Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce

2009 Scholarship Recipients:
These scholarship recipients are unique. Most are adults returning to college after delaying their education because of other obligations, some are vocational students pursuing an interest in a trade while others are junior or senior year college students in need of a little help to get them to their goals [OR junior or senior year college students facing rising costs as they pursue their goals.] They are working, going to school, fulfilling family obligations and giving back to the community.  An inspiring group!

Kimberly Bailey of Brielle is a previous recipient working at Fort Monmouth with the Janus Research Group in Joint Tactical Radio Systems and Life Cycle Management.  AS a Dean’s list student, Kimberly continues to pursue her studies in Monmouth University's criminal justice program.  She is interested in the field of forensic investigation with an emphasis on computer-based crimes.

Megan Conley of Shrewsbury, another previous recipient, will use her award to continue her studies in journalism and communications at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. Pursuing her interest in marketing, Megan has a position with First Mariner Arena and has had experience in working with various websites and traditional marketing. Megan volunteers at a Baltimore homeless shelter, a camp for disabled children and finds time to be involved with her college TV station, producing and writing shows for her and others.

Sheila Cox of Tinton Falls is a Brookdale Community College student in the Radiology Program. As a single mother with a son and daughter, Sheila returned to school in the Spring of 2009. She works at the Pilgrim Baptist Church as an administrative assistant, where she volunteers for the youth programs. Sheila, as part of her community, volunteers as part of the Lunch Break and at the A-Team Health facility.

Michelle DeGeorge of Oakhurst entered the Brookdale Community College Culinary Arts program after graduating from a joint program with the Monmouth County Vocational Tech.  She placed third in a culinary skills competition held at Brookdale this year.  Michelle enjoys being part of the catering business and, hopes to someday have her own business.  She volunteers for community activities that include the March of Dimes and the March for Babies walk.

Deborah Heh of Tinton Falls, another previous recipient, is attending Brookdale Community College where she is working toward an Associate's degree in business management.  Deborah volunteers as a computer skills teacher for elementary school children and senior citizens.  She also works for the Social Clubhouse, a day program for mentally ill adults, and has designed and launched a web site for the program.

Rachel Kenney of Tinton Falls is attending Georgetown University’s School of Business. She has worked as a student and volunteer in many community activities.  She brings her numerous skills to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Georgetown and has helped in making this relay one of the largest in the country.

John Kuhlthau of Monmouth Beach will be a junior this fall at The College of New Jersey where he is be studying to become a Secondary Education Math Major (double major in education and math).  John understands the challenges of teaching and says,” Education is about giving back. It’s about the look on your student’s face when she/he grasps a new idea or concept. It’s about the improvement in test scores, student’s self esteem and the classroom environment.” John volunteers as a referee for soccer and basketball games, with Clean Ocean Action and was a fireman in high school, a tradition in John’s family.

Mona Myrthil of Neptune is a Brookdale Community College student and is taking courses toward a degree in nursing with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and midwife. Mona works in the Gateway Care Center in Eatontown.  Mona, along with her family and education commitments, still finds time to volunteer at her church.

Fayth Newell of Neptune City is also a previous recipient and our first two-time winner of the Florence Forgotson Award. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree there, Fayth is  now working toward a Master’s degree in accounting at Thomas Edison State College. She hopes to take the CPA exam this year.  Fayth plans to works as an auditor in the area of accounting for not-for-profit organizations. She volunteers with several groups including the NJ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association. Fayth works full time at the Family Resources Association.

Jennifer Nocera of Red Bank, another previous recipient, is enrolled in the marriage and family therapy program at Kean University. She is committed to helping others and is currently assisting individuals with disabilities and senior citizens in need. While attending school, Jennifer is working as a student therapist in an inpatient psychiatric unit at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Michael Joseph Reis of Rumson is attending the Rose-Huhlman Institute of Technology, in Terre Haute Indiana, where is working toward a BS in Mechanical Engineering.  As an employee of Ft. Monmouth, he is able to put his engineering skills to good use. Michael belongs to a service organization at Rose Huhlman and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Bikes for Tikes, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Relay for Life. 

Marie Schweers of Tinton Falls is a Brookdale Community College student and is planning to continue on to the Communiversity for a bachelor’s degree, ultimately, working toward a master’s degree. Marie’s goal is the field of Social Work and she volunteers in raising funds for the Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and the American Heart Association.

Joi Stepney of Red Bank is attending Georgian Court University, working toward a degree in Elementary Education and Natural Sciences, with a certification in Special Education.  Joi talks of being inspired by a middle school teacher telling her, “Education is the key to life and I am in control of my own destiny.” She is hoping to bring that inspiration to others.  Joi volunteers with the Asian Youth Ministries and other organizations and works part-time as a Support Specialist with dually diagnosed individuals at Alternatives, Inc., a Community Based Residential Program.

Heather Wolkom of Rumson is attending Kutztown University as a senior in Elementary Ed and Athletic Coaching. Heather is very active in swimming, volunteering for the Special Olympics, working as a summer lifeguard at Sandy Hook, and coaching. As a member of the swim team at Kutztown last year, Heather was among the top 5 swimmers in Pennsylvania Division II. Heather will be student teaching this year.