Award Recipients
AAUW Freehold Branch Scholarships
- AAUW-Lew Williams & Joan Odud Scholarship
- AAUW-Leila Sulkes Memorial Scholarship
- AAUW-Rose Fishkin Memorial Award for Academic Excellence (HS Awards)
- The Betty Hurlbert Scholarship
AAUW-Lew Williams & Joan Odud Scholarship
(Formerly the Lew Williams & Leila Sulkes Scholarship)
The 2024-2025 Scholarship
The Scholarship Committee is pleased to introduce our
2024-2025 Lew Wallace and Joan Odud Scholarship Winners
Hello, My name is Khareen Alarcon-Raisin and I am a graduate of Brookdale Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. I am currently a junior at The College of New Jersey pursuing a degree in Accounting and a minor in Information Systems and Women in Learning and Leadership. I began my journey back to school upon the birth of my daughter three years ago, when I decided then to be the model of the woman I wanted her to be. I started by taking one course my first semester at Brookdale, a full course load the following semester and additional courses during the summer, and after two years (and another baby) I received my Associate’s degree. Now at TCNJ, the challenges and obstacles have increased but so have my capabilities, determination and resolve. The Lew Williams & Joan Odud Scholarship made it possible for me to continue my studies without financial hardship, and my family and I are very grateful!
I am Ariana Hernandez and I am a junior at Kean University pursuing a BA in Public Health, having earned my AS in Public Health from Middlesex County College in 2023. I decided to return to school in 2020. I am a single mother of three sons, and continuing my education was a decision I made to further my career and provide a better future for my family. I have over 20 years of experience in the health field. I serve as Healthier Us Project Navigator and Resource Navigator at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. I made Kean’s Dean’s List for Spring 2024 and was inducted into the TAU National Honor Society for Transfer Students. My passion is for helping the community and supporting those in need. I am eager to pursue a career in Public Health and impact communities in need.
Hello my name is Mary Douglas and I am deeply honored to receive this award, which recognizes my journey and dedication to the field of education. With 17 years of experience, my path in education began as an after-school counselor and evolved through roles as a summer camp counselor, lunch aide, teacher assistant, and ultimately, classroom teacher. I hold a P-3 Standard Certificate and have served as a lead teacher for the past decade. Currently, I am an ESL educator, driven by a commitment to support English learners and foster their academic and personal growth. I am also pursuing my Master’s degree in ESL at Monmouth University to deepen my expertise and impact as an ESL teacher.
Each year, Applications are accepted from January – July for the following academic school year. The deadline for applying for scholarships is July 31 each year.
See the Freehold Area Branch Scholarships Page for Scholarship Applicant information and how to apply for these scholarships.
SPRING 2023
AAUW-Leila Sulkes Memorial Scholarship
The winner is chosen by the financial aid office at Brookdale Community College (BCC) and the $1000 scholarship is awarded annually.
2023
AWARD RECIPIENT
Victoria Duminski
2024 AWARDS
The Outstanding High School Students’ Awards
(AAUW-Rose Fishkin Memorial Award for Academic Excellence)
were awarded at our May Branch Meeting
on May 9, 2024 – 7 PM
Colts Neck HS: Mikaela Hartman
Freehold HS: Maddison Waitt
Freehold Township HS: Leah Bloom
Howell HS: Sophia Ann DeVito
Manalapan HS: Riya Pawar
Marlboro HS: Alyssa Hoffman
The Betty Hurlbert Scholarship
In Memory of Betty Hurlbert
Betty Hulbert was a member of the AAUW Freehold Area Branch for many years. The Betty Hurlbert Scholarship was established as designated in her will, with the amount of the scholarship to be $1000/per year for 10 years. The scholarship began in 2021. It is stipulated that the recipient be a Freehold Township resident attending a Freehold Regional District High School in a STEM Program. The recipient is selected by a Freehold Regional District High School administrator responsible for scholarship programs. The disbursement of funds is administered by the AAUW Freehold Area Branch.
2003 Scholarship Awardee
Melna Abraham
Freehold High School
Dear Betty Hurlbert Scholarship Committee,
I would like to thank you for choosing me to receive the Betty Hurlbert Scholarship. Currently, I am finishing up my senior year at Freehold Boro in the MedSci program.
I will be attending NJIT in the fall and your generous gift will provide me with much appreciated support as I continue my studies in the Pre-Health program.
Sincerely,
Melna Abraham