001foreign good evening students staff families board members and Community Partners I'd like to welcome you to our scholarship awards ceremony please stand for the presentation of our American flag and the singing of our national anthem [Music] let's go foreign [Music] who's brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in gay proof through the night that our flag was still there oh say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave for the land of the free and the home of the praise [Applause] oh [Music] please be seated tonight we recognize many well-deserving seniors for being selected as a successful candidate for our local and Foundation scholarships we celebrate the commitment to academics their passion for their Career and Technical
002program their involvement in their communities and the leadership they demonstrated these past four years I would like to my offer my congratulation to the award recipients at this time I would like to call Mr biaselli to the podium [Applause] good evening before we begin I'd like to take a moment and ask the students to recognize this moment family friends Tech staff members community members and beneficiaries join you tonight some may know you personally While others only know you from a paper application that you completed despite this they have one common belief and that is a belief in you and your future they have fundraised and donated the past year to support your dreams as you leave Tech as you become leaders in our community it will be your turn to pay it forward and support
003those around you and here at Tech we certainly look forward to what you will accomplish with that being said it is time for our first scholarship of the night the Cumberland County vocational technical Education Association scholarship this 275 dollar scholarship is intended for a student who contributes a great deal to his or her school environment but who rarely achieves a claim for his or her contributions the scholarship will be awarded to someone who has worked diligently in the classroom and in the shop as participated in and contributed to both academic and career classes and as someone who in a teachers and instructor's eyes has had a positive impact on the school and the people within this year's recipient is Robert Callahan [Applause] Robert will be attending Rowan University next year he will be studying electrical
004and computer engineering Robert would like to thank Mr Ziller for quote fueling his curiosity in the field Robert would also like to thank Ms krogman for all the help and support she has provided [Applause] I would now like to introduce Mr spatola to present the Aaron J Pierce scholarship [Applause] good evening this scholarship was created to honor to honor the memory of our dear friend Aaron J Pierce who passed away unexpectedly Aaron had a love for the automotive industry helping others and most of all treating others the way that he would like to be treated every year we pick a student who has excelled in his or her studies in the automotive technology demonstrated community and school involvement and plans to pursue a career in the automotive field this year I am pleased to present
005this award to Angel Rivera foreign [Applause] will be working as a full-time Automotive technician for the Bridgeton Auto Mall he wishes to use any scholarships earned tonight as funds for tools and other supplies needed for his job [Applause] before announcing our next scholarship I would like to recognize representatives of the Britain Area Chamber of Commerce in the audience tonight Miss Carol Musso and Mrs Anna Saul please stand to be recognized [Applause] the award of one thousand dollars is presented on behalf of the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce foundation in memory of William Gus gosweller co-presented by bridgson onazid Federal Credit Union the Rourke agency and Martin Corporation this scholarship is for a student who is enrolled in a business related major this year's recipient is Joseph Schmidt [Applause] Joseph will be
006attending Bucknell University and will be studying Applied Mathematics Joseph would like to thank his program teacher Mr Mr Morales for keeping the classroom environment light and fun I would now like to introduce Miss Kirsten Pierce to present the Gina Pierce Memorial Scholarship [Applause] [Music] good evening I am the granddaughter of Gina Pierce and tonight I have the honor of presenting the Gina peer scholarship award given on behalf of the Bridgeton Exchange Club and the Pierce family Gina was a manager for Prudential and Aetna until retirement being the energetic and go-getter that she was she enrolled in a culinary program at CC Tech in rosaheem which is now known as Scarpa Tech upon completion of the program Gina was hired as a Food Service employee at the school while employed Gina spearheaded the Blue Ribbon Campaign
007which collected money for Child Abuse Prevention and was very involved with the strive program until she passed away in 2014. to continue her Legacy the Pierce family has decided to award one student enrolled in the culinary program here at Scarpa Tech that wishes to pursue a career in culinary arts this year the recipient has decided to continue her culinary experience and pursue an education in baking and pastry it gives me great pleasure to present this year's scholarship award to miss Alondra codozar Sanchez [Applause] Alondra will be attending rcsj in order to complete her associate's degree in Liberal Liberal Arts and plans to pursue her Hospitality management bachelor's degree Atlantic Cape culinary program thank you I would now like to invite Mr salido to the stage to present the Lassie scholarship [Applause] the Lassie recognition of
008excellent scholarship is being awarded to an active member of the Latin American American Caribbean Iberian Club at Tech the recipients have also earned the Seal of by literacy in the state of New Jersey this year's recipients are Carla urana Rosa and Giovanni veliz [Applause] Carla will be attending Montclair State University starting this upcoming fall she will be studying psychology and wishes to pursue a career in the realm of child psychology Giovanni will be attending Rowan University and majoring in entrepreneurship and wishes to pursue a career in the business and Management Field [Applause] before announcing our next recipient I would like to recognize a representative of the Cumberland County retirees Education Association in the audience tonight Mr Bill Hartman [Applause] the Cumberland County retirees Education Association is awarding a 750 scholarship designated for a student pursuing
009a career in education students wishing to become a classroom teacher school nurse school counselor school social worker or other certified positions in the field of Education are eligible to attend or eligible for this scholarship this year's recipient is [Applause] nor will be attending Rutgers University and obtaining her Bachelor's in nursing nor would like to recognize Ms Gonzalez for helping her through multiple obstacles in her life and becoming a better version of herself [Applause] the Mars River Township Teachers Association scholarship is designated for a student who graduated from Morris River Township Elementary School this year's recipient is Matthew my swinkel [Applause] Matthew will be attending Rowan College of South Jersey for his first two years he will be studying electrical engineering and wishes to pursue a career in the engineering field [Applause] I would now like
010to call Miss Gates Miss hickey Mr soupy and Miss Daigle from the student services department to the stage to present the next scholarship [Applause] solution thank you The Tech Student Services team is awarding multiple 250 dollar scholarships the recipients demonstrated great resolve throughout their High School experiences there's a lot of them so please hold your applause until we're done this year's recipients are Ximena Carmona Juliana Jones Matthew meisswinkel zarya Riley Luciano Sanchez Lena Luciano Cara fulbrich Jaden Wilford Sarah Cassis and Zariah Holmes [Applause] this is a large group and within this group we have students attending Thomas Jefferson University rcsj Stockton Drexel Montclair and students entering right into the workforce in their program study all right [Applause] the one thousand dollar Bridgeton Rotary Club scholarship is for a student who exemplifies good citizenship academic achievement
011leadership and who will utilize the scholarship to help continue at a college or university this year's recipient is Naomi Ortiz [Applause] Naomi will be attending rcsj for criminal justice while working full-time at Wawa and volunteering as a firefighter [Applause] I would now like to introduce the founder of the heroes Foundation Mr Pepe drugatta to the stage to present the heroes scholarship [Applause] foreign foundation and hero scholarship was started in I'm sorry 2015 in honor of my heroes uh four people that saved my life in the soccer field um it was a way for me to give back and every year for us to get together to pick the recipient of this scholarship this year out of 29 applicants CC Tech is getting four scholarships Ava lavari debriana Russell [Applause] Marissa mannell [Applause] and Anika Bellotti
012[Applause] me it's every ounce Marissa that's okay [Applause] the new Italy American society was established in 1905 in an area of Vineland known still today as new Italy many Italian and Sicilian immigrants arrived in East Vineland in the early 1900s and the name was given the society is a non-profit organization consisting of members from diverse backgrounds given the area's history of hard-working individuals members of the new Italy American society wish to support students who show strong interests and skills in their trade the organization Awards two 250 scholarships for students in the automotive construction trades or welding programs this year's recipients are Anthony rackets and jazlyn Carmona [Applause] Anthony will be attending Newman University and hasn't lost their spot on the men's baseball team he'll be majoring in sports management management jazlyn Carmona will be attending
