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Scholarship Recipients
The Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship Fund
has been awarding scholarships to deserving West Essex High School
graduates each year since 1999. To date, 21 recipients have
received scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. These
scholarships are granted on the basis of need and excellence and are
available to all West Essex High School students requiring financial
assistance for college.
The Scholarship Fund is supported by
contributions from family, friends and the West Essex Community through
its annual fund-raising drive. As the Fund continues to grow, the
number and amount of future awards will be determined. This year
two $10,000 scholarships were presented at the June Awards Assembly at
West Essex High School.
Listed below are the recipients and the
scholarship they received.
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2009 RECIPIENTS |
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Katie Flynn, a resident of
Roseland, she will attend Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA,
majoring in Graphic Design. Her artistic and creative talents
earned her high marks in the Honors Computer Graphics course in
school. She is an accomplished young lady both academically and
athletically. While maintaining honor roll status and a member of
the National Honor Society, she excelled in many sports earning 8
Varsity letters: 3 in track, 2 in softball and 3 in volleyball. Her
leadership skills were gained by serving as captain of the
volleyball team. Katie has received numerous awards for her
achievements, and still finds time for volunteering in church and
community service programs. |
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Elizabeth Toumanios, a resident of Fairfield, will attend
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, majoring in Bioengineering. This
exceptional young lady excels in many areas. High academic
achievement has earned her many awards; such as membership in the
National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and the National
Italian Honor Society. Her athletic interests involve participating
in soccer, lacrosse and track, which she served as the captain for 3
years. Elizabeth spent many hours volunteering to help others,
particularly visiting residents at a local assisted living facility.
She has been active in fundraising projects for many charities,
including Brian's Run, Crop Walk, and the Robert P. Giaimo Memorial
Run. |
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West Essex Regional High School graduates
Katie Flynn or Roseland and Elizabeth Toumanios of Fairfield each
received a $10.000 Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at the school's
Senior Awards assembly on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Ms. Flynn,
the daughter of Brian and Karen Flynn, will attend Drexel
University, Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Toumanios, the daughter of
John and Susan Toumanios, will attend Lehigh University, Bethlehem,
PA. These community-supported scholarships, given in memory of
West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall, Class of 1996, were presented
by her mother Nancy Birdsall and her brother Rick Birdsall.
For over 10 years scholarships have been awarded to area residents
from the sending towns of West Essex High School.
Pictured from left are Rick Birdsall,
Elizabeth Toumanios, Katie Flynn and Nancy Birdsall.
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2008 RECIPIENTS |
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Jennifer Picariello, a
resident of Fairfield, will pursue a career in advertising at the
Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, NY.
She is a highly motivated young lady who excels academically and
demonstrates strong leadership qualities. She has been involved in
many school activities and community services programs throughout
her high school years, and is a member of two National Honor
Societies. |
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Michael Ryan, a Roseland resident, is an exceptional young
man with a strong academic and community service record. He is
a National Honor Society member, active in athletics and volunteers in
many civic organizations including the Red Cross, where he served as
Fund-raising Chairman for their Measles Initiative. He helped raise
over $1,000 for measles vaccines in Africa. He will be majoring in
Business at Ramapo College, Mahwah, NJ |
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West Essex Regional High School graduates Jennifer Picariello of
Fairfield and Michael Ryan of Roseland each received a $10,000
Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at the school's Senior Awards
Assembly on Thursday, June 5, 2008. Jennifer Picariello, the
daughter of Vincent and Anna Picariello, will attend Syracuse
University, NY. Michael Ryan, the son of John and Sheryl Ryan, will
attend Ramapo College, Mahwah, NJ. These community-supported
scholarships, given in memory of West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall,
were presented by her parents, Nancy and Jerry Birdsall and her
sister, Amy Braden. This marks 10 years of awarding scholarships to
area students from the sending towns of West Essex High School.
Pictured from left are Amy Braden, Michael Ryan, Jennifer Picariello
and Nancy Birdsall
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2007 RECIPIENTS |
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Richard Buonomo, a resident of North Caldwell, plans to
pursue the field of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Villanova
University, PA. At West Essex High School he excelled academically
and demonstrated strong leadership qualities. He volunteered on many
community service projects, most notably, the ACE Architecture
Program where he designed a restaurant for the business district of
Newark, NJ. He was then nominated as the Project Manager. His
application essay states his future goal is to build structures that
power themselves, and thereby limit the impact on the environment. |
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Stefanie Sanzari,
a Fairfield resident, worked very hard both
academically and athletically. A member of two National Honor
Societies, she also received the Academic All American Award from
the Association of Lacrosse Coaches. Her athletic talents and
leadership skills were demonstrated on the lacrosse and soccer
fields where she served as captain for both teams. Stefanie also
volunteered at church activities, recreational events and tutored
students in her spare time. She will attend Fairleigh Dickinson
University, Florham Park, NJ majoring in Elementary Education. |
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Richard Buonomo of North Caldwell and
Stefanie Sanzari of Fairfield, 2007 graduates of West Essex Regional
High School, North Caldwell, each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall
Scholarship at the Senior Awards Assembly on Wednesday, June 6.
