The New Jersey League of Municipalities is once again giving college-bound juniors and seniors the opportunity to win one of three $1,000 scholarships through the Louis Bay 2nd Scholarship Competition.
Two former Robbinsville High students, Claire Speranza (Virginia Tech) and Jen Consiglio (Penn State), produced winning submissions in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The multi-accomplished Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova) was one of 15 finalists in 2018.
According to LinkedIn, Claire is a graduate student performing her clinical studies in occupational therapy, Jen is working for Oracle in the Boston area and Ashley is a sophomore finance and business analytics major, with a minor in political science.
Many of the elected officials and appointed board members serve Robbinsville and hundreds of other municipalities with little or no compensation. The purpose of this particular scholarship, now in its 26th year, is to advance the virtues of elected and volunteer positions in municipal government while raising awareness of municipal government in general. Louis Bay 2nd was mayor emeritus of Hawthorne and an active participant as a league board member and past president for 60 years.
The statewide scholarship competition centers on the theme: “What My Municipal Government Does Best” and seeks to advance the virtues of elected and volunteer members of the municipal government. This year’s deadline is March 11. Please visit robbinsville.net for competition criteria and an application.
The altruistic desire of elected officials to serve their community compels them to public service. They give of their time and talents to help plan our community and preserve our way of life. They serve us year-round, every day, and yet are hardly noticed. This scholarship competition will help rectify that while encouraging our future municipal leaders. Robbinsville residents who attend private schools also are eligible.
After visiting the township website, complete the application and essay and return those materials to: The Office of Mayor Dave Fried, 2298 Route 33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691. ATTN: Jodi Stephens/Administration. Please write “Louis Bay 2nd Competition” on the front of the envelope.
The designated committee will select one semifinalist from Robbinsville. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation from the Mayor’s office. The winner from each municipality will be designated as a state semifinalist. Semifinalists will have their essays and applications reviewed by the Scholarship Committee of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, which will select 15 finalists and three winners.
Good luck!
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Speaking of the elected officials, I am thrilled to announce that longtime councilman and former mayor Vince Calcagno has been nominated by the NJSLM to its Elected Officials Hall of Fame.
Vince is one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and his dedication to our senior community is unmatched, in my opinion. Councilman Calcagno will be inducted on April 3 at the State House Annex. Congratulations, Vince!
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Happy 100th birthday to former Washington Township committeeman and deputy mayor Gordon Higgins, who became our latest centenarian on Feb. 22! Now that is a well-earned proclamation!
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