Young Christian Leaders Scholarship

Daniel Halek

Calvary Assembly of God - Union, NJ

February 2012 Scholarship Winner

Rev. Joshua Bechtel says "He has proven himself to be a faithful, trustworthy person. He is truly a servant and a leader."

Jessica Hoogerhyde

Faith Community Christian Reformed Church - Wyckoff, NJ

February 2012 Scholarship Winner


Pastor Dave Hayman says “Jess is kind, sweet, humble and loyal. She is competent and accomplishes all she does with excellence. She is hard working, likeable and is sought out by her peers.”

Rebecca Lawton

Calvary Baptist Church - Norwich, NJ

February 2012 Scholarship Winner

English teacher Laurel A. Carpenter says "She consistently gave her best effort in all of her classes and her teachers relied on her as a leadership example in the classroom"

Michael Petit

Our Lady of Mercy Church - Plainville, CT

February 2012 Scholarship Winner

Rev. John F. Brinsmade says "He is faithful in his responsibilities and quickly volunteers. He is especially helpful as a leader with the younger members of our Church."

Olafimihan Oresanya

RCCG The King's Court - Union, NJ

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- President's Honor List
- Essay/English Award

Areas of Interest:
- Electrical Engineer

Education
Union County College

Pastor Babs Odunsi says "Olafimihan's unwavering devotion to his community exemplifies his strong moral fiber and character.

Amy Pfuelb

First Baptist Church of Marilla - Marilla, NY

School/Community Involvement
- School Bible Club leader: one year
- Dorm Officer: one year

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- National Honor Society
- Academic Award
- Deans List
- Alpha Gamma Epsilon

Areas of Interest: Teacher
School: First Baptist College

Pastor Lawrence E. Walter says "I have observed that whatever she does she does wholeheartedly, diligently, seriously and for the Lord."

Josephine Selbeau

Christian Cultural Center - Brooklyn, NY

School/Community Involvement:
-Chorus/Drama
-C3 Ambassadors Mission team
-Student youth leader
-Interfaith Eagles Club
-Step Team

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
-Somebody Cares America
-Ocean County Personnel & Guidance Association Award

Areas of Interest:
- Child/Teen Psychology

GPA: 86.31

Rev. Don Meckley says “Her integrity amongst her peers is as strong as ever. Teens in our youth group seek her out as she is a beacon of encouragement and hope.”

Martina Tucker

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church - Cherry Hill, NJ

School/Community Involvement:
- Drexel Bible Awareness Society: 2011
- Tennis Team: two years
- Track Team: four years
- African American Club: four years
- Pediatric Hospital volunteer: four years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- Honor Roll: four years
- Cherry Hill Educational Foundation Honoree


Areas of Interest:
- Animation artist for Disney

Education:
Drexel University
GPA: 3.86

Rev. Peter T. Manzo says "She has served faithfully and responsibly as an acolyte of this church. She came on time when assigned and always knew what to do and when to do it."

Kelsey Barofski

Grace Community Church - Hope, NJ

School/Community Involvement:
- Soccer: four years
- Basketball: four years
- Worship Leader: one year
- Sunday School teacher: four years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- National Honor Society: two years
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership
- Spanish Award of Excellence
- Express time player of the week

Areas of Interest:
- Elementary School Teacher

Education
Arcadia University
GPA: 102.86

Rev. Rodger Smeall says "Kelsey is a multi-talented student athlete that has impeccable core values and is a natural leader."