Richard Buonomo, the son of Richard and Nina Buonomo, will attend
Villanova University, PA. Stefanie Sanzari, the daughter of Ido and
Consiglia Sanzari, will attend Fairleigh Dickinson University,
Florham Park, NJ. These community supported scholarships, given in memory of
West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall, were presented by her parents,
Nancy and Jerry Birdsall.
Pictured from left are Nancy Birdsall,
Richard Buonomo, Stefanie Sanzari and Jerry Birdsall.
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2006 RECIPIENTS |
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Kelliann Mulvihill, a resident of Fairfield, will be
attending the college of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, majoring in
Elementary Education. She has worked hard both in and outside of
school. An honor student and a valued member of the School Orchestra
playing the violin, she has also been employed throughout her high
school years working every day after school to earn enough for
college. Kelliann enjoys working with children, and her goal is to
be a teacher or an occupational therapist.
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Nicole Weston, a Fairfield resident, will attend Boston
College majoring in Biology. Nicole has received numerous academic
awards and is a member of the National Honor Society. During her
high school years she was active in Track and Field where she was
Captain. She was also an active member of the Key Club and Book
Club, as well as serving on various community service projects
that entailed working with disabled children.
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West Essex High School graduates Kelliann Mulvihill and Nicole
Weston, of Fairfield, each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall
Scholarship at the Senior Awards Assembly on Tuesday, June 20.
Mulvihill is the daughter of Carolyn de Smet and will attend the
College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown. Weston is the daughter of
David and Lisa Weston and will attend Boston College, Chestnut Hill
Mass. These community supported scholarships, given in memory of
West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall, were presented by her sister,
Amy Braden and her mother, Nancy Birdsall. In total 15 scholarships
have been awarded since 1999 to graduates from the sending towns of
West Essex High School in North Caldwell. From left are Amy Braden,
Nicole Weston, Kelliann Mulvihill and Nancy Birdsall.
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2005 RECIPIENTS |
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Tricia LaMagna, a resident of
Fairfield, will attend Marist College majoring in International
Marketing and Journalism. Besides her academic achievements,
her other activities include writing for the Wessex Wire and
volunteering for many organizations, such as the Pediatric Aids
Foundation and the American Red Cross. Her essay addresses the
problems of poverty and homelessness and her commitment to help
restore human dignity to those who are suffering. |
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Kevin Ryan, a Roseland resident, will
attend the University of Maryland majoring in Engineering. An
excellent student, he is also involved in many school activities,
which include the Future Business Leaders of America, the Jazz Band
and the Varsity Golf Team. He devoted his time and talents to
many community service organizations and served as chairperson on
several fund-raising projects. His goal is to contribute to
the fight against terrorism with the engineering technology he will
gain from his education. |
West Essex Regional High School
graduates Tricia LaMagna of Fairfield and Kevin Ryan of Roseland
each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at the Senior
Awards Assembly June 21, 2005. Tricia, daughter of Paul and
Patricia LaMagna, will attend Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, in
the fall and Kevin, son of John and Sheryl Ryan, will attend
University of Maryland, College Park. The scholarship, given
in memory of West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall, was presented by
her father, Jerry and Joseph Laracy, a 2001 recipient of the
Birdsall scholarship. From left are Joseph, Kevin, Tricia and
Jerry.
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2004 RECIPIENTS |
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Mark Picardo, a resident of
Fairfield, will be attending Marist College in the fall studying
communications. He has been involved in Baseball, Soccer,
Basketball & National Honor Society at West Essex. Mark writes
of his efforts to distribute food and aid the local homeless and
needy and in the future, possibly traveling to foreign countries to
provide much needed services for those less fortunate.
Mark graduated from Marist
College in May, 2008. During his senior year he interned at Madison
Square Garden, New York City and is currently employed in their
Marketing, Sales and Promotion Department for the NY Knicks and
Rangers. |
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Paul Magia, a resident of
Fairfield will be attending Drew University this fall to study
Psychology and Economics. Paul was an active member of the
Italian Club and Italian Honor Society and Captain of the Fencing
Team at West Essex. In his scholarship application, he writes
of the importance of having a strong Faith in today's world and of
the significant impact his mother, brother and sister have had on
his life. |
West Essex Regional High School
graduates Paul Magia and Mark Picaro each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at
the Senior Awards Assembly in June 2004. Paul is the
son of Kim Huong Magia and will attend Drew University.
