Morristown HS Student Wins $5K Scholarship

A Morristown High School student is one of 20 chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship through the New Jersey Heroes Spirit of a Hero Scholarship program.

This scholarship program was launched by First Lady Mary Pat Christie in February.

Nayna Shah is the recipient from Morris Plains.

According to a release from the governor’s office, Shah serves as a lead mentor for the “Pathways for Exception Children” organization, traveling to various elementary, middle and high schools across New Jersey to promote acceptance, inclusion and diversity among students.

“I’m so proud that through New Jersey Heroes, we were able to provide these deserving students with an opportunity to follow their dreams and pursue their desired career paths,” Christie said in the release. “These students have made a difference in their communities through service and volunteerism. I applaud the spirit and commitment they have demonstrated to improve the lives of others, and their personal aspirations to achieve future success.”

New Jersey Heroes, the release said, worked with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and the Department of Education to promote the scholarship.

About 700 students applied for the scholarship, the release said.

To be considered for the scholarship, candidates had to show a commitment to volunteerism; a high school transcript with a letter of recommendation; have good academic standing; and be enrolling at an accredited college or vocational training school for the 2013-2014 school year.

Also receiving the scholarship are:

• Omolola Agabalogun, of Egg Harbor Township High School
• Richard Apramian, of Northern Valley Regional High School
• Ellen Bridget Carpinelli, of Summit Public High School
• Jordan Chervin, of Manalapan High School
• Michelle Guo, of Bergen County Academies
• James Cooper Itkoff, of Princeton High School
• Brandon J. Karpowich, of Toms River High School North
• Joseph M. Mandes, of Atlantic City High School
• Michael Mandes, of Atlantic City High School
• Zaire Martin, of MetEast High School
• Alicia Irene Mitchko, of Hamilton High School
• Monica Lilia Murphy, of Manasquan High School
• Christopher Joseph Nolze, of Toms River High School South
• Kelly O’Neill, of Bernards High School
• Lynese Rawlins, of Red Bank Regional
• Christopher Rim, of Academies at Englewood
• Melissa Romanovich, of Tenafly High School
• Anish Kumar, Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School
• Christopher Stone, of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School