Medellus named to All-USA Academic Team

Union College of Union County student Carine Medellus, of Roselle, is one of only 20 college students nationwide named to the prestigious All-USA Academic Team and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. More than 2,400 students were nominated for this award.

Medellus is studying biology at Union and has a 4.0 grade-point average. She is the committee leader of Scholarship in Phi Theta Kappa, the vice president of the Research Club, an American Honors Program student and a peer tutor in the College’s Academic Learning Center.

Medellus is currently working on an undergraduate research project with her dedicated professors.

Team members were selected for their outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership, community, and campus engagement. The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored by Cengage, with additional support provided by PTK and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The All-USA program is widely recognized as the most prestigious academic honor for students attending associate degree-granting institutions. Each college may nominate two students for showing intellectual rigor and demonstrating academic achievement, leadership and civic growth. The program also recognizes students who extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools and their surrounding communities.

“We are deeply inspired by the achievements of this year’s All-USA Academic Team. With so much focus and pressure on which post-secondary institution a student attends, these students show that the real keys to success are hard work and determination,” said Edwin Robles, senior vice president and general manager, US Higher Education and Canada, Cengage.

“Community colleges play an important role in providing affordable education that helps students transition successfully to the workforce or a four-year institution. Despite facing significant enrollment headwinds since the pandemic, community colleges have been the most innovative in taking steps to make learning more flexible, affordable and accessible. We are proud to support these institutions and their students in their continued success.”

Additionally, Medellus was named a 2023 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and will receive a $2,250 scholarship. Selection was based on the score earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. Medellus received the highest score in New Jersey. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and AACC.

“The Union community is very proud of Carine’s achievements and the recognitions she has earned during her time at Union. Her strong work ethic and passion for success are going to help her accomplish great things,” stated Union’s president, Margaret M. McMenamin “We applaud the PTK faculty advisors and staff for their successful mentorship of Ms. Medellus. She has achieved what very few students have ever achieved.”

As for her plans after graduating from Union, Medellus has been selected as an undergraduate researcher at the University of Buffalo for this upcoming summer. She plans to transfer to a four-year university and study biochemistry, and her career goal is to earn a doctorate and work as a researcher. Medellus was recognized during the AACC convention at PTK’s Presidents Breakfast on Monday, April 3, in Denver, Colo.

Membership campaign has commenced

The 2023 membership campaign for Hanson Park Conservancy has commenced. Hanson Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization begun in 2004 by a group of Cranford Citizens to support efforts to upgrade and maintain Hanson Park and to provide guidance and support to the preservation of the Cranford Canoe Club building, the last remaining Canoe Club.

The conservancy continues to provide ongoing maintenance of the park. It has successfully partnered with schools, local community groups and others to provide financial and volunteer support for the park. Through the Jan Lilien Education Fund, made possible by donations in memory of the late Jan LiIien of Cranford, it will provide educational programs on sustainability and environmental awareness. The conservancy hosts the annual Rubber Duck Race each year and is a co-sponsor of the annual Pumpkin Carve Out with Jersey Central Art Studio and the Cranford Jaycees.

A 2023 membership form can be found on the conservancy’s website at hansonparkconservancy.com.

In Memoriam

• FRANTZ – William D., of Bordentown, formerly of Scranton, Pa., Harrisburg, Pa., and Cranford; April 13. Accountant. Husband, father, grandfather, 95.

• KIDNEY-BREMNER – Catherine, of Cranford; April 13. Wife, mother, sister, 68.

• KISNER – Sherman Clark “Sarge,” of Neptune, formerly of Cranford, Indiana and Wyoming; March 28. Contractor. Husband, father, grandfather, cousin, 73.

• MANSFIELD – Patricia M., of Cranford, formerly of Bordentown and Scotch Plains; April 11. Private accountant, widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 85.

• RAKOWIECKI – John A., of West Windsor, formerly of Cranford; April 6. Brother, 54.

• ROBINSON – Clara L., of Cranford, formerly of Elizabeth; April 3. Was 98.

In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

three children from Calvary Nursery School and Child Care are in one of the Cranford Fire Department’s fire trucks that was at the Black Party and Ice Cream Social; and right, children stand together at the Black Party and Ice Cream Social, including one wearing a ‘Happy Birthday’ paper hat.