Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce

2009 Scholarship Recipients

The Educational Foundation of Monmouth County's Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce presented 16 local adults with scholarships of $1,250 each this year.

These students, and future recipients, qualified in one of the three unique categories the Foundation has established for its awards:
• Upperclass students facing additional expenses.
• Adult student returning to school (adult is defined as 25 years or older.)
• Vocational student continuing their pursuit of vocational education

All of the EMACC Education Foundation recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the community by giving back in some way. They must also either live or work in the Chamber service area.
To date, the EMACC Educational Foundation has presented $105,500 in scholarships to "non-traditional students" over the past nine years to students who live or work in the eastern Monmouth area.

If you are interested in helping provide scholarships in the future, please contact the EMACC office at 732-741-0055 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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2010 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!

Ann Babeuf is attending Monmouth University, working towards her bachelor’s degree in Applied Communications with the goal of working in a Student Services department at a college where she can help students achieve their academic and professional goals. Ann has a long history of volunteer service in the community as well as professional work experience in local and national organizations. While following her education goals and contributing to the community, Ann is also a parent. Timothy Beil graduated in May from Brookdale Community College with an Associate Degree in Business and a 3.2 GPA. Timothy will continue at Rutgers University to receive his bachelor’s degree in Business. He hopes to use his business knowledge to contribute to the community by helping a for-profit business or non-profit service organization to thrive, as a business owner, consultant or employee - or may be all three over the course of his professional career! Timothy works full-time and carries out family responsibilities while pursuing his education. Peter Bellezza is entering William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science this fall. Peter earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise/Sports science from Elon University and Masters degree in biological science from Drexel University. While an undergraduate at