June 28, 2010 (Newark) – With faces full of happiness and hope, 16 well-deserving students from Newark’s North Ward were rewarded for their hard work with a scholarship check from the North Ward Scholarship Fund. The checks were presented by Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. in a ceremony at Newark’s City Hall last week, and attended by the students, their parents and teachers, and other members of the Newark Municipal Council.
 
Ramos is passionate about the importance of higher education, and recognizes the need of some students for financial assistance and support. “"I congratulate all of this year’s scholarship recipients on their outstanding performance, and their dedication to further pursuing their education,” Ramos said. I can personally attest to how much this means in the lives of these students, since I was a recipient of the same type of assistance that allowed me to further my education, and achieve my career goals,” he added.
 
The scholarship recipients currently attend Newark Technology, Arts, Barringer, Essex county Vocational and West Side High schools. The students were selected to apply for the scholarships by their principals based on their academic performance, community service and financial need.
 
The North Ward Scholarship Fund has raised more than $75,000 since being founded four years ago by Councilman Ramos, Jr. in conjunction with ASPIRA Inc. The program is primarily funded by the North Ward Scholarship Fund Golf Classic, typically held in August each year. "This program is enriching the lives of so many of our youth, and we’re honored to be a part of it," said Carlos Valentin, Executive Director of ASPIRA Inc.
 
The powerful effect of the program could be witnessed by the reactions of the scholarship recipients. "I will be attending Rutgers University in the fall, and I am grateful that Councilman Ramos has a program that supports inner-city kids like me going to college,” said Anthony L.Bush, 18, from Bloomfield Tech.
 
For more information on the scholarship program, call Councilman Ramos’ office at (973) 733-5136.