Mark is the son of Carmine & Jane Picardo and will attend Marist
College.
From left: Nancy Birdsall,
Paul Magia, Mark Picardo & Amy Birdsall Braden
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2003 RECIPIENTS |
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Ryan Gualtier, a resident of
North Caldwell is attending George Washington University in
Washington D.C. majoring in the arts & sciences and eventually
applying to Medical School to pursue his goal of becoming an
orthopedic surgeon. In his application, he writes about the
important qualities of leadership, character, service and
scholarship and how they have shaped his life during his high school
years.
Ryan graduated from George
Washington University in 2007. He will attend the American
University School of Medicine, St. Maartin, in the Fall. He plans to
become an orthopedic surgeon, a goal he has always pursued. During
the past summers he has worked in several hospitals to broaden his
learning experience. He recently finished an internship at St.
Barnabas Hospital assisting doctors and other hospital personnel. |
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Brittany LaMagna, a resident of
Fairfield is attending the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA
majoring in Elementary Education. Through her experiences
working with children, she writes about the importance of education
for children and her commitment to this career.
Brittany graduated with honors
from Scranton University in 2007. She plans to pursue her goal as an
elementary school teacher. |
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West Essex Regional High School
graduates Brittany LaMagna of Fairfield and Ryan Gualtier of North
Caldwell each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at
the Senior Awards Assembly on June 19, 2003. Brittany is the
daughter of Paul and Patricia LaMagna and will attend the University
of Scranton. Ryan is the son of Richard and Debbie Gualtier
and will attend George Washington University.
From left: Nancy Birdsall, Ryan
Gualtier, Brittany LaMagna & Jerry Birdsall
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2002 RECIPIENTS |
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Carlee Leraris, Carlee's high school activities included choir, drama, cheerleading as well as many club activities. She
attended the American Legion Girls State Program for New Jersey and based her scholarship essay on that experience… stressing the importance of cooperation,
tolerance and compromise in a diverse society. Carlee will be attending Colgate University and hopes to pursue a career in economics and business management.
Carlee graduated 2006 from
Colgate University. After interning at Goldman Sachs in her senior
year, she was offered full time employment working with their hedge
fund clients. She is currently living in Manhattan. |
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Lisa Radak, During her high school years, Lisa was involved in many club activities and community service programs including
assisting at day-care and assisted living centers. Her essay focused on building better foreign relations to reduce tensions that could foster war or terrorism. Lisa
plans to major in Political Science and History at the College of New Jersey and is interested in a career in the international community.
Lisa graduated in 2006 from the
College of New Jersey and is continuing her education there to
obtain a graduate degree that will enable her to teach deaf and hard
of hearing children |
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West Essex Regional High School graduates Carlee Leraris and Lisa Radak each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall
Scholarship at the Senior Awards Assembly on Tuesday, June 18, 2002. The awards were presented by Nancy and Jerry Birdsall. |
2001 RECIPIENTS
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Joseph Laracy, a resident of Roseland, was involved in many high school activities, and received numerous awards of
outstanding achievement and community service. In his application he wrote about his experiences as a Boy Scout for 7 years and the leadership skills he learned that
will prepare him for adult life. He is enrolled at the University of Illinois where he will pursue studies in computer engineering and the sciences.
Joe graduated in 2005 with honors from the University of Urbana,
Ill., with a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering and
a minor in mathematics. He pursued research in cryptography
that was funded by the National Science Foundation. He served
as a teaching assistant for the course on the Physics of Nuclear
Weapons, War and Arms Control. He worked as a software quality
and reliability engineer on NASA's Deep Impact mission, which
impacted a comet on Monday, July 4, 2005. He is employed at
Lucent Technologies in Whippany.
He will attend the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass, to pursue a doctorate in
systems engineering. He has a research assistantship in the
Complex Systems Research Laboratory. |
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Kevin McDevitt, also a
resident of Roseland, was actively involved in many high school
programs and organizations as well as community service projects. He
is currently enrolled at Boston University majoring in
Communications. He wants to pursue a career in film production as a
screen writer. Kevin graduated magna cum laude from the
School of Communication, Boston University in May, 2005. He is
currently living in Los Angeles where he is pursuing a career in the
film industry, focusing on production. |
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West Essex Regional High School graduates Kevin McDevitt and Joseph Laracy each received a $5,000 Meghan P. Birdsall
Scholarship at the Senior Awards Assembly on Tuesday, June 19. These community supported scholarships, given in memory of West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall, were
presented this year by her brother and sister, Rick Birdsall and Amy Braden. From left, Rick Birdsall, Kevin McDevitt, Joseph Laracy and Amy Braden. |
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