1199J Scholarship Awards Dinner Helping to Ease The Burden on Families Susan M. Clear, president of 1199J
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istrict 1199 J recently hosted its 24th anniversary Aberdeen Solomon David Memorial Scholarship Awards gala at the Newark Club. It was a festive, well attended event. The union has distributed over $350,000 to deserving students over the years. In her remarks, District 1199J president Susan M. Cleary said, “We must continue to help ease the burden on union families trying to deal with the ever increasing costs of post high school education as well as to assist our members who are trying to improve their lives and the lives of their families by working and continuing their education at the same time.” The scholarship gala also payed tribute to five outstanding individuals who have accomplished much and helped many: NJ Assemblywoman Shavona E. Sumter; Dr. Gale Gibson, president of Essex County College; Judy Sereni, Caesars Entertainment; and Barbara Smalls, executive director of district 1199J NJ Pension Fund. To the seven students and working members who received scholarships, the charge from Ms. Cleary: “ I hope that each of you understand and appreciate the hard work your parents perform every day to create a better life for you!”
L–R: Gerard Balmir, Jr., keynote speaker with Craig Ford, 1199J secretary/treasurer
L–R: Newark Councilman Luis Quintana and Patti McQuire, Princeton Public Affairs
Photos: Vincent Bryant
L–R: Lanette Harris, asst. to president; Susan M. Cleary-1199J president; and Honoree, Judy Sereni
Students from left to right: Stephanie John, Kadrea Dawkins, Kristen Mucha all Aberdeen Scholarship recipients; Freddy Jones, alumni speaker; Maranie Harris-Kuiper, Sabina Shodeinde, Jackeline Quiroz, Karen Vallo, all also Aberdeen Scholarship recipients and Oladepo “Dipo” Rodoye, Joseph Franklin scholarship recipient.
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The Positive Community Summer 2015
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