013rcsj for the on for automotive technology in the fall [Applause] the Italian-American benevolent Association is providing multiple Awards of a thousand dollars to students who have an appreciation of Italian culture and who have achieved excellence in their academics before announcing our recipients I would like to recognize a representative of the Italian-American benevolent Association in the audience tonight Mr Pete shifelalio please stand to be recognized [Applause] there are many recipients please hold your applause this year's recipients are Cameron capiso Ava Felice Lucas garton Francesca Knight Ava lavari Madeline Missouri Juliana nanny Joseph nanamaker Carolina Sharp Jessica Simpkins and Samantha Smith [Applause] students who received this award completed a comprehensive application that focused on family and financial needs the essay asks students to speak in detail about the importance of the scholarship towards their future college and
014career goals congratulations to our recipients [Applause] the Seabrook chapter of the Japanese American citizens League Award of 200 is presented to a student whose judgment courtesy generosity and compassion to fellow students best exemplifies the principles of moral courage Brotherhood service and Good Conduct this year's recipient is Virginia Perez Santiago [Applause] Virginia is going to be attended Stockton Stockton University in the fall go Ospreys she will be pursuing a degree in Psychology with a concentration in early childhood education with her goal to become a teacher [Applause] I would now like to invite Captain Andre Lopez officer Pete Ojeda Dan carignado Jr the law enforcement instructor and Sheriff Robert ostino to the stage to present the law enforcement scholarships thank you before announcing our recipients I would also like to recognize the law enforcement representatives in the
015audience tonight Chief Michael gaimari Bridgeton police department and undersheriff Michael Santiago of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office please stand to be recognized [Applause] three scholarships are sponsored each year by various community-based organizations we would like to thank the Bridgeton Superior Officers Association the Cumberland County Improvement Authority Arc International of Millville the Scarpa Tech and rcsj campus safety unit the Selby Realty Group brokered by collini real estate and the Bridgeton PBA we'd also like to thank the following individuals Sheriff Robert a alcino and Miss Kathy alcino undersheriff Michael Santiago Miss Stephanie Ojeda and Sergeant Justin Selby these 500 scholarships are awarded to students who have shown dedication commitment and Leadership skills during their four years as a member of the law enforcement program in addition these students have shown a desire to pursue a career in
016law enforcement this year's recipient of the sheriff Robert a alcino law enforcement scholarship is Ryan Quinn [Applause] Ryan will be attending rcsj next year and majoring in criminal justice he plans to then pursue a career in the New Jersey State Police it will be working this summer at Tech as a school security intern [Applause] our next scholarship is the 500 Lieutenant Gary Marks Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship this scholarship is in memory of Lieutenant Gary Marks retired and is supported by the British and Superior Officers Association filing a two-year service to his country in the U.S Air Force Lieutenant marks returned in 1979 and became a Bridgeton police officer he served the Bridgeton police department in various capacities until retiring as a lieutenant in 2004. after retiring from the police department he started a second career
017as the classroom Aid at Tech where he was employed until his passing in 2014. Lieutenant Marx was an active member and former treasurer of PBA local 94 and prior to becoming a police officer was a Bridgton volunteer firefighter Lieutenant Marx continues to be loved and missed by his family friends and colleagues this year's recipient is Samantha Smith [Applause] Samantha would like to thank Mr d'antonio who has impacted her education by making her work hard and always complete everything to the best of her ability she added quote I would like to thank him for pushing me and believing in me [Applause] the next Award of 500 is the law enforcement directors award this year's recipient is Dakota Runkle [Applause] Dakota plans to enlist in the United States Air Force while in the Air Force he would
018like his job to be in Security Forces thank you thanks guys before announcing our next scholarship I would like to recognize again Mr Bill Hartman from the Edward Pinson Foundation please stand to be recognized [Applause] the Edward Pinson Scholarship Foundation was founded in 1997 by Millville resident Edward Pinson a farm boy from Nebraska Mr Pinson spent his adult years working as a boiler room operator in Cumberland County he was not a fancy man but humble and modest he was a gardener and could fix anything mechanical he worked hard and enjoyed a good reputation within the community Edward cared for his elderly mother until she was 101 years old his legacy is the Edward Pittston Scholarship Foundation and it represents the product of more than six Decades of dedication and hard work although Edward was not
019an educated man in the traditional sense he valued education and always considered the potential of every individual and their contribution to their family and community these scholarships which are offered as a result of Mr pinson's caring and generosity are an opportunity for the recipients to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of their families and community there were many fine applicants received this year and the scholarship committee commends all who applied please hold your applause until all names are announced Cameron cafiso Ashley Cushing Amaya Flores Antonio Garcia Ramirez Eddie Hernandez Annika maladi Sebastian Mercado Madeline Missouri Jimenez Diane Perez Jake rogucas Brianna Russell Jessica Simpkins Samantha Smith Talia Stewart Parker Swift and Julia Thompson wow hundreds of Cumberland County students have received a Pinson scholarship since 1997 with the intention of advancing
020students Endeavors in colleges trade schools vocational schools and professional programs this year as you heard and see from this long line 19 Tech students have earned this scholarship [Applause] [Music] thank you Dr Charles S rasner an outstanding lion known for his community involvement passed away in 1986. the Bridgeton Lions Club established in 1987 created a 500 scholarship to memorialize his community-minded spirit and to recognize outstanding students from the Bridgeton area who display academic ability leadership qualities and an attitude of caring for others this year's recipient is Colin Titus [Applause] we got another Osprey Colin will be attending Stockton University next year he will be studying environmental chemistry and wishes to pursue research he would like to thank Miss lavari for creating a healthy environment to learn as it has helped him achieve his goals [Applause]
021[Music] the 500 Cumberland County council of education associations Frank Marcy Memorial Scholarship Award winner is a child or family member of someone who is an NJEA member the student must demonstrate the following characteristics humanitarianism leadership sportsmanship citizenship Integrity desire and determination this year's recipient is Sean McCarthy [Applause] Sean will be attending Virginia Tech next year he will be studying General engineering and wishes to pursue the field as a career [Applause] at this time I would like to call Miss Leanne fanucci from the PTO to the stage to present the PTO scholarship [Applause] the Scarpa Tech parent-teacher organization scholarship is awarded to individuals who have shown active pursuit in the educational experience at Scarpa Tech and have formed bonds and connections with the school these Pursuits and connections are reflected in the PTO mission statement each
022scholarship is in the amount of five hundred dollars this year's recipients are Alexis Hyder and Carolina Sharp [Applause] Carolina would like to thank Miss Birdsall for influencing her to enter the medical field and for constantly inspiring her to be a better person saying quote your constant support will never go unnoticed Alexis will be attending Rowan University next year studying civil engineering [Applause] at this time I would like to call Mr Matt McDonald from the Cumberland Mutual Insurance to the stage to present the Cumberland Mutual Insurance scholarship [Applause] one 500 scholarship is generously awarded by the oldest insurance company in the state of New Jersey Cumberland Mutual Insurance this student possesses a minimum 3.5 GPA and intends to pursue a career in the field of Information Technology or business recipient is Diana Edith Perez [Applause] Diana
023will be attending Montclair State University next year she will be studying I.T and wishes to pursue the field of I.T and business she would like to thank Miss Daigle for helping her step out of her comfort zone and nourishing her heart and mind with strength [Applause] I would now like to introduce Mr Robert odorizzi chairman and president of the Board of Trustees of the Italian cultural Foundation of South Jersey to speak on behalf of the Italian cultural Foundation [Applause] good evening everyone congratulations class of 2023 it is my privilege to be here this evening and play a vital role at the John F Scarpa technical education center and for our foundation to present sixteen thousand dollars in scholarships to students this year I would like everyone to please hold your applause the list is long
