Celebrating Academic Excellence: Nutley High School Senior Scholarship Ceremony

More than eighty scholarships were awarded to NHS students on Tuesday, May 23 at the annual scholarship ceremony. The Class of 2023 came together for the occasion, which served as a celebration of academic excellence and student achievement. It was an evening filled with pride, joy, and countless scholarship opportunities for these talented students. 

The ceremony started at 7:00 pm, with the auditorium filled with proud parents, family members, friends, donors and faculty members.

Principal Dennis Williams and various guests, including local community leaders and scholarship sponsors, were in attendance. Their presence emphasized the importance of supporting and acknowledging the academic achievements of the class.

Williams, Vice Principal Joseph Materia, and Coordinator of School Counseling Meredith Gerckins spoke to the Senior Class during the event. Along with announcing the recipients of each scholarship, they commended the students for their determination, commitment, and resiliency during their time in high school. Principal Williams acknowledged that this evening was not just about receiving scholarships but also about celebrating the students' growth and their bright futures ahead.

Some of these scholarships included the Thomas McCrohan Award for Outstanding Business Student awarded to Natalie Kruse, the NHS PTO Scholarship awarded to Elizabeth Christman, Spencer’s Bank Scholarship awarded to Veronica Cruz, Track and Field Scholarship awarded to Erica Spina, Washington School PTO Scholarship awarded to Madison Walsh, Radcliffe School PTO Scholarship awarded to Francesca Califano, Nutley Football Scholarship awarded to Michael Zitola, and the Brian Piccolo Scholarship awarded to Brandon Lucia.  

“I was so excited to receive this scholarship and put it to good use,” said Natalie Kruse, who is attending Pennsylvania State University for business.  

After the ceremony, the scholarship recipients, parents, and donors were invited to the Senior Courtyard so they could meet and speak with their recipients in person. The guidance counselors set up a photo booth and dessert tables created by the NHS RIISE program in the Senior Courtyard. 

Students were also gifted “thank you” notes within their scholarship packages to express their gratitude for the community’s generous donations. “It was an honor to be selected and greatly appreciated,” said Madison Walsh, attending Montclair State University in the Fall.