2022 Scholarship Recipients
Jasneli Jimenez Hernandez
Perth Amboy Adult High SchoolIn five years, I see myself being an Ultrasound Technician, working at hospital near Perth Amboy, with my daughter along my side. She would be seven years old. My biggest accomplishment to date is finally finishing high school so I can now start to pursue my career. Another big accomplishment is that I’ve always maintained good grades and that I’m trying to be the best version of myself, not only for me but for my daughter. I will be attending Middlesex and then I’m going to a two-year program to become an Ultrasound Technologist. I have scarified a lot to be where I’m at today and I feel like I’ve earned it.
Sara Cueva
Perth Amboy Adult High SchoolIn five years, I see myself with a sense of fulfillment as far as my career goals. I have always set my priorities in life. Today I can say that those priorities have helped me achieve various things and one of those biggest accomplishments to date for me has been, raising my children and providing for them, coming back to school to finish and further my education despite the challenges. To receive this scholarship for me, would be the greatest blessing and I would definitely take advantage of his help, as I am determined to graduate from nursing school. The school I plan to enroll in is Trinitas School of Nursing, God willing to achieve my BSN.
Samuel Colon
High School Equivalency at the Perth Amboy Adult SchoolI envision myself with a bachelor’s degree and moving up the ranks in my current field of banking in five years. My biggest accomplishment to date is passing the series seven exam to be a Financial Advisor. The series seven exam was six hours in length when I took it back in 2001 and had a passing rate of only 20%. Additionally, with my hard work ethics I have been promoted to Vice President since 1999. This scholarship means the world to me as it would give me the opportunity and incentive to attend College and get a degree. I intend to go to University of Phoenix online as it is the best for me and my work schedule. It will stay in banking as I know it well and will likely go up the ranks with a college degree. I’ll be very proud as not many Latinos get this opportunity in life.
Thomas Perez
High School Equivalency at the Perth Amboy Adult SchoolIn five years, I see myself mastering my profession. My biggest accomplishment is finishing high school. It means more than everything to receive this scholarship because it’ll set the tone in my family. Anyone can make it if they put their mind to it. I plan on attending Lincoln Tech and plan on pursuing an Electrical or HVA trade.
Angel Balbuena
ersonalized Learning ProgramEn cinco años me imagino siendo beisbolista profesional o en una empresa trabajado en mi carrera en informática. En un futuro también tener mis propias inversiones, como bienes raíces y negocios. Conseguir una beca deportiva y estudiantil para estudias en una escuela en los Estados Unidos, Significa mucho para mí, ya que me ayudara a seguir adelante con mis estudios y mi deporte, para en un futuro alcanzar el éxito, ya que no tengo los recursos suficientes para pagar una Universidad. Me gustaría asistir a Kean University, porque es una Universidad que tiene un programa en español que ayuda a los hispanos a aprender el idioma ya que no tengo el inglés suficiente para entrar a cualquier Universidad.
Gabriella Roman
Perth Amboy High School)-Dental ScholarshipAs I’m near the end of my high school years, I think how fast these four years have gone by. I think ahead and know that the next five years will be more challenging because I will be an adult and I will have to deal with many things including being a student, working, and taking care of many of own things. If I must project, in five years, I see myself having graduated with a BS and working/completing hours of practical work at a dental office and most likely still in New Jersey. Perth Amboy High School has been good to me because I have taken advantage of many opportunities. One of my biggest accomplishments while at PAHS, was getting the “Most Valuable Soccer Player” award for as a freshman. This award was presented during the Fall sports award night. I was so surprised, but I know that I worked really hard that year, so it was good to be recognized by my coaches. I was proud of myself, and it felt great! If I was to be selected for the LEAF Scholarship, I will feel extremely blessed and it would validate all the long nights of studying, coming home tired from games and staying up late to complete assignments and other schoolwork. The past couple of years have been difficult for my family and in December sadly my dad went to heaven. I know that he would be happy for me and tell me like he always would say when I did well or made honor roll. “Nice baby, I’m proud of you” I just want to keep making him proud.