024Sarah bagnati Emily Moreno Castro Ava Felice Ava lavari Anika maladi Sebastian Mercado Madeline Missouri nanny Joseph nanamaker Antonio Garcia Ramirez Jake ragakis Natalie rep Carolina Sharp Jessica Simpkins and Julia Thompson [Applause] [Music] foreign [Applause] the Italian cultural Foundation is truly honored to be able to continue to Foster assistance in providing tuition assistance to our local students starting in 2018 our cumulative giving from our endowment is now 140 thousand dollars each each of you tonight have shown great resilience and commitment to your studies and truly will become the creative minds of our future [Applause] in addition to all that the Italian cultural Foundation has already accomplished I am thrilled to be able to announce the beginning of our South Jersey merit scholarship this year the scholarship will be for twenty five hundred dollars and the amount
025will increase each year by two thousand five hundred dollars for the next three years culminating as a ten thousand dollar scholarship in 2026. [Applause] the Italian cultural Foundation takes great pride in being able to do this in honor of the commitment that John F Scarpa has made to this school and its students this year's recipient has achieved a GPA of 4.56 is a member of the National Honor Society National Technical Honor Society NJ Stars Tech ambassadors program HOSA futural health professionals and participated in track and field as well our recipient is planning to attend Rowan University with a focus on International Studies in the College of humanities and social sciences with Siana sorrera please come forward to receive your merit scholarship and my apologies [Music] [Applause] the Cumberland County black Hall of Fame is awarding
026500 to an African-American graduating senior the individual must be high academic achieving they must exhibit determination leadership have overcome odds leading to success be a good role model and they must demonstrate empathy and respect for others this year's recipient is Zariah Holmes [Applause] Zariah has a couple teachers to thank she would like to thank Miss Bennett who has made her want to be a better student and has always been like a big sister and also Mr Campbell who has made her want to be excellent and helped her realize she she is capable of anything [Applause] the following scholarships are on behalf of the Vineland Rotary Club the first of these scholarships is entitled tribute to deceased rotarians in the amount of one thousand dollars this year's recipient is Julia Thompson [Applause] Julia will be attending
027Clemson University she will be studying computer science and wishes to pursue a career in cyber security she would also like to thank Dr Lachlan for guiding her through the last two years and assisting with the college application process [Applause] the second Vineland rotary Memorial Scholarship is the spirit of rotary scholarship of one thousand dollars intended for a student who is enrolled in the nursing program at Rowan College of South Jersey rotary's motto is service above self the spirit of rotary scholarship recognizes a student who has achieved academic success while also enthusiastically leads a life of service to others this year's recipient is Shreya ratish [Applause] Shreya will be attending Rutgers University as a part of the Honors College next year she'll be studying biochemistry and wishes to pursue a career as a neurologist [Applause] the
028John small tour Matt Blatt most inspirational scholarship of twenty five hundred dollars is for college balance students majoring in any subject students that have overcome adversity in life should apply this scholarship is open to students that are Vineland residents and or students graduating from any high school public or private in the Vineland area this year's recipient is Milani Rodriguez [Applause] Milani will be attending Rowan University in the fall to study psychology and to pursue a career in the field of forensic psychology Milani would like to thank her health science and medicine instructor saying quote Mr vicary has not only made my life at CC Tech fun but also made me feel like there was a teacher I could always talk to and relate to on a more personal level feels good to say that I
029had one teacher that made me feel really important [Applause] [Music] this one thousand dollar rcsj University Center scholarship is for a Rowan College of South Jersey graduate who is proceeding on to the University Center this year's recipient is Jessica Simpkins [Applause] Jessica would like to thank Mr Ziller for being a great teacher and influence his classes told her a lot over the past few years and inspired her to go into civil engineering the GE mechanical Workforce advancement scholarship for a thousand dollars is awarded to any high school graduate of the Vineland Area Schools public or private seeking higher education either at a two or four year college majoring in mechanical engineering or attending a technical education school or two-year college for training either Plumbing or hvacr this year's recipient is Sebastian Mercado [Applause] Sebastian will
030be a member of the Albert Dorman Honors College at NJIT where he will study mechanical engineering [Applause] the Leslie n kotok Memorial Scholarship of fifteen hundred dollars is for college-bound students majoring in any subject this scholarship is open to students that are Vineland residents and where students graduating from any school public or private in the Vineland area this year's recipient is debriana Russell [Applause] debriano would like to thank Miss Halpin and Miss Birdsall for always giving her a positive outlook on things and being some of her biggest supporters throughout High School both of these teachers have helped her build not only skills she will need in her future career but in everyday life and she will always be thankful for them [Applause] the Edward L Bernhardt Memorial Scholarship of one thousand dollars is for a
031graduating Scarpa Tech interact member this student demonstrates positive character and Scholastic ability this scholarship is not restricted to college or university training but shall also include training or schooling in non-academic fields or endeavors this year's recipient is Annika maladi [Applause] Annika would like to thank Mrs Birdsall who has always been there for her to talk to foreign [Applause] at this time I would like to introduce Mrs Marie franceschini and Mr Ronald franceskini Jr to award the Ronald J Francis skinny senior Memorial Scholarship [Applause] in memory of Ronald J Francis keaney senior this one thousand dollar scholarship is for a student choosing to pursue a career in the automotive welding or construction trades this year's recipient is Lucas Garden [Applause] Lucas would like to thank his welding instructor Mr Bonner for his Support over the last
032four years foreign this year the Elks Lodge of Millville awarded two 1500 scholarships and two 750 scholarships to students who demonstrated Mastery in their program of study we have four recipients Isabella Cruz Sean McCarthy Natalie rep and Natalie Parkhill [Applause] Isabella would like to thank Mr Bonner saying quote for teaching everything I know about welding Sean would like to thank Mr Ziller for impacting his education and for developing his knowledge towards the field of engineering Natalie will be attending Stockton University to do graphic design and Natalie parkill will be attending Drew University in the fall to study environmental science [Applause] I would now like to call Chloe Swift Tabitha gentiletti Briana vannaman and Michael Dean Jr to the stage to present the alumni scholarships [Applause] foreign good evening everyone firstly the Alumni Association congratulates all
033of the class of 2023 on their graduation we cannot wait to welcome you to our CC Tech alumni family we are thrilled to be here tonight awarding our third annual alumni scholarships to three students these students have demonstrated the core values of CZ Tech through the projects and essays that they have submitted and the winners are Joseph nanamaker Sebastian Mercado and Adriana Russell [Applause] foreign [Applause] Joey will be attending Rowan University as a member of the Honors College next year to study biomedical engineering Sebastian would like to thank Miss hickey for helping him apply to college and debriana was Captain of both Varsity fall cheerleading and varsity Spring Track and Field her Junior and senior years she participate in HOSA interact ignite youth to youth NHS nths and was the tech ambassador [Applause] the investors
034bank scholarships of 500 are for students who are pursuing college and have achieved exceptional grades the academic transcript plays heavily in the decision to award this scholarship this year's recipients are Eddie Hernandez and Marissa mannell [Applause] Marissa would like to say thank you to Mrs Birdsall for always pushing her to do her best and supporting her throughout High School saying quote you have been such an inspiration to me and have ultimately influenced my decision on a career in nursing Eddie will be attending Rowan University he'll be studying civil and environmental engineering [Applause] [Music] the Shi International Scholarship of 500 is for a student who plans to continue their education at a New Jersey State University College or Community College this student must be pursuing cyber security or information technology this year's recipient is Antonio Garcia
035Ramirez [Applause] Antonio will be attending Rowan University next year he will be studying commuters computer science and wishes to pursue the I.T field as a career he would like to thank Mr Campbell for making learning fun and his passion for teaching is what makes students feel a drive to put forward their best effort [Applause] GSA is awarding one 500 scholarship to an active member an active member is someone who shows dedication and commitment to building relationships between the lgbtqia plus community and its allies before announcing our recipient I would like to recognize Mr Anthony d'antonio GSA advisor and English teacher at Scarpa Tech please stand to be recognized [Applause] this year's recipient is Cypress druding following Mr d'antonio's footsteps Cyprus will be attending Rowan College of South Jersey for literature to become an English teacher
