Ramsey, NJ (April 6, 2022) During the pandemic, the Eastwick Foundation received more than three times the number of requests for scholarship help from students attending Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade. After close examination, the scholarship program was made more robust by securing five Founding Partners and announcing two recurring application periods – one in the spring and one in the fall. The new program was named Eastwick Elite Scholarships and nine scholarships have been awarded.
The Founding Partners are Good Samaritan Hospital, Hackensack Meridian Health, Lakeland Bank, PNC Bank, and PSEG Foundation. “Students rarely have any financial cushion so they were among the first to be hurt by the pandemic,” President Tom Eastwick explained. “Instead of taking a leave of absence, the Founding Partners and our expanded scholarship program allow students to graduate on time.”
In addition to need-based scholarships, an Emergency Scholarship Fund was also established as part of the new program. These scholarships are awarded to students who have experienced an unexpected emergency and need some short term help. A 3.0 GPA is not required as the recurring Eastwick Elite Scholarships do.
Scholarship winners are:
Eseohe Agboh, Beacon, NY – “Show that you care”
In Lagos, Nigeria, it was the Cartoon Network that helped teach Ese and her brother how to speak English. When she was seven years old, her family moved to California and she vividly remembers the snickers when she pronounced something wrong or spelled a word the British way. Ese recalled, “Those moments helped me learn that I never wanted anyone else to feel that way. As a student in Eastwick’s LPN program, Ese’s mantra is, “Show that you care.”
Caitlyn McKenna, Park Ridge, NJ – Into the Fire
Hearing of the urgent need for nurses, Caitlin volunteered to work in a pop-up Covid unit. It was her first ever shift working as an LPN and she was the only well person on the floor. Caitlin donned her PPE and began working. Eight hours turned into 13 before anyone else came. When the relieving nurse asked why she stayed, Caitlin simply replied, “Because these people needed me.” Caitlyn is presently enrolled in Eastwick’s Surgical Technology program.
Juliana Pinto, Newark, NJ – “I work from my heart”
Juliana enrolled in Eastwick College’s bilingual LPN program after leaving her family behind in Brazil. Aside from her full class schedule, she works part time taking care of patients. When it comes to nursing, Juliana revealed, “What I know most about myself is that I work from my heart. I care about each and every patient.”
Shantee’ Ritchwood, Maplewood, NJ – Adjusting dreams to include a family
After having a child when she was 20, Shantee’ first tasted success when she graduated from a nine-month medical assistant program. What she learned most of all was that she loved the medical profession and wanted to continue her education. Now, several years later and a mom to two children, Shantee’ reflected, “I learned that I’m not a quitter. My dreams changed but my goals didn’t.”
Wendy Bautista, Belleville, NJ
Raising three children while attending night school is not easy. It became even more difficult when Wendy had to take one class during the day. Some financial assistance was needed and the Emergency Fund stepped in to help.
Andrew Demetrios, Ridgefield Park, NJ – “This only happens on TV”
A husband, father, and Plumbing Apprentice student at the HoHoKus School of Trade, Andrew had done well, earning a 3.9 GPA. Yet, he was worried about graduating in two months as he still had a sizeable tuition loan. A generous donor worked with the Eastwick Foundation and selected Andrew for an Eastwick Elite Scholarship that paid off his entire loan, enabling him to graduate on time.
Anibal Febus, Pine Bush, NY
Anibal was unable to enroll in enough classes to qualify for federal loan assistance. He was juggling a full time job and family responsibilities as well and was grateful for the scholarship he was awarded from the Emergency Fund.
Aniela, Lodi, NJ (minor, no last name) – Dropping out of high school didn’t stop her
Aniela couldn’t finish high school because family responsibilities forced her to drop out. Time passed but Aniela’s desire for an education never diminished. She earned her GED and enrolled in the Facilities Management Program at the HoHoKus School of Trade. Her determination, perfect attendance, and 4.0 GPA earned her a scholarship.
Alesandro Shytaj, Hawthorne, NJ – “Lucky to be here”
Just 21 years old, Alesandro was faced with a difficult decision. His parents knew education was a path to independence but couldn’t help him financially. Regardless, Alesandro assumed full responsibility for his school loan and enrolled in the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at the HoHoKus School of Trade. Working full time and attending school at night was not easy but he will be graduating this June. Thinking about his future, Alesandro remarked, “I consider myself lucky to be here.”
Five additional Eastwick Elite Scholarship winners will be announced mid April.
The Eastwick Foundation, Ramsey, NJ, is the philanthropic arm of Eastwick College. Its mission is twofold: award Eastwick Elite Scholarships and support local nonprofits while encouraging a spirit of giving among its staff and students. Its Feed The Hungry program is its signature community program and has awarded $295,000 to local food banks in the past eight years.
Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade offer practical, intensive, hands-on training leading to meaningful careers in high demand industries. Programs range from nursing degrees to training in occupational therapy, surgical technology, funeral services, plumbing, welding, manufacturing technology, business operations, IT, and more.
Contact: Jeanne Patrican
201-357-8260
jpatrican@eastwick.edu