Taneyah Pendleton
Perth Amboy High SchoolIn five years, I envision myself looking at my reflection in the mirror and seeing a hard working, determined, yet relieved me in the mirror. I myself dressed in my red and white cap and gown and getting ready to walk across the stage to grab my master’s in athletic training from Montclair State University. I see myself being proud of my hard work and ready to reach my next goal. My biggest accomplishment to date is my transition from middle school to high school. I’ve steered myself away from continuing a journey that wasn’t met for me and that didn’t compliment my goals. I’ve worked very hard to change and continue to grow positively to be where I want to be. Today, I can say with confidence that I’ve changed, and my efforts were not in vain because who I am today and what I do reflect that. To receive this scholarship would mean a lot to me. It’s been very hard to find a school that was realistic and affordable for me and my family. My idea of college and my plans for college have changed tremendously due to the financial aspect of things. With that said I also do know that these things happen for a reason, and I know that I can do whatever it is that I put my mind to regardless of finances difficulties. Receiving this scholarship would be a blessing to me. I plan to attend Montclair University where I’ll be majoring in Exercise Science/MS Athletic Training Combined Program. The career path I will be pursuing is an Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist. After graduating Montclair State, I plan to continue education and attend Physical therapy school where I will then be named a Physical Therapist with a master’s in athletic training.
Nancy Martinez Maldonado
Perth Amboy High SchoolThere is a whole life ahead of me where there are many unexpected things that can happen and change my life completely, but I envision myself graduating from college. Finally, one day pursuing my dream career of becoming a teacher. Also, one day finding a place to teach children. I am very proud of how far I come of accomplishing many things like volunteering for service events around the community, joining sports while being one of the captains, and getting to know various clubs around the school. Even though, I did so many bright things it would mean a lot to receive this scholarship for it will help me financially attend to a college and reach for my dream. Because of my status it feels some doors are close but applying for this scholarship slowly opens a door of hope that I can get the help and take advantage of reaching for m goals. It will greatly make me happy, being one a step forward to success. I want and hope to attend Kean University to pursue psychology and education. I am still exploring a few things what I want to do in life, but I do know that I want to change people’s life one day and make a good impact on them as guiding them to the right path.
Yakayra Merino Cruz
Perth Amboy High SchoolIn five years, I and see myself learning more about law, traveling and enjoying every moment of being a learner. I see myself succeeding and making my parents and family proud. Also being a role model to the future generation and being a great example to keep going forward. My biggest accomplishment to the date is getting every opportunity to reach my goals and being able to learn and spread education to my sisters and being the first female to graduate college. Receiving this scholarship would really mean an honor to me and my family because receiving financial help relieves stress on my dad. The college I want to attend to is Middlesex College because it’s closer to my family and it has great opportunities the career path I want.
Estefany Matos
Perth Amboy High SchoolI plan on attending The College of New Jersey and majoring in nursing. Nursing is my biggest passion ever and I can’t see myself doing anything else. You can ask everyone around and they will tell you how passionate I am about it. I truly believe that my biggest accomplishment to date is getting into my dream nursing program. Over the years, I have seriously doubted myself and there was a point in time where I did not think that I would get into nursing school. Everyone talks about how hard it is to get into a nursing school, that out of thousands who apply, only a select few get accepted. When I received and opened that acceptance letter that was when I knew that I made it. In five years, that would make me 23 years old. I see myself working in the emergency department of a hospital, I also see myself going back to school for a master’s program. For me to receive this scholarship, it means that someone supports my passion and that they can see that I am dedicated.
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Mirella Arocho
Perth Amboy Adult High SchoolMy biggest accomplishment to date is accomplishing my high school diploma in two years while being a mother of four children and working a full-time job. I look forward to majoring in the medical field that can be expensive. Still, this scholarship will help me become a nurse and help those who need support and compassion. I want to attend Middlesex county college due to the flexibility within their program to accommodate my situation and needs. Over the next few years, I want to explore and develop skills in the medical field to gain as much experience as possible to become a registered nurse.
Fanely Caba
Academy for Urban Leadership Charter SchoolMy biggest accomplishment is having maintained a 4.0 GPA these past two years and staying amongst the top ten percent of my class. I aspire to become either an attorney for a not-for-profit organization or a prosecutor with the hopes of being nominated as a federal judge. To receive this scholarship would reduce my family's financial burden and allow me to pay for post-secondary education without gathering student loan debt. In five years, I hope to be in my first year of law school after obtaining a degree from The College of New Jersey in Psychology.