036[Applause] at this time I'd like to call Mr Kyle Serena Miss Jennifer Plummer and Mr Terry Love from the Scarpa Tech PE Department to the stage to present the physical education scholarship [Applause] the physical education department is awarding two 500 scholarships for our graduating seniors who showed a commitment to lifelong Health and Wellness this year's recipients are Sarah banyani and Ryan Quinn [Applause] Sarah will be attending Southwestern College next year where she will be studying biology to pursue a career in the veterinary Veterinary field Ryan wanted to thank Sergeant caragnato his law enforcement instructor saying quote he has always been there to support me in my desired career path has been a major help in my academic career at Tech he's given me many opportunities through the program to further myself from My Chosen path
037of life and has even introduced me to law enforcement officers that I can talk to and learn from he says he feels lucky to have had him in his life [Applause] the mission of the coal the deaf dog and Friends Foundation is to support special needs inclusion acceptance and advocacy through Community programs colon friends are proud to give their second annual scholarship to a graduating strive student towards their educational enrichment this year's recipient is Christian Sanchez [Applause] one of Christian's teachers Miss Bowser says he's a hard-working student who always puts on a smile and puts on a smile on people's people's faces his positive outlook on life is something many people could benefit from being around he is a model student for the stride program and always builds positive relationships [Applause] Amazon has awarded the
038njac foundation a grant and in turn the njac foundation awarded one one thousand dollar scholarship Per County Vocational Technical School District to graduates who plan on continuing their education in New Jersey at a County College State College or State University this year's recipient is Shreya ratish [Applause] Shreya would like to thank Mrs Birdsall saying quote she inspires me every day to work to my fullest potential and she is always there for me [Applause] thank you I would like to call Chef Olson from the culinary arts program to this stage to present the next scholarship the 250 culinary arts scholarship is for graduating seniors in the culinary arts program this year's recipients are jadelyn Francisco and Alondra cordozar Sanchez [Applause] Alondra would like to thank Chef Olson and Chef Alberti for making an impact on her
039high school education Jalen is enrolling in the Air Force as a line cook and plans to further her career in the tourism and Hospitality field Jalen would also like to thank Chef Olson and Chef Alberti as well as Miss Gates Emma Sherman they've been an amazing role model and our people I could come to for anything also a special thank you to Mrs Lopez Mrs Denny and Senor Howard who have impacted my life in many ways [Applause] I would like to call Mr Sean McDonald construction trades teacher and Ryan soupy counselor to the stage to present the next scholarship the 250 dollar construction trade scholarship is for a graduating senior in the construction trades program this year's recipients are Danny Perez Dennis Demery William Rodriguez and Anthony Espana [Applause] Danny will be attending rcsj and
040will pursue a career in finance he would like to thank Miss Halpin for making an impact on his education Dennis would like to thank Mr Behrens and Mr McDonald for all the skills they have taught him over the years William plans on using the scholarship to assist in his future goals in the electrical field while Anthony will be attending The Apprentice School in Newport News Virginia where he will be enrolled in the electrical Apprentice program and working at Newport News Shipbuilding [Applause] I would like to call Miss Daigle studio production counselor and Mr Matt neder from the studio production program to the stage to present the next scholarship [Applause] these 250 dollar scholarships are for a graduating senior in the studio production and broadcasting program this year's recipients are Christian staniak and Jackson Millard [Applause]
041Christian will be attending Montclair State University in the fall where he will major in sports communication to hopefully become a sports broadcaster Jackson will be attending the conservatory of recording Arts and Sciences to pursue a career in audio engineering [Applause] the Riddle Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Brian riddle Brian attended a technical high school program in Oklahoma and was a welder this year the riddle family will be awarding one 500 and 1 300 scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to further their career in the welding trade this year's recipients are Kimberly Harvey and Lucas Garden [Applause] Kimberly plans to pursue a career in welding upon graduation the scholarship will help provide necessary supplies for the workforce Lucas will be attending Cabrini Universal for business management where he will play baseball
042plans to come back to his family's company with a degree and work in the family business with the skills that he learned [Applause] before announcing our next scholarship I would like to recognize Mrs Margaret bauerbach and Son Mr fauerbach please stand to be recognized and Mr fowlerback please come to the stage to present the next award [Applause] hello sir hello there everyone the green flag committee is the non-profit charity arm of New Jersey Motorsports Park in this year's scholarship is being presented to Angel Rivera come on up angel thank you scholarship is the name of my mother and father Rudolph the Michael powerbach my mom's sitting down there my dad passed away just a few years ago while Angel's making his way up here my mom's birthday is next week I'm not going to tell
043you how old she is but I'll tell you that we celebrated her 100th two years ago so good morning so what we would like you to do when I say one two three just say happy birthday Mrs fauerback are you ready one two three [Applause] to announce our next scholarship I would like to call Leanne fanucci to the stage [Applause] this next scholarship was created in memory of Tina Oliveri Tina taught middle school health and physical education in Vineland for over 25 years she loved teaching and her greatest joy was having several of her students following her footsteps and become health and phys Ed teachers themselves because of her this scholarship in the amount of 250 dollars will be presented to a student who will pursue a career in education this year's recipient is Francesca
044Knight [Applause] [Music] Francesco will be attending Rowan College of South Jersey next year she will be studying education and wishes to pursue a career as an elementary teacher [Applause] a t has awarded a grant of ten thousand five hundred dollars to then Jack Foundation the foundation will award one 500 scholarship to each County Vocational Technical High School to a graduate who plans on continuing their education in New Jersey at a public county college or state college or university this year's recipient is Luciano Sanchez [Applause] Luciano would like to thank Mrs Daigle saying quote she made an impact on me as she never gave up on me she was always there for me and always helped me when I needed it thank you South Jersey Industries has awarded a grant of ten thousand five hundred dollars
045to then Jack Foundation foundation will award one one thousand dollar scholarship to each County vocational technical school to a graduate who plans on continuing their education in New Jersey at a public county college or state college or university this year's recipient is David Oquendo [Applause] David will be attending Rhone University for construction management this fall [Applause] at this time I would like to call Mrs Sandy Garden to the stage to present the garden's rigging scholarship [Applause] this 500 scholarship was created by Gardens rigging a local crane and rigging company to give back to the community's youth it is designated for a student in the trades path who will be pursuing a career in the workforce or will be attending college this year's recipients are Jaden Wilford Dominic sporanza Virginia Perez Santiago and Diego Garcia [Applause]
046Jaden would like to thank Mr Bonner and messini he credits both of them for having a huge impact on his education Dominic will be continuing his career in the trade of welding Virginia would like to thank Mr Voss and Mr salido and her parents who have always encouraged her to give her best at school and for supporting her in every step she has made towards her future and upon graduation Diego will be working at Russell Automotive as a diesel mechanic [Applause] at this time I would like to call Mr Kyle Platt and Mr Bill Jenkins from the automotive program to the stage to present the next scholarship [Applause] foreign the automotive department scholarships of 500 are being awarded to four students in the automotive program this year's recipients are jazlyn Carmona Diego Garcia Eric Gonzalez
047and Angel Rivera [Applause] all of these students in one way or another wrote a nice note about Mr Platt Mr Jenkins saying they improved their skills a great deal this year it was a great year they learned a lot from them um so the best instructors they ever had and the car show was their favorite memory of the year [Applause] Luigi Lou tramantana senior was born in Brooklyn New York his family moved to Vineland when he was a child where he resided until his passing Lou graduated from Vineland high school and entered the workforce as a laborer over the years through hard work and dedication he learned a skilled trade and later moved on to be a manager broadening his Horizons Lou landed a job as a manager with a large firm in the moving
048industry working his way through the ranks to president CEO a civic-minded person he was involved Through The Years with many organizations and served as a board member and president of the Rotary Club the YMCA the NJ movers warehouseman Association and the Vineland Chamber of Commerce Lou was co-chair of the violent Challenger League and was proud to be instrumental with overseeing the construction of the rotary center in 2004 a handicap accessible facility upon retirement Lou returned to the trades working for torkio brothers Inc to keep busy Lou was always there to mentor and is only appropriate to present this award to someone who will be seeking employment as a skilled Tradesman the traumatana family would like to congratulate the student receiving the luigia traumatana senior Memorial Scholarship before announcing our recipient I would like to recognize
