The Cranbury Lions administer two scholarships, available to students residing in Cranbury.
By: Lorraine Sedor
As the school year winds down, many high school students are looking for scholarships to help offset college expenses. The Cranbury Lions administer two scholarships, available to students residing in Cranbury.
The first is the Todd M. Beamer Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Beamer, a resident of Cranbury, gave his life on Sept. 11, 2001 leading other passengers in overpowering the hijackers of United Airlines Flight 93. Beamer’s actions caused the Boeing 757 to crash in Pennsylvania, foiling the hijacker’s plan. A scholarship, administered by the Cranbury Lions, has been established in his name. This scholarship is given annually to a Cranbury high school senior who has best demonstrated citizenship.
A second scholarship honors the late Dr. David C. Tudor, a member of the Cranbury Lions since 1985. Dr. Tudor was a practicing veterinarian in town, as well as a Professor at Rutgers University. "Doc" Tudor became a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1993, one of the highest Lion’s awards, and was a member of the Cranbury Lions Board of Directors, as well as serving a term as vice president. He was selected as Cranbury Lion of the Year in 1986. The scholarship in his name is given annually to a Cranbury high school senior who will major in science at an accredited college and/or to Cranbury college students already with a major in science.
In addition to these scholarships, the Lions encourage parents, school staff members, youth leaders and neighbors to nominate any worthy student for the Stan Thomas Community Service Award. Stan Thomas, a life long resident of Cranbury, shared his time and energy and in a most altruistic fashion. Mr. Thomas was especially involved with The Lions Club, Boy Scout Troop 52 and his church. The Stan Thomas Community Service Award is awarded each year to one Cranbury Youth who exhibits a spirit of community service.
Finally, The Cranbury Lions will sponsor a high school student to attend the 30th Annual World Affairs Seminar, held at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater from June 16 through 22. This Cranbury student will join hundreds of students from the United States and 50 other countries from around the world to take part in a forum of future leaders to discuss global issues and problems in a safe and non-threatening environment. Participants learn about each other’s customs, traditions, opinions and aspirations. The Cranbury Lions Scholarship includes all flights, transportation, room, board and registration for the weeklong seminar. This seminar is available to students who have completed 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
The deadline for application for all Lions awards and scholarships is April 15. Application forms and additional information may be found on the Lions’ Web site, www.cranbury.org/clubs/Lions/studentsprograms.htm. Interested students may also contact Lions first vice president, Mike Kaiser, at [email protected].
Girl Scout Troop 1805, sixth-grade juniors, will participate in Walk America 2007 on April 29 at Mercer County Park. The girls are anxious to do their part to help raise money and create community awareness of the growing problem of premature birth in the United States. In 2002, the rate of premature births in New Jersey was 12 percent; this number, along with the national statistics, continues to rise.
The girls have set a goal of $1,000 and are asking Cranbury to support their efforts through donations. Donations can be made at http://www.walkamerica.org/Troop1805. The girls of Troop 1805 have been working on earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award, one of Girl Scouting’s highest honors.
Princeton for Gore, a grassroots drive to urge Al Gore to run for president, will host an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5 at Panera Bread, 136 Nassau St., Princeton.
PrincetonForGore.org is affiliated with AlGore.org, the nationwide organization of more than150 groups that are trying to recruit Al Gore to be the Democratic Party presidential candidate in 2008. All interested individuals are invited to attend.
Senior Fellowship, in a joint meeting with the Woman’s Club of Cranbury, will have a program entitled "Saudi Land Then and Now," on Wednesday, April 4 in Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church.
The speaker, Don Winchell, will discuss why Americans originally went to the Middle East and the history of the oil industry in the region. Don will share his experiences living in Saudi Arabia and his observations about the culture, accompanied by slides. His comments will include an update on the present-day relationships between U.S. officials and the king and princes of Saudi Arabia.
Bring a brown-bag lunch to eat to socialize at 11:30 a.m., or come at 12:30 p.m. for dessert and beverages followed by the program.
The International Affairs Department of the Women’s Club planned the program and refreshments. All women and senior citizens are invited to attend.
Pre-registration is required by March 31. Please call Phyllis at 609-409-8533 to register.
The Princeton Girlchoir (PGC) announces that tickets are now available for their annual spring fundraising benefit on Saturday, April 21. An evening of song with Barbara Cook, "America’s First Lady of the Musical Stage," will take place at McCarter Theatre, Princeton.
All tickets purchased through PGC include a dessert and champagne reception with Barbara Cook in attendance immediately following the performance. Seats for this nearly sold-out event are still available and can be obtained by calling the PGC office at (609) 688-1888. The event’s ticket price is deductible to the extent allowed by law. Proceeds enrich and support the programs offered by the Princeton Girlchoir.
Those who may already have tickets to this event can still purchase a special "reception only" ticket and join PGC and Barbara Cook after the show. Ticket information is available at www.princetongirlchoir.org.
Founded in 1989 by Jan Westrick, PGC comprises five auditioned choirs. In all, more than 200 girls, ages eight through 18, from central New Jersey including girls from Cranbury and eastern Pennsylvania come together to study and perform choral music of the highest caliber, covering all genres and periods.
Residents may contact Ms. Sedor by phone at (609) 655-3386, by e-mail at Email Us: [email protected] and by mail at 32 Evans Dr., Cranbury, NJ 08512.

