By David Kilby, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG — The annual Henry “Spud” Dobenski Scholarship Awards dinner was held recently at the Jamesburg Elks Lodge.
Mr. Dobenski, a lifelong resident of Jamesburg who attended Jamesburg High School, was a former soccer player, soccer official, Board of Education member, councilman, American Legion commander and chairman of the Memorial Day parade.
Since 2006, the foundation has provided more than $17,000 in scholarships to Jamesburg students.
There were 150 people in attendance at the dinner on March 20, including friends, students and families of the winners of the several scholarships awarded.
Cash scholarships were provided to Grace M. Breckwedel School eighth-grade students Michael Haddad, Tiffany Randall, Brianna McKenna and Hayley Miller. They each received $100 from the Henry Dobenski Scholarship Fund for their academic achievements and activities and will attend Monroe Township High School in September.
A few other scholarship awards were given out at the dinner as well.
At the dinner, the Jamesburg Alumni Association provided $500 dollars to Massimo Valiant, a Monroe High School senior who is planning to attend Rutgers University in the fall.
Another $500 was provided by the Mallard Trap Club to Monroe senior Jamae Lucas who is planning to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
The American Legion of Jamesburg provided another $500 to Marisa Guerra who is planning to attend Georgian Court University, Lakewood.
The Henry Dobenski Scholarship Fund provided its largest scholarships to Monroe High School seniors Caitlen Tehan and Alexandria Hipolito, who received $1,000 each from the fund for their athletic and academic achievements.
”They were all very kind-hearted and generous to all of the candidates,” Caitlen said regarding those who attended the dinner.
Caitlen is looking into Johnson and Wales University, Rowan University and New Haven University as potential schools.
She said she is planning to major in business and hospitality and eventually would like to work in the field of public relations.
Alexandria, who is ranked 21st in a class of 355, is holding a 97.6 average.
”It was really nice to see people who supported the fund,” Alexandria said while talking about the dinner. “I felt very encouraged and supported by my community.”
She will be attending Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in the fall, most likely for engineering.
”This event showcases the students from Jamesburg at Grace M. Breckwedel Middle School and students from Jamesburg attending Monroe Township High School,” said John Longo, chairman of the Henry Dobenski Scholarship Fund. “We are very proud of these students and their accomplishments. I want to pay special thanks to all the families, friends and local businesses for their support of these students by attending and donating to this event.”
Local businesses that supported the dinner include Mendoker’s Bakery, About Town Realty, Sir Ives Catering and Hights Farm Equipment.