049Chief tramantana in the audience tonight please stand to be recognized foreign this year's recipient is Connor costanzo [Applause] Connor is currently working for RK Chevrolet as a mechanic and plans on using these scholarship funds to help pay for tools and training to improve both his skill and knowledge of the industry [Applause] the Thomas Wallace IV scholarship was established by the north Italy beneficial association to offer a two thousand dollar scholarship to a student planning to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate college program or an accredited trade school program up to four students whose fathers are members of the north Italy beneficial association may be awarded this one-time scholarship these students must show excellence in academics as well as involvement in their school's extracurricular activities this year's recipient is Anthony rackets [Applause] Anthony would like to thank
050his guidance counselor Mr soupy saying quote he has always supported me and helped me he kept me organized and I could count on him when I had questions he loves the game of baseball and I felt like he truly cared cared about me my education and my dream of playing college baseball [Applause] at this time I would like to call Mr Pat Findlay from the Vineland fire department to the stage to present the Lloyd ronketti scholarship [Applause] good evening everyone it's an honor to be here and congratulations to all the graduates and all the award recipients for Lloyd C ronketti senior scholarship is named after Lloyd C Ron Cutty senior the boss as he was affectionately known by violent firefighters and is the namesake and inspiration of this scholarship which is offered by the Vineland
051fire department to Vineland fire department members and their families lawyer and Katie had many leadership roles in his 52-year career with the Vineland fire department he served as the chief of Main Avenue Fire Company 4 for over 10 years before he was appointed director of the Vineland Fire Department in 1960. he served as violence fire director for 25 years until his retirement in 1985. director ronketti also held many other leadership roles in fire service and Community organizations in Vineland and across the state of New Jersey he was a decorated combat veteran who served in the Pacific Theater in Japan during World War II and the peacekeeping operation which followed the war Lloyd accomplished these achievements in addition to being a successful self-employed businessman what is most extraordinary about his life is that he accomplished all
052of this despite the fact that he had only been given the opportunity of a formal education until the sixth grade he had left school to work on his family's form because of this and because he was an intensely curious lifelong learner Lloyd championed the importance of training and education throughout his fire department career he established the first formal training requirements for violent firefighters and was later the driving force behind the creation of the violent firefighter training program which eventually led to the establishment of the current Cumberland County Fire and EMS Training Center Lloyd remained an active supporter of the Vineland fire department and was an inspiration to generations of firefighters for over 80 years he answered his final call in April 2019 at only 100 years and four months Young thanks and rest in peace
053boss the Lloyd ronketti scholarship was established in 1998 as a director to director as a tribute excuse me tribute to a director around Caddy's outstanding commitment to Education and Training and his tireless work ethic and dedication to the Vineland fire department and Community the scholarships were awarded annually to individuals who wish to further educate themselves but may be in need of some extra financial assistance to achieve their goals and dreams and if you would indulge me with a moment of personal note um I have been blessed to know this evening's recipient for literally his entire life I watched him grow up to be the extraordinary young man he is so I'm very happy and proud tonight to award the Ron cutting scholarship to Sebastian Mercado [Applause] at this time I would like to call Mrs
054Sharon kremets program manager of the Big Brothers Big Sisters to the stage to present the next scholarship Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem counties are awarding scholarships to graduating seniors each in the amount of one thousand dollars recipients are currently a trained or matched individual High School big brother or big sister this year's recipients are Brianna Crooks Madison christovich lizeth moyao Jimenez Talia Stewart Addison bergenov and Kenneth wettstein [Applause] Big Brothers Big Sisters has established a positive working relationship with CC Tech over the past few years through the mentor 2.0 program so we want to also give a special thanks to past and current program managers Miss Leah Sadler and Mrs Sharon kremets with us tonight [Applause] at this time I would like to call Tammy Wetzel board member for the Victoria Sierra
055Foundation to the stage to present the next scholarship [Applause] the Dr Thomas L spray scholarship is presented by the Victoria Sierra Foundation a local non-profit that exists to enhance the lives of those impacted by congenital heart disease the scholarship is available to high school students who have a congenital heart disease diagnosis yet continue to work hard to achieve their goals congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in America it is a lifelong medical condition that consists of cardiac birth defects that are present at birth there is no cure only symptom monitoring management surgeries and other procedures the Victoria Sierra Foundation was founded by the hedgement family and Victoria Sierra hedgeman who was born with congenital heart disease and has under undergone four open heart surgeries in her 26 years of life the organization
056started the scholarship to support other young adults with congenital heart disease as they work to make their dreams become a reality in college a trade school or another post-high school training program Dr Thomas L spray is a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon who recently retired from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia he successfully operated on Victoria's heart three times and is a world-renowned surgeon and educator the recipient was chosen for a commitment to her future and the condition of her community she uses her talents and skills to make the world a better place for others and we couldn't be more proud and honored to present this prestigious scholarship to Lauren Thompson [Applause] thank you I would also like to recognize Steve hedgeman Victoria hedgeman and Jen Parisi board members of the Victoria Sierra Foundation Lauren will be going to
057rcsj for her Associates and then Rowan for Bachelor's in physical education [Applause] at this time I would like to call Mr and Mrs Carlos Mercado to the stage to present a Mercado family strive scholarship foreign [Applause] family is offering two 250 scholarships to students in the strive program this year's recipients are William artists and Christian Sanchez [Applause] Willie said his favorite memory of tech is learning new tasks and meeting all his friends after he graduates he would like to start working and use all the skills he learned while at Tech Christian said quote my favorite memory of CC Tech is spending time with my favorite teachers because they showed me my full potential [Applause] at this time I would like to recognize Mrs whitcraft on behalf of the William J whitcraft trade scholarship please stand
058to be recognized [Applause] the William J whitcraft trade scholarship in the amount of 500 is in memory of William Bill whitcraft Phil served as a paratrooper in the Vietnam War a motorcycle Enthusiast and spent most of his career in the construction industry as a foreman on heavy equipment or as a heavy equipment operator he finished his career with the Westchester Area School District facilities Department bill was known for his work ethic love for family and passion for motorcycles this scholarship is to be awarded to a student who has excelled in the trades this year's recipient is Yale Suarez [Applause] Yale will be attending rcsj next year and will continue working at Diamond materials he would like to thank Mr Mack his construction trades teacher for quote teaching me and guiding me through the years I
059have learned so much from him [Applause] I would now like to introduce to introduce Mr Michael feaster njfmba southern district vice president to present the lieutenant Ernest alsley scholarship thank you [Applause] good evening everybody my name is battalion chief Michael feaster I'm a from the city of Vineland fire department I'm also the southern district vice president of the New Jersey State firefighters Mutual benevolent Association I'm here tonight representing over 5 000 career firefighters EMTs and dispatchers from across the state for over 120 years our Union has advocated for our members and all First Responders every year our foundation holds and administers a scholarship program excuse me that provides scholarship Awards to individual high school students who will be attending an accredited school of higher education of his or her his or her choice upon graduation
060excuse me every year we receive hundreds of applications this year we are awarding four six thousand dollar scholarships our prestigious and competitive scholarship program is named after Lieutenant Ernest owsley who died at 49 years old on September 4th 2000 while on duty at the Roselle Fire Department I'm honored to tell you that this evening our award recipient is one of our very own from violence he will be attending the New Jersey Institute of Technology and we couldn't be more proud of him on behalf of our president Eddie Donnelly and more than 5 000 members of our Union I would like to congratulate Sebastian Mercado as our reception [Applause] before I announce our next scholarship recipient I would like to invite miss Patricia Robbins come join me on stage to present the next scholarship the robins
