The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) celebrated the academic excellence and achievements of blind, deafblind, and visually impaired students during a special pre-game ceremony at Wednesday night’s Trenton Thunder baseball game.
The event served as the state agency’s annual “Blindness Awareness Night,” designed to highlight community inclusion, raise awareness, and honor the remarkable capabilities of individuals with visual impairments.
During the on-field celebration, CBVI announced college scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to five standout students from across the Garden State. Funded privately through the estates of their namesakes, the scholarships aim to alleviate financial hurdles associated with higher education.
The 2026 scholarship recipients include:
- Matthew Herrera of Jersey City (Pace University, Musical Theater) — recipient of the Nathan and Sally Rogoff Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
- Ava Linton of Barnegat (Rutgers University, Psychology and Public Health/Pre-Law) — recipient of the Mary Louise Buckley Scholarship for Students Majoring in Health Services or Communications.
- Jolie Shenouda of Bayonne (Rutgers University, Criminal Justice) — recipient of the Sarah J. Churchill Scholarship for Volunteerism and Support to a Charitable Cause.
- Colin Tees of Cinnaminson (Rowan University, Finance) — recipient of the Cathy and Herb Bodensiek Scholarship.
- Helina Walker of Haddon Heights (Rowan University, History) — recipient of the Caroline Foster Scholarship for Independence and Self-Determination.
In addition to the main scholarship winners, five finalists received $200 awards: Samuel Latham of Newark, Elizabeth Miner of Summit, Hamza Moamen of Jackson, Matthew Potter of Southampton, and Pandorraa De Rosa-Marrazzo of North Middletown. Isabelle Nutt, a current CBVI client and student at Rowan College, also performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem to kick off the night’s festivities.
“For more than 20 years, CBVI has worked to foster full community inclusion and raise awareness of the potential and accomplishments of individuals who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired,” Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha, said. “We were thrilled to celebrate the success of these exemplary individuals at a special Trenton Thunder game. Their accomplishments demonstrate that anything is possible and inspire a brighter, more inclusive future for New Jersey.”
Dr. Bernice Davis, Executive Director of CBVI, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of spotlighting the students alongside their families, friends, and supporters as they enter the 2026 cohort of scholarship recipients.
