HADDONFIELD ROTARY FOUNDATION SCHOLARS - 2021
Lamia Lopez
In her application essay, Lamia described her AP Environmental project, designing plastic sleeping mats for homeless in Camden. She collected plastic bags from neighbors and classmates, dissected them into plarn ( plastic bag yarn) and crocheted chains into light-weight waterproof beds which she delivered to Cathedral Kitchen for distribution.” Mr. Smith, Lamia’s Environmental Science teacher at Haddonfield Memorial High School, describes her as a resourceful, adaptable and dedicated science student.” Lamia is member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society, Black Girls Lead, NAACP Youth Council and the Peer Bias club. She has also been involved in programs at the University of the Arts and Portfolio Camp at the Tyler School of Art. Lamia will be attending Spelman Honors College in the fall to study Environmental Science and Fine Arts.
Emily Smart
Emily is a member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society, NJSIAA Student Ambassador, a Peer Mentor and worked with the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation. At Haddonfield Memorial High School, she is also a three-sport athlete competing in field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. Ms. O’Hara, HMHS School Counselor says Emily is “inquisitive, creative, has a delightful sense of humor and has a natural enthusiasm, curiosity and passion for learning. She is a true thinker and is most passionate about mathematics.” Emily will be pursuing a Business and Technology degree at Stevens Institute of Technology in the Fall.
Jessica Nguyen
Jessica, a graduate of Camden Catholic High School, is the winner of the Robert Oberholzer Scholarship. She is the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Her family faced tough times when her mother was diagnosed with leukemia which caused her to lose her job. She recovered but it took the family many years to rebuild their lives. In her essay Jessica writes “my mother is the strongest person I know, and she instilled that strength in my sister and me. I have learned to appreciate what is truly important in this life. Faith, health and family.” She will be attending Ursinus College in the Fall.The Oberholzer Scholarship is awarded in memory of a 15-year Rotarian who passed in February 2018. Bob was a passionate advocate for Rotary, education and children in the city of Camden. Bob established this fund to help children in Camden reach their potential.
Luca Caruso
The recipient of the 2021 Kenneth C. Hagerman Scholarship Award is Luca Caruso. Luca will be pursuing a major in engineering in college. In his essay, he states that he sees engineers as “people who think outside the box and collaboratively create solutions to relevant, real-world problems.” At Haddonfield Memorial High School, Luca’s accelerated precalculus teacher calls him a student who loves to learn. “ He was a student who could always be counted on for ideas about alternate ways to solve problems.” His math teacher and Peer Leadership advisor says: “A student with such exemplary character as Luca does not come around often.” Luca will attend George Washington University in the Fall, studying biomedical engineering. The Hagerman Scholarship in Engineering honors the memory of Kenneth Hagerman, who grew up on a farm in Canada and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. During World War II, he served in the Canadian Army, and was the engineer in charge of top-secret anti-aircraft systems.
Page Heine
Paige is awarded the William Garwood Scholarship, named for the Haddonfield resident and Rotarian who believed the science of chemistry is a means to improve the quality of life and society. Paige, of Haddonfield Memorial High School, is interested in chemistry’s application to new drugs and medicines, and as part of that, she remarks, “It is important to know how to work with others and to listen to others.” She aspires to having knowledge of the science, the people she works with, and the people she’s working to help. Paige writes in her essay, “helping those in need is often more rewarding than doing something for yourself. I college I plan on studying chemistry so I can work on drug research and design. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of this work has become extremely prominent.” In the fall, Paige will attend the University of South Carolina.
Greta Davis
Davis, a student at Audubon High School, is a 2021 Academic Scholarship Awardee. Greta is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, Civics Club, the Track and Cross-Country teams and the Interact Club to name just some of her extracurricular activities. She was also selected a RYLA representative in 2020. Having spent the last 4 years working on numerous community projects and high school clubs, Greta learned that “leadership is less about being in charge and more about being involved to lead by example. Daniel Cosenza, Greta’s Social Studies Teacher and track coach says “She will always be a motivated, hardworking, resilient person that continues to impress at every opportunity.” Greta will be attending Stockton University in the fall and intends to study Business Marketing. She will also be participating on the Cross Country and Track teams.
Regina Bennett
According to Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy History Teacher John Pfeffer, Regina Bennett, a 2021 Academic Scholarship Awardee, has shown “intelligence, maturity, creativity, dedication and the drive to succeed at multiple tasks” and her resume shows it. While maintaining a strong academic record, Regina was also involved in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, Teen Peer Education Program, Women of the Dream and the Annual Black History Month Show. In her essay Regina writes she has faced struggles growing up in Camden but learned she needed to be her own advocate. “Poor guidance made me realize I need to support myself. I grew eager to learn about social emotions and their triggers, creating a passion for alleviating peoples’ burdens beyond myself. My experience sparked a will to help others.” Regina will be attending Howard University in the fall studying to become a Social Worker.
Sarah Natacchia
Sarah is a 2021 Academic Scholarship winner from Haddonfield Memorial High School, Sarah, a member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society, Peer Leadership, was also, selected as a 2020 RYLA representative. She participated in cross country and track, a passion she will continue in college. Having achieved success in high school, Sarah says her college choice was guided by the same questions she asked as a high school freshman. With whom do I choose to surround myself? Do I want to be challenged or comfortable? Am I willing to work diligently to achieve goals? Do I aspire to be a leader? Will I be supported and inspired by well- rounded coaches and teachers?” Sarah will be attending Harvard University in the Fall to study Biology.
About Rotary Club of Haddonfield Foundation Scholarships
Each year, the Rotary Club of Haddonfield Foundation provides financial assistance to deserving students with financial need in Haddonfield and nearby communities who are planning to further their education in a university, college, vocational or other setting.
Particular consideration is given to students who demonstrate an understanding of the Mission of Rotary International: providing service to others, promoting high ethical standards and advancing world understanding, good will and peace.
For more information, contact the Foundation Chair, Mary Ann Bigelow at maebigelow@gmail.com.