The New Jersey Food Council’s Educational Development Scholarship Foundation recently awarded $97,500 in scholarships to further students’ dreams, goals and career aspirations of the next generation of business and food industry leaders.
Linda Doherty, CEO of the N.J. Food Council, said the celebration has great meaning.
“Through the Food Council Scholarship Program, we are proud to invest in the future of the New Jersey food industry and recognize the hardworking students and families who help make our industry stronger every day,” she said.
Since the inception of the Scholarship Program in 2011, the three original NJFC scholarships have grown to 31 awards with NJFC and member company scholarships totaling $97,500.
Jason Read of Wawa, the NJFC chair, said the competition for scholarships was tough.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s scholarship recipients, selected from an outstanding pool of 177 applicants,” he said. “These scholarships recognize not only academic excellence, but also the students’ dedication to creating a meaningful impact in their communities. making a difference in the world and to advancing our industry’s future.”
Doherty noted the scholarship recipients are academic standouts, demonstrate special qualifications and engage in civil and local leadership activities.
The following scholarships were awarded this year:
NJFC President’s Scholarship — An award of $5,000 to a high school senior or college student who is a family member of a member company or employed by NJFC.
- Matthew Siegel, James Madison University
NJFC Founders Scholarship — An award of $5,000 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader.
- Jonathan Goldstein, Penn State University
NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship — An award of $5,000 to an employee in a retail member business.
- Eric Shapiro, Lehigh University
NJFC Student Scholarship — An award of $5,000 to a graduating high school or college student who is a family member of a full-time employee of a member company, NJFC employee or part-time student employee of a member company.
- Sean Woods, Sacred Heart University
NJFC Scholarships — Three awards of $2,500 to a graduating high school senior or college student who is working for a member company and who is pursuing food policy, government affairs or a food industry related career, or an NJFC employee.
- Kaylee Capozzi, Louisiana State University
- Lilliana Definizio, Ohio State University
- Emily Delvecchio, Rowan University
NJFC Bill Sumas Emerging Leader Scholarship — An award of $2,500 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader.
- Ethan Pachelli, Atlantic Cape Community College
Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets Scholarships — Three awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets.
- Evelyn Carter, Rowan College at Burlington County
- John Michael O’Connor, Rutgers University
- Landis Raso, Drew University
Cuellar Family ShopRites Scholarship — An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at Cuellar Family ShopRites.
- Stephanie Vazques-Dominguez, William Paterson University
Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship — An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
- Tynishia Penn, Strayer University
Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship — An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
- George Picinic, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarships — Four awards of $2,500 to team members of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
- Briana Dumeng, Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Jovina Fuentes, Montclair State University
- Niko Gargurevich, Bergen Community College
- Yahdani Mejia, Bergen Community College
Lawrence R. Inserra Memorial Scholarships — An award of $5,000 and two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member of Inserra Supermarkets.
- Gianna Cuozzo, George Washington University — $5,000
- Victoria Cavo, Seton Hall University — $2,500
- Jennier Amaya Mazariego, Ramapo College of New Jersey — $2,500
Ronald S. and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship — One award of $2,500 to an employee or children and spouses of employees of Murphy’s Fresh Markets, high school seniors at Cherokee, Lenape, Seneca, Shawnee High School or students from Burlington County Institute of Technology.
- Nola Kerfoot, Boston College-Connell School of Nursing
Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship — One award of $5,000 to an employee or family member of Allegiance Retail Services.
- Benjamin Arturi, Bryant University
QuickChek Corporation Scholarship — An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at QuickChek Corporation.
- Michelle Woodring, Rutgers University
Rockin’ Protein Never Settle Scholarship — An award of $2,500 to a full time or part time employee, their children or spouses of Murphy’s Fresh Markets or high school seniors at Cherokee, Lenape, Seneca, or Shawnee High School or students from Burlington County Institute of Technology.
- Jada Wagner, Rutgers University
Shamrock Farm Fresh Futures Scholarship — An award of $2,500 to high school seniors or college students who are employed by or whose parent, stepparent, legal guardian, or grandparent is employed by the Supermarket Retail Partners of NJFC.
- Benjamin Arturi, Bryant University
Wawa — An award of $2,500 to high school seniors or college students who are either children or spouses of full-time or part-time employees of Wawa.
- Adam Hajji, Rowan College at Burlington County
Whole Foods Market — Four awards of $2,500 to a team member employed by Whole Foods Market.
- Alejandro Herrera, University of Connecticut
- Michelle Morales, New York City College of Technology
- Kwyne Pugh, Rider University
- Roshaye Clarke, Mercy University
