Program rewards young employees of independent and assisted-living community.
By: Anthony Coppola
HIGHTSTOWN The Meadow Lakes independent and assisted-living community awarded more than $50,000 to 29 young employees at this year’s scholarship ceremony last week.
The program, in its sixth year, is funded by the generosity of about 300 residents and some of their family members.
Chairwoman Caroline Stuart works with committee members Mary Bauer, Jane Brewer and Emma Weltchek to organize the event. Ms. Bauer attributes the success of the scholarship program to Ms. Stuart.
"She cares and helps them along the way and does a wonderful thing for some of them who could never get where they are without her," she said. "She’s the driving force behind this."
Ms. Stuart, a former school district guidance director in Madison, also helps the employees with college applications and references.
In order for students to qualify, they must work a minimum of 16 hours per week for at least one year at Meadow Lakes. Applicants must display academic accomplishment and write an essay outlining their career goals. After that, a selection committee interviews them.
Joe Rich, 22, of Yardville, studies computer networking at Mercer County Community College. He has worked at Meadow Lakes for a little more than five years and is a repeat recipient of the scholarship, having earned close to $8,000 over four years.
"I was happy to get it," Mr. Rich said immediately before the Aug. 16 ceremony. "It helps pay for the tuition and my parents don’t mind it either."
Gloria Mineo, a resident at Meadow Lakes, says donating money to the fund is very important to the community.
"Caroline has done a wonderful job, each year it gets larger and larger," she said. "The kids are so appreciative of it, they really are."
Scholarship recipient Rachel Simpson, 19, of Hightstown, performs a variety of tasks at Meadow Lakes.
"I do everything from the salad station to being a dietary aid," Ms. Simpson said. "I’ve done every job they offer here."
She attends the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and studies accounting.
"I’ve been here for three years and it (scholarship) has helped out a lot," Ms. Simpson said. "I’m very grateful for it. The people are very nice."
The scholarship had only six total recipients the year of its conception. This year, of the 29 recipients, nine were first-time winners for the 2007-2008 school year.
Autrice Michael, 18, of Hightstown, will attend Virginia Union University to study social work.
"I think it’s absolutely terrific that they grant you with this money to go off to school," she said. "Some people might not have it and others might, but it still helps them."
Ms. Stuart said the contributors to the fund are very generous, with donations ranging from $100 to $1,000.
"There is no retirement community that runs a program like this," she said. "One other has come to me and asked about our plans and how we do it."
This year’s other recipients are: Katie Arena, Jan Czyzewski, Vanessa Delgado, Crystian Fernandez, Jenny Horner, Jennifer Iacono, Jen Klose, Joey Kryziak, Dan Kulper, Bernice Kyereme, Stephen Ladd, Jennifer Leleszi, Sean McEvenie, Erwin Mazariegos, Pail Mazariegos, Mercedes Pazmino, Dan Popielarski, Christian Puata, Erin Saunders, Blair Simels, Brielle Simels, Christine Sisk, Kevin Sobkowiak, Kaitlyn Valluzzo, Morgan Woroniecki and Spencer Zlatin.