061Spirit scholarship in the amount of one thousand dollars is to be awarded to a student who was involved with tech clubs activities and organizations this award will be given at the discretion of the student services team this award is being given by miss Patricia Robbins retired assistant principal from Scarpa Tech Miss Robin's oversaw the student services team clubs and organizations and school activities during her tenure Mrs Robbins fostered the development of student interests and promoted student involvement Club development and pride in Career and Technical education Mrs Robin's witnessed many students flourish as a result of their engagement in extracurricular activities these students have left their Mark at Tech and their school spirit will be long-standing their example will allow others to follow in their path of belonging acceptance and fulfillment as said by Tony Robbins
062success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure this year's recipient is Louis Rivera [Applause] Louis will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan where he will look to earn his law degree while playing baseball and Rocket League he was on a rocket League team that qualified for the national championship he wants to thank Miss Daigle saying quote any time I needed help you were there even when I didn't think I needed help you were there you always bring a smile to my face and that made me want to continue to do well in school I know that if I ever need anything you'll always be there thank you for everything foreign [Applause] I would like to welcome Dr Rossi president of the ccasa to the podium to present the ccasa Allen Associates Insurance scholarship in memory of Stanley
063Allen [Applause] good evening everyone the Cumberland County Association of Supervisors and administrators along with Allen Associates Insurance Group present two Scholarships in memory of Stanley H Allen these two 250 dollar scholarships are presented to students whose outstanding performance in their program has set them apart and they're continuing to pursue their hot trade or higher education or employment this year's recipients are Shira ratesh and Sean Henry [Applause] while at Tech Shira was an active member of HOSA skillsusa interact and Science Club she is also the class of 2023 Treasurer and Sean will be attending Lehigh University next year congratulations to both [Applause] unfortunately Mrs Barber was not able to join us and this is her favorite time of year so I send her congratulations to all the recipients today but I have the privilege of awarding
064her two scholarships the first one is the Darlene Barber scholarship award this 250 award is presented to a student of the shrive program who shows dedication to both athletic and Scholastic achievements this student selected has shown leadership and a desire to continue their education this year's strive scholarship recipient is Christian Sanchez [Applause] [Music] the next scholarship is the strive outstanding scholar award this 250 career in technical outstanding scholar award is presented to a student graduate of strive who has shown dedication and determination by maintaining the highest academic average in his or her class this year's strive scholarship recipient is William Arden [Applause] [Music] foreign I would now like to invite Mr Ronald franceschini president of the CC Tech Foundation board to the stage to assist me in presenting the CC Tech Foundation scholarships [Applause] these
065scholarships are supported by a foundation board that consistently and continually supports each of you here today and your peers in the other classes at this time I would like all the foundation board members to please stand and they are spread out and some of them are parents please stand and be recognized for your efforts [Applause] thank you [Applause] the CC Tech Foundation board was founded in 1999 through a donation from the estate of Mr Mel Camp the Cumberland County Technical Education Center Foundation was created as an independent non-profit community-based Corporation forms for the purpose of providing increased community support for cc Tech by directing available resources towards areas of identified need the Cumberland County Technical education center board provides an effective mechanism through which Community Resources can be allocated for worthwhile programs and scholarships for
066graduating students the foundation is a vehicle for informing the public channeling support for the students of tech enhancing Community participation and furthering the quality of Education provided by our Board of vocational education the mission was expanded in 2017 with the generous donation of one million dollars from Mr and Mrs John F Scarpa and their Foundation [Applause] since 1999 the CC Tech Foundation board has awarded scholarships and grants to graduating seniors totaling after this evening close to six hundred thousand dollars foreign [Applause] as recipients of these scholarships 24 of them to be exact so I think we need to hold our Applause till the end beginning with our automotive technology program to recipients Cassandra Luna Castillo and jazlyn Carmona [Applause] Cassandra will be attending Lehigh University next year and she will be studying mechanical engineering and
067Jazz Lynn was part of the National Technical Honor Society and represented our school as a tech Ambassador during her Junior and Senior year congratulations [Applause] from our construction trades program our two recipients Cody Smith and David Oquendo [Applause] Cody plans to continue his academic career at rcsj to study business administration while also working with the local 255 Carpenters Association David would like to thank Mr Sean McDonald for always knowing what he is capable of and knowing who he is congratulations [Applause] from our cosmetology program I'd like to recognize Evelina batteda and Emily Marino Castro [Applause] Evelina will be attending Thomas Jefferson University and studying pre-med she wishes to pursue a career in the medical field and after four years of undergrad she will be attending Medical School Emily will be attending Stockton University to obtain
068a BS in Psychology where she hopes to pursue to become a licensed therapist congratulations thank you and now from our culinary arts program I'd like to recognize our award recipients Lauren Thompson and Giovanni veliz [Applause] Lauren would like to thank Mrs Evans for being such an incredible math teacher through three years in Algebra 2 pre-calculus and calculus saying quote she has helped me become a better student and person Giovanni would like to thank Mr Reuben salido for his dedication and effort towards his education Mr salido and I have worked closely the last four years within his Spanish Heritage class but also while coordinating the lawsuit Club in that time he feels he has grown more than he ever would have imagined all because of his teachings thank you Mr salido [Applause] now for our next
069program engineering because of the large size of the engineering class we as a foundation board award four scholarships to our engineers so I'd like to congratulate this year's recipients Sebastian Mercado Natalie Parkhill Jessica Simpkins and Natalie rep [Applause] Sebastian would like to thank his engineering teachers Mrs Shaw and Mr Ziller Natalie would like to thank Mrs April Peng for helping her break out of her shell and become who she is today saying quote you made me more confident in my choices and ideas and you were a great person to have meaningful connections with Jessica will be attending Rowan University in the fall where she will be majoring in civil and environmental engineering and Natalie would like to thank Mrs Ian Freeney for standing by her throughout her entire high school and Early College High School
070career [Applause] award recipients are coming from our health science and medicine program tonight we'd like to congratulate Anika milotti Marissa mannell Ava lavari and debriana Russell [Applause] Anika was involved with interact HOSA National Honor Society Asian cultural club and was a student council officer during her time at Tech Marissa competed in HOSA all four years having taken third place in the Regional Conference this year Ava would like to thank Mrs Birdsall for always being so engaging comforting and supportive of her students and for motivating her to enter the health care field and debriana has been dancing for 15 years at various levels and academies she now teaches dance congratulations tonight we would like to recognize from our information technology program Saleem Aiden and Kaylee Barragan [Applause] Celine will be attending Penn State University next year
071and he will be studying Information Technology systems hoping to pursue a career in the I.T field Kaylee will be studying real estate to become a real estate agent and future entrepreneur congratulations [Applause] and from our law enforcement program please join me in congratulating Samuel Albrecht and Samantha Smith thank you [Applause] Samuel will be attending the University of New Haven next year where he will be studying Homeland Security and Emergency Management and plans to study abroad in Italy he would like to thank Sergeant paragnato for inspiring him to be the best person he could be Samantha will be attending Gettysburg College in the fall she will be majoring in Psychology and while she was here at Tech Samantha was a part of the National Honor Society National Technical Honor Society president of interact and varsity captain
