign Wars-Ladies Auxiliary Stuart E. Edgar Post #493 Scholarship Bridget Mc Millan
John H. WALKER Foundation Scholarships in Memory of John H. Walker Danielle Cristantiello
Daniel Holly
Gabrielle Matarazzo
Kristin Rempusheski
Washington School P.T.O. Scholarships Patrick Roche
Gabrielle Matarazzo
Woman's Club of Nutley, Inc. Award for Outstanding Ability:
in Art Brenda Bingham
in Music Meghan Mc Grath
in Education Mariel Kennedy
Yantacaw School P.T.O. Scholarships Larissa Lohman
Meghan Mc Grath
Salutatorian Award Scholastic Excellence Jonathan Konel
Valedictorian Award Scholastic Excellence Patrick Roche
Cutline: All smiles at the Seniors Scholastic Awards on June 15 are, from left: Jennifer Cruz, Julia Sinisky and Patrick Roche.
Cutline: Enjoying a special reception before accepting their awards from the June 14 Senior Scholastic Awards are, from left: Karen Guerrero, Inae Rurup, Samantha Palma, Rob Woll, Steven Filippi, Philip Lam, Amanda Rodriguez, Stefanie Urso, Shan-non Feher and Patrick Roche.