Johanne Salcedo
High School Equivalency at the Perth Amboy Adult SchoolMy name is Johanne Salcedo, and my journey started when I first arrived in the United States in 1992. In five years, I see myself further accomplishing my dream of finishing my career in medicine as an Allied Health/Radiologist. Ever since I arrived in the United States, I have worked towards my goals. My most significant accomplishment to date has been to be a homeowner. A place where my children could grow and foster warmth, often crucial to a family, has been vital to me. Homeownership has been a significant accomplishment, and now I work toward my goal of finishing my career. In retrospect, it seems as though I started backward. First, being a homeowner, then working in the field as a Police Officer and ahead waitress, leaving my career last. However, obtaining the LEAF Scholarship will enable me to achieve my latest and final goal of being part of the many Radiologists that serve our community today. Furthermore, with the help of the scholarship, I will work to the degree that will enable me to gain experience. In diagnosing ailments and injuries, refer patients to appropriate medical assistance, evaluate medical history, and more. I plan to attend Middlesex County College, where I will be working with like-minded folks working towards the same goal. I will be able to perfect my skills to finally achieve my latest and most significant purpose of obtaining my degree.
Ritik Singla
High School Equivalency at Perth Amboy Adult SchoolIn the next five years, I would like to have graduated from Middlesex County College with a bachelor's degree in business and an owner of my own startup company. The biggest accomplishment of my life is I am an independent man who has worked diligently within a company for a year. I have gained knowledge and respect, which has led me to become a partner. Receiving this scholarship will propel me to achieve my goal with full thrust and lower the financial burden to focus on my studies.
Daniela Rodriguez
Personalized Learning ProgramMy most outstanding achievement has been moving to a different country, developing my studies in the best possible way, and going to Middlesex County College. This scholarship is more than an achievement; it will help me fulfill my dreams of being successful in the future. It is opening another door for me by providing me the opportunity to demonstrate what I am capable of doing. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay tuition because I do not have any other means of financial support. I plan to attend Middlesex County College for two years and then transfer to a four-year college to continue my undergraduate degree in finance/business. Afterward, I want to pursue a master's degree in accounting and further my career within the business world.
Esmeralda Bencosme
Perth Amboy High SchoolIn five years, I imagine celebrating my graduation from college. My most outstanding achievement to date can help people who have needed me. To receive this scholarship would mean a lot to both my family and me. The college I plan to attend is Middlesex County College. The career path I will follow is a professional path to success.
Mariane Hernandez
Perth Amboy High SchoolIn five years, I envision myself finishing my undergraduate studies of Health and Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey. Also, continuing my education to a doctor's degree while being the happiest I can be. I can also envision myself being well involved in the University I attend. Thus far, my biggest accomplishment has been receiving acceptance letters from all the schools I applied to. Receiving the LEAF scholarship means I have many supporters and having potential for the future of our society. I have higher goals to achieve, and I look forward to striving for them. I am fortunate and blessed to be here, and I know I will be successful.
Aziz Diouf
Perth Amboy High SchoolOne of the things I can view as my most meaningful achievements is the progress I made through my learning coding language, which python. In the beginning, it was not easy to understand the binary world. Still, with intensive study and practices, I was able to discover how a computer works. I also learn how to write sets of instructions and apply them to computers. I wrote different codes that I was able to put into practice in the real world. Overall, this skill set used throughout my senior year will help me in college, where I will be majoring in computer programming.
Jonaishia Freeman
Middlesex County Vocational and Technology in Perth AmboyEver since I was a young girl, I always wanted to make a difference in the world. From entering school at the age of 4, education has always been important to me. Therefore I want to continue my education through college. When I was learning how to read in kindergarten, my mother would install me to chase for my dreams and earn a degree to have a better life and make her proud. One of the most challenging decisions I had to make was picking a major until I found my passion. Ever since middle school, I was fascinated with the Kennedy family, Malcolm X, and other politicians who helped me choose Political Science. Politics play a huge factor in how others will perceive the United States and other countries and the growth of each country. Upcoming Politian's are saying that it is up the Generation Z to make changes in this country and make a mark. That hit me to a core, and I realized that I wanted to work in politics. One person who inspired me to pick this major was Senator Jon Ossoff. Senator Ossoff was recently elected to the Senate, and he is the youngest and first millennial in office. I will be attending The College of New Jersey, majoring in Political Science. In hopes of being accepted into the Capital building internship, where I will work as hard as I can, to be able to hold a role in the office soon.