072of the Vineland high school girls cross country team congratulations [Applause] and next I would ask Miss Chloe Swift to join Mr franciscaney to award the next program from our TV studio production and broadcasting program please join me in congratulating Parker Swift and Rebecca panchy franchisee [Applause] Parker will be attending Montclair State University where he will be dual majoring in film and television and information technology Rebecca will be attending the University of Valley Forge this fall and she will be studying digital media video production congratulations [Applause] from our welding technology program please join me in congratulating Elric Figueroa Montero and Kimberly Harvey Elric will be attending Rowan College of South Jersey pursuing an associate's degree in computer graphic art he then plans on continuing his education in Seattle for a certification to fulfill his dream of
073becoming a Marine welder Kimberly would like to thank messini for assistance in skillsusa and Mr Bonner her welding instructor congratulations [Applause] at this time I would like to invite Foundation board member Mr James varuccio Jr CFO of the burns Cole Automotive Group to the stage to recognize the recipients of the next two scholarships good evening everyone I'm about to get in trouble so I asked Dr Rossi if I could speak to the graduates and she's Hampden Hall gave me that look and I still fear my principal from high school and more than that if you're a superintendent so notice she's still standing I know I know where securities uh I just want to share an experience that I had this week and it's all about you I was here at the school to take two
074potential donors a potential uh local construction owners to share the story of tech and it speaks for itself as you well know when they walk through that Halls they were in all of you but the experience I had is when I arrived early for my 11 o'clock I was in the that cage you know you can't get in and can't get out and I was waiting for Dr Rossi and I heard and I saw something that was a real experience so Mr McGraw will go through and we'll figure out whether or not you have enough credits to graduate but I'm going to certify this class as ready to graduate after that experience you showed creativity you showed fun you're laughing you showed Ingenuity Innovation teamwork but most of all resilience and respect for those of
075you in the audience that don't know what I'm talking about the seniors did what we'll call a pop-up event otherwise known as a class prank and they exhibited each and every one of those attributes in doing so and filling up one of the rooms I believe with over a thousand balloons and a moon bounce but the best part of that is that they did it in the right fashion they asked for some a little bit of permission and a lot of forgiveness and it turned out to be an awesome event so I just have to applaud you and I'm going to certify to Mr McGraw that you're all ready to graduate and take those skills with you so thank you very much [Applause] I'm also up here to give out two scholarships this evening and
076it's truly an honor on behalf of the parents call a motive group we give out a five thousand dollar scholarship every year to there's so many great applicants when we go through the rubrics to score them but this year's award goes to a gentleman who has done an awesome job both in his field of study but also I mean their accolades here referral uh praise referrals and student of the month and varsity letters and it's it's just great to see a well-rounded individual such as he he is going to pursue uh his and further his education on a motive and this is another key tenant for those in the audience Automotive wasn't his first choice but here in Cumberland County we want to obviously get people into the skills and it became his favorite choice
077and he's graduating and moving on and pursuing a degree I'm sorry a career in that Mr Edward Sykes please join me on the stage foreign [Applause] I also have the honor of giving out the a new scholarship award this year and it's the from the bull family scholarship so you know here we always talk about returning to the community of what that taught you so well so Renee on a Coursey bowl and Ken bull starter Foundation uh Renee was from the area they live outside of the air but they heard about the tech school and they wanted to be a major part of it because they believe in what happens here and they wanted to develop a CTE scholarship and they've done so and generously put forth a scholarship of five thousand dollars so this
078year's recipient I'm pleased to announce this giovano Giovanna Amado Ivana foreign [Applause] Giovanna again has done so many astounding things too many to list to announce but the most important of which she's going to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design and major in film and television thank you [Applause] well I guess I'll let you slide now since Mr gruccio is certified the class so that's usually my job but I'll take it the next Foundation scholarship in the amount of seven thousand five hundred dollars is the Mel Camp Memorial Scholarship this is awarded in memory of Mr melkamp a retired tech school to work coordinator when Mr Camp passed he donated his entire estate to the tech Foundation it is through this generous donation that the tech Foundation was formed this award is for
079a graduating senior who is continuing their practice in one of the following areas Automotive construction trades cosmetology culinary arts or welding this year's recipient is Elena Spencer graduate of Cosmetology [Applause] Elena will be attending Temple University this year oh look at that Mr franciscaney she will be majoring in musical theater for a BFA and wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment field she plans on continuing to work on the side as a licensed cosmetologist As She Goes to School congratulations [Applause] tonight we've talked a lot about community and making sure that you give back to your community and all of the sponsors of these scholarships do just that but there is a special person here today that is homegrown and when I say homegrown right here from Vineland and the senator I had the
080privilege of kind of growing up next to and one of his favorite teachers is here I think Mrs Robbins Senator test is a 1994 graduate of Vineland high school and he went away to college at Villanova University returning back to his community and making us proud as the senator from our state of New Jersey of the first legislative district so it is my honor and privilege Senator Testa to introduce you to our graduates to say a few words Senator Tessa [Applause] good evening and she's absolutely right Miss Corson as she was known then was certainly one of my favorite teachers and great teachers are important and I know from what I've already heard how many of the Great teachers that teach at this awesome Institution have affected your lives and you'll carry that with you
081for the rest of your life believe me all I can say is wow what an amazing and extraordinary group of gifted students assembled here this evening 96 students are being recognized 176 scholarships have been awarded 66 of those scholarships are awarded by the CC Tech Foundation totaling 79 800 dollars in total there is 183 and 125 dollars in scholarships 13 Automotive 12 construction 12 cosmetology seven culinary arts 34 engineering 44 health science and medicine 12 information technology 15 law enforcement five for strive 13 studio production nine in welding congratulations to each and every one of the recipients in your parents grandparents and Guardians that are in attendance this evening ladies and gentlemen I know I'm getting a little bit older because I'm seeing some of my friends children who are recipients this evening and individuals
082that I went to school with my classmates children who are receiving some of these amazing scholarships it is my privilege to be at this distinguished ceremony to celebrate and recognize the outstanding accomplishments and talents of these students I would like to take this time to congratulate each and every one of you for being honored here today for your achievements in academics leadership community service scholarship character and your enthusiasm which were shown through the hard work and dedication that each of you have shown through your time and attendance at CC Tech one thing I'd like to encourage each and every one of you is to try and come back bring your talents back here wherever you go and I know many of you who are graduating are saying I'm never coming back that's what we all
083said trust me hopefully you'll at least consider coming back here to Cumberland County to make Cumberland County a bit a better place and give back to the community that has made you thus far there are several things that are necessary for most merit-based scholarships selections can be based on community service good grades athletic Talent High standardized test scores extracurricular interests and activities and passion for a certain industry or career field each recipient tonight deserves our admiration because I know how tough the scholarship selection process is take time to congratulate yourselves and each other for the reward of all those late or sleepless nights when you had to balance overlapping commitments and when you had to miss having fun with your friends I would also like to congratulate the parents families friends and Educators for showing
084unconditional support motivation encouragement and love to these remarkable young people who we recognize today I would be remiss if I didn't say congratulations for surviving the pandemic and having to learn remotely for quite some period of time I know firsthand how that affected children and you're here today with a crowning achievement to our students you have the traits that will help you navigate through life with a purpose a code and compass that will build the foundation for success and most importantly it will make your life fulfilling when your dreams and goals are achieved I would like to congratulate all of the recipients tonight for your exceptional achievements and talents and we look forward to witnessing all of the successes you have yet to realize that will come in your future so without further Ado it
