The Summit Foundation Awards Over $185,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

By Tom Mizisko

The Summit Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of over $185,000 in scholarships to more than 60 students in the Summit, NJ area this year, empowering them to pursue higher education.

Every year, the Foundation partners with generous donors to provide financial support that helps students cover not only tuition but the many other costs of college life, such as books, dorm supplies, and living expenses. This support allows students to attend schools of their choice, to live on campus, and to take on fewer student loans.

“Before I even applied to colleges, I remember how afraid I was of not being able to afford an education after high school,” shared April Sanchez, a rising senior at Gettysburg College and recipient of the Elevating Summit Students Scholarship. “Never did I imagine how many resources there were for people like me. With pride, I say today that because of foundations like these, I have traded my fears for hope and gratitude… Not only am I a better friend, daughter, student, employee, and overall person, but I am also an even more hopeful and driven person than I was before.”

This year also marks the launch of a new scholarship: Red and Terry Ahern Scholarship, created by the Ahern family to honor the legacy of two longtime Summit residents who were deeply committed to education. The endowment, established after a conversation between the Ahern family and The Summit Foundation, provides long-term support for students pursuing careers in education.

“It’s been a joy to support these well-deserving students,” said Martha Sayre, Scholarship Committee Chair, “but even more so, it’s amazing to see them grow during their college years as they come back to check in.” She added: “It’s inspiring to see how determined these students are to go to college and how the scholarships can really change the direction of their lives. One student received a full-ride scholarship in real time, just as we were on the phone preparing to accept admission to his second-choice school. Moments like that stay with you.”

The Summit Foundation proudly manages the following scholarships: Adele M. Lynch Nursing Scholarship, Albert J. Bartholomew Scholarship, Arthur J. Torell Memorial Scholarship, Clara I. Wulff Memorial Award, Cole-Matreyek Trinitas Nursing Scholarships, Elevating Summit Students Scholarship, Emily Bensinger Memorial Prize in Business Subjects, Gladys E.P. Cornetta Scholarship, Harry & Genevieve Kates Summit Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship, Martha Gordon Santiuste Scholarship, PEP Scholars Scholarships, Red and Terry Ahern Scholarship, The Summit Foundation Award for Perseverance, and William Treuchtlinger Scholarship.

The Summit Foundation is honored to administer these scholarships, all made possible by community donors who believe in the importance of education. For more information on The Summit Foundation and its scholarship programs, visit www.summitforever.org.