Alicia Irene Mitchko of Hamilton stands with New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie, who awarded the student a $5,000 New Jersey Heroes Spirit of a Hero Scholarship at Drumthwacket in Princeton.
Hamilton High School student Alicia Irene Mitchko received a $5,000 Spirit of a Hero scholarship from First Lady Mary Pat Christie during a ceremony at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence in Princeton.
Mitchko is one of twenty students from throughout the state who received the scholarship. More than 700 students applied for the scholarship.
To be considered for the scholarship candidates must fulfill several criteria, including; demonstrating commitment to volunteerism and community contribution, submitting a letter of recommendation from a current teacher or advisor, having good academic standing with their secondary school and enrolling at an accredited college, university or a vocational training school for the 2013-2014 school year.
Mitchko’s heroism was inspired by her uncle who served in Iraq.
She worked with family and friends in her Girl Scout troop to start the Sweets for Soldiers initiative. Through the program, volunteers bake cookies and decorate tins to send to deployed troops.
Mitchko has been administering the Sweets for Soldiers project for the past six years.
Christie launched the New Jersey Heroes Spirit of a Hero Scholarship in February. This year, she awarded $100,000 in scholarships to pursue post-secondary education opportunities.
“These students have made a difference in their communities through service and volunteerism. I applaud the spirit and commitment they have demonstrated to improve the lives of others, and their personal aspirations to achieve future success,” Christie said in a statement.
More information is online at newjerseyheroes.org.
,