Melissa Copella

First Baptist Church of Marilla - Attica, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- Puppet organizer: four years
- Sunday School teacher: three years
- Worship Team: four years
- Secretarial Assistant for school: four years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- Honor Roll for four years

Areas of Interest:
- Teacher

Education
Baptist Bible College
GPA: 98.37

Pastor Michael Briggs says "she has proven to be a resourceful dedicated leader and holds a great sense of maturity in her character"

Criston Oates

Unity Baptist Tabernacle - Mount Vernon, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- Explorer's Club: three years
- H.S. Band
- Gospel Knights Choir
- Baseball team
- Westchester County Youth Council: three years
- Played on two worship albums as the bassist

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- National Honor Society: three years
- Outstanding Musician: one year
- W.I.S.E Internship Award: one year
- Academic Excellence & Community Leadership: one year

Areas of Interest:
- Sports Broadcaster

Education: University of Bridgeport
GPA: 3.051

Reverend Edward Mulraine says "Criston is a talented young man who exemplifies good character, morals and values."

Emily Rivera

West Hudson Christian Center - Hackensack, NJ

School/Community Involvement
- Worship Leader: two years
- President of Spanish Honor Society: three years
- Children's Director: six years

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- National Honor Society: one year
- Spanish Honor Society: three years

Areas of Interest: School Psychologist
GPA: 3.26

Rev. Elcana Jim Rovaggi says "She has proven to be an excellent follower of detailed instruction. Her optimistic attitude and positive outlook propel her very efficiently from a gifted follower to an efficient assistant and delegator."

Jaclyn Bichsel

Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle - Smithtown, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- Worship team for youth group: two years
- Dance team for missions outreach: four years
- Passion Play dancer: four years
- Small group leader: four years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- National Honor Society: 2011
- NYSSMA for voice & piano: two years

Areas of Interest:
- Elementary Teacher

Education
Smithtown Christian School GPA: 92.95

Pastor Kevin Mahaffy says “A major aspect of my philosophy of youth ministry is teamwork and servant leadership. Jaclyn has set a fine example in both of these areas.”

Jemima Desmangles

EL Elyon Ministries - Hempstead, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- Dance Group: five years
- Yearbook Club: one year
- Student Council: one year
- Student Teacher: 2008

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- Merit Award: 2008

Areas of Interest:
- Social Worker

Education
Long Island University

Pastor Wilson L. Albert says "She is one of our faithful leaders of our Praise Dance ministry. She has a brilliant mind with a heart to serve people who are in need."

Alexander Gibson

Outstretched Hand Ministries - Camden, NJ

School/Community Involvement:
- Skills USA: two years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- Best Graphics Acts: two years

Areas of Interest:
- Veterinary

Education:Tuskegee University

Pastor Douglas Carstarphen says "Alex is a very well mannered young man always willing to give a helping hand and willing to go out of his way for anyone in need. He is intelligent, educated and responsible young man."

Sonia Nelson

Eastchester Presbyterian Church - Bronx, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- Bell Choir: two years
- Poetry Club: four years
- Praise Dance: three years
- Step Team: two years
- Leadership Class: one year

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- National Honor Society: one year
- Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award
- Excellence in History Award
- CFES Mentor: one year
- Library Award

Areas of Interest:
- Environmental Law

Education
University of Vermont

Pastor J. Perry Wootten says "She shows strong leadership abilities as evidenced by her being elected President of the leadership class in H.S.. She is dedicated to learning, growing intellectually and possesses a strong determination to serve her community."

Nana Atuah

Brooklyn Tabernacle - Brooklyn, NY

School/Community Involvement
- Newspaper Club: two years
- Step/Dance Team: four years
- Jazz Band: three years

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- National Commemorative Certificate: 2011
- NY Comptroller Achievement Award: 2011
-National Honor Society: two years
- NYSMMA: 2010

Areas of Interest: Doctor
GPA: 91.54

Pastor Alex Williams says "Nana has been a very active and diligent worker who has a heart for God and is willing to grow."