Lezlie Hilario
Perth Amboy High SchoolWorking at the New Jersey State Senate has always been a great aspiration of mine. In five years, when I have completed my undergraduate studies, that is where I envision myself. Ultimately, my career goal is to hold a position in the US House of Representatives. Working at the NJ State Senate will prepare and shape me to go into that career field. In the fall of 2021, I will be attending Villanova University. Without a doubt is my most significant accomplishment to date. My parents did not have the opportunity to pursue a college-level education. Therefore, I have always valued education and knew that going to college in the future was the ultimate goal. Receiving the LEAF Scholarship means a lot to my family and me. It allows us to see that there are resources and people to care about my education and future collegiate success. The money I receive from this scholarship is a tremendous blessing and is helping me set up what will be the rest of my life.
2020 Scholarship Recipients
Andy Chumpitaz Cardenas
In five years, I see myself as a college graduate from Drexel University, with a degree in the Music Industry. I envision myself working in a studio or with artists, producing songs and making my way into the ever-changing world of music. Deciding to pursue this degree is my biggest accomplishment, since maintaining a career in music is not easy. I had to overcome my own insecurities and learn to have confidence in myself to pursue the future I genuinely wanted for myself. Receiving this scholarship would mean a great deal to me, as it would help my family and I pay the expenses of college and support me in focusing on my studies.
Fatima Herrera
In five years, I see myself graduated from college, working, and helping others. Receiving this scholarship will mean a lot to me. It would help me further my education, which is something I will be forever grateful for. I will be attending Middlesex County College to pursue a career in public health to one-day give back to a community that has helped me during some of the hardest times.
A'naya Avery
My career aspiration in five years is to push past any barriers and obstacles and be dedicated to my career. I want to find a meaningful career, and becoming a nurse is significant to me, especially since I witnessed one of my family members become extremely ill. I want to make a change and inspire others. With self-motivation, courage, and persistence, I will be the best version of myself.
Camila Guayasamin
In five years, I envision myself working as an Early Childhood Education teacher and continuing my education to a master’s degree. My biggest accomplishment to date has been the acceptance into the Bonner Program at The College of New Jersey. Receiving the LEAF Scholarship will allow me to further prepare myself to go out into the world and give back the love and support great role models like my teachers gave me when I needed it. In the fall of 2020, I will be attending The College of New Jersey majoring in Early Childhood Education.
Lynette Gonzalez
In five years, I envision myself as a nurse in the maternity ward of a hospital. My biggest accomplishment to date is achieving a completion of credits necessary for high school graduation and being able to pursue my post-secondary education at Middlesex County College. I will then transfer into a Nursing program to continue my career goals as a labor and delivery nurse.
Azumuneer Watkins
I am ecstatic to have been able to reach this stage of achievement in my life. In five years, I envision myself finished with my four years of undergraduate studies and entering my second year of Veterinary School. I also envision myself top of my class, and still focused and motivated to reach my goal. My biggest accomplishment to date is being accepted into all 16 schools I applied to. My entire life, I continuously worked hard and made sacrifices to be able obtain this accomplishment. I plan to further my education at North Carolina A&T as an animal science major. With NCAT’s prestigious BU (historically black college/university) and academic success rate, I believe their animal science program will put me on the right path in pursuing my career as a veterinarian.
Nathaly Hernandez Delgado
I envision myself owning a business in cosmetics and having my own glam shop called, “Beauty by Nathaly,” in five years. I can already picture it! Enrolling in the Perth Amboy Adult School was one of my biggest accomplishments to date and say that proudly because it is one more step toward having my dream career. Receiving this scholarship means the world to me because it will help me succeed in life and fulfill the biggest dream thus far. I will not be attending a college; in fact, I will be attending this amazing academy called “Artist Makeup Academy in Hoboken, NJ”. This school will help me achieve the career path of becoming a cosmetologist.