085is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you a friend and a mentor of my own Mr John Scarpa [Applause] Mr Scarpa will be awarding the John F Scarpa Legacy award the John F Scarpa Legacy award is in the amount of ten thousand dollars and is being awarded to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a degree and a career in one of the following areas information technology engineering technology health science and medicine law enforcement or or TV studio and broadcasting this graduate has earned a 3.7 GPA or higher I'm going to allow the namesake of this Legacy award to award that scholarship Mr John Scarpa if you could come up my dear friend thank you [Applause] foreign the good news [Music] the good news [Music] the good news is I'm the last person you have
086to sit and listen to tonight [Applause] the rest of the good news is that I do want to congratulate each and every one of you and I will and your families I really want you to know this that as an old guy with gray hair when I was sitting in those chairs in my high school graduation I had to listen to some old guy with gray hair tell me everything that I needed to do let me tell you right now I hate when people tell you you need to do something it's just my personal pet what uh I do want to tell you you're going to do and talk to you about it for just a few minutes and I promise you is uh very simply to say as everyone has said to you tonight
087including Senator Testa uh is congratulations on your achievement it is truly an incredible I was thrilled to get out of high school because I was not a good student I am a graduate of a technical institute and I'm very proud of it and each of you should be as well the also want to thank the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for establishing this incredible building and this school along with the Board of Education your superintendent Dr Dina Rossi and her administrative staff and teachers as well for the wonderful job that they do and have done for each of you over the last four years the employees of every Department that has made this place possible to function including safety is just a remarkable remarkable thing for all of you here it was all of these
088teachers and the teachers who have taught you throughout your height throughout your education I think you should be most grateful for today most of all it's your parents and family Senator Tessa comment on another kid as well but that's true and I also want to thank today I want to talk to you about something simple very simple technology is breaking down all kinds of barriers in our lives in your lives and I began a future career by reminding you first learn how to code computer code is something for everybody else that doesn't understand that including me as an analog guy now in a digital world coding is a very important thing that it's a language that you need to become familiar with and I mean that sincerely it's it's programming with a set of instructions
089that's going to allow each of you in your lives to go forward in your careers and yes A1 the AI Revolution is here today we've already using it most of us don't even understand that we're using it at this moment but we are an artificial intelligence is exploding everywhere truly is and what I think it's most important for all of you is the unbelievable opportunities and challenge that's going to afford each of you uh chat GPT a conversational system that allows you to talk to each other create what you want to say when you want to say it and it has not only that but your own independent thoughts and beliefs blockchain technology with digital way of tracking all transactions whether they're tangible or intangible then of course a digital currency called crypto much more
090is coming at you fast and furious so how do you navigate your future so you can realize your dreams how do you face the challenges and the fears that each of you have because I know what I had in high school maybe still have some uh to get beyond that and to move forward just sit back and take a moment and let me talk to you about what I call connecting the dots the thoughts in your life as a youngster a week perhaps all of us learn how to connect the dots on paper then in order to discover the picture designer Vision that we had in our mind but learning to connect the thoughts in our lives is the real challenge it is one that is not easily visualized going forward but comes together as
091we look back Upon A chosen pathway I was born to a hard-working family in violent Jersey and that ran several different Divas we ran several different businesses in our family my dad died when I was five years old so my mother had to take over family raised five siblings and my [Music] I understood at that point that life just was not just was not there it wasn't fair you don't lose your debt it just go on with your life at that age so that one on the paper [Music] now had to find DOT number two go forward as a family then the family unit looking to our mom to carry the load of to each of us found thought number two and three I need to con learn to contribute to share getting the job
092done and the same for all families many families go through this the following dots four five and six were connected as I applied myself in school it looked really very hard for DOT number seven something that made me excited something that I was passionate about that I look forward to each and every day creating my future and my pathway you will too about seven materialize when I became curious about science and specifically things that help me to communicate that Curiosity and thirst for learning how to improve our lives through communication brought me to dots 8 9 and 10. and so I entered the fast growing world of cable television cellular telephone creating an internet company creating broadcasting radio and television stations and allow my passion to burn brighter than any of my peers I kept
093connecting the dots and I encouraged each of you to do the same in your own life suddenly I realized there was a picture on the paper that I was looking at forming right before my eyes as I pursued my dreams began to realize my success and you also will do the same about 11 came in the form of honoring lessons learned from my mother always remember your roots and you will also create a bucket of experience by doing so to guide you forward embrace your passion see the opportunities in front of you because they're there each of you are your own algorithm if you set the parameters you build the map and developed a process that will connect with dots for each of you I'm really proud to tell you that because I know looking
094at this class watching all these Awards tonight that you guys had that you know so the John S corporate technical education center of Cumberland County has given you the need to find those dots bet on yourself bet on yourself each of you and you will accomplish goals you did not even know would be possible in your lives Christopher Robin once said promise me you will always remember you are braver than you believe stronger than you seem and smarter than you think [Music] let's take a look at the world today quickly the opportunities and challenges you each of you have it's complicated from politics and National and Global fronts experience the pandemic as you have and we all have and suffering through it witnessing the violence in our society Ukraine where war and War who are
095we as a nation what are our intrinsic values how do we come together to build a better tomorrow you will be the leaders of that tomorrow now it gives me great pleasure to announce the reason we have all waited this evening let's announce the winner of the ten thousand dollar John F Sparkle scholarship the student has and I don't not sure I can get through all of it before you understand who it may be this student has it has achieved outstanding academic success the National Honor Society the National Technical Honor Society earn an associate's degree at Rowan College South Jersey in Liberal Arts made the superintendents list had perfect attendance the Dean's List early college high school programs 2019-23 State Regional NASDAQ gold medalist in the USA igc gymnastic competitions [Music] anybody figure that out
096yet um a tech ambassador participated in community organizations the world health education of the World Health Institute tb12 Foundation the Earth's Family Foundation led a group of initiatives for annual lunch distribution for the homeless population in Philadelphia I've got tears landed a publication for a political journalism USA Today and in her own words don't us don't underestimate Our Generation because we are smarter than you think that's a great statement that's a hell of a statement yes Miss Ava police [Applause] and uh going over oh sorry sorry [Applause] by attending Villanova University [Applause] I I don't even have words right now like you know academics and you know working the community and I put all my effort into it my entire life um pretty much everything I've done is to get to this point and you
097know we didn't really know how we were going to pay for full tuition for governor but this is gonna make a sadness [Music] for every board member and every professor and teacher and staff member I've had here for my last four years um the experience has been absolutely Dynamic and life-changing and I could not have asked for better and more fortified Foundation to build my future off of and I'm so excited to you know have the support and taking these next steps and you know I don't know what the future might bring but I with all your support and everybody around me I know it's gonna be great [Applause] thank you [Applause] you're superintendent Dr Dina Rossi will actually close in the comments with thank you all tonight thank you [Applause] [Music] [Applause] the foreign
098[Music] thank you [Music] [Applause] education and we had two very importantly [Music] vice president yes [Applause] develop Dr Nolan um [Applause] thank you [Applause] we've got a bunch of teachers individuals 2023 Educational Services professionals who organized Business Services [Applause] thank you [Applause] here [Music] young lady who is the energy [Applause] Tech Teacher [Applause] this evening congratulations