Joseph Ciccarello

Church of the Intercessor - Malverne, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- H.S. Marching Band: four years
- Varsity Basketball: two years
- Founder of Christian Prayers study at H.S.
- H.S. musical: two years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- NY State field band conference Player of the Year: 2011
- Paul Messina Scholarship: 2011
- Tri-M Honor Society: two years
- Top of the class honors for Italian & Environmental Science

Areas of Interest:
- Special Education Teacher

Education
Will be attending Nyack College in the fall of 2011.
GPA (H.S.): 86.02

Rev. Craig W. Bates says "I have seen him hold fast to his Christian convictions while attending a secular public school. His H.S. peers have also recognized him for his leadership.

Brandon Eng

Emanuel Lutheran - Patchogue, NY

School/Community Involvement:
- Class Government: four years
- Volunteer Club: three years
- Stock Market Club: four years
- DECA: two years
- Track & Field: four years

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- National Honor Society: two years
- Foreign Language Honor Society: two years
- Business and Marketing Honor Society: two years
- DECA regional winner: one year

Areas of Interest:
- Entrepreneur

Education
Syracuse University
GPA: 95.83

Rev. Norbert Folwaczny says "He assists in Sunday School, NYC Relief, has volunteer at over 20 soup kitchens, served on Missions Teams.....He is busy all the time, either helping someone or sharing his testimony."

Gemelle John

Trinity Cathedral - Trenton, NJ

School/Community Involvement
- Marching Band: three years
- Spanish Tutor: two years
- Spanish Club: three years
- Drama Club: three years

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- National Honor Society: two years
- National Language Honor Society: two years

Areas of Interest: Teacher
GPA: 93.86

Rev. George E. Councell says" She is an usher, lector, chalice bearer and works in the food pantry...additionally she serves as an acolyte."

Brandon Blackiston

First Presbyterian Church of Gloucester City - Gloucester City, NJ

School/Community Involvement:
- Football, Basketball, Baseball: four years
- Federation of Christian Athletes: four years
Student Mentor Program: one year

Awards/Special Honors/Distinctions:
- VP of National Honor Society: two years
- Quill and Scroll Honor Society: one year
- Top Male Scholar Athlete: one year
- Top 10% Graduate: 2011

Areas of Interest: FBI
ranked 6th our of 130 graduating H.S. class

Reverend Kathryn Morgan says "Brandon is a leader who choses to let God lead him." Brandon is attending Lycoming College

Kayla Keemer

Covenant Presbyterian Church – Cherry Hill, NJ

School/Community Involvement
- National Honor Society: 2 years
- REACH Sr. High Youth Group: 4 years
- REACH Student Leader: 2 years
- Babysitter, Church Nursery: 4 years
- Teacher Junior Church: 1 year

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- VIP Award: 1 year
- National Honor Society: 2 years
- History Honor Society: 1 year

Areas of Interest: Teaching High School English

GPA: 3.7

Youth Ministry Director Brent Kilman says, “As a member of our Student Leadership Team, Kayla has learned to work together and to dream up big possibilities for service to Christ. She has displayed leadership through planning devotions, sharing her faith publicly, and setting an example for the rest of our church’s youth in her lifestyle outside of church.”

Robert Richardson

Terril Road Bible Chapel - Dunellen, NJ

School/Community Involvement
- Gospel United Ministries: two years
- Intervarsity Christian Fellowship: two years
- NY Men's Mission: two years
- Biology Club: four years
- National Honors Society: two years

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- Salutatorian:2009
- Bloustien Distinguished Scholar: 2009
- Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: 2009
- Community Service Award: 2008

Areas of Interest: Engineer
GPA: 4.2

Carl Forestri says "I have tremendous respect for his Christian character and his desire to learn and grow in his walk with the Savior."

Diona Symester

Eastchester Presbyterian

School/Community Involvement
- National Honor Society: two years
- SGA: two years
- Liberty Leads Program: four years
- Bell Choir: two years
- STARS Program: two years

Awards/Special Honors/distinctions
- Diamond Award: 2010
- French Award: 2011
- Religion Award: 2011
- Spellman Alumni Award: 2011

Areas of Interest: Doctor
GPA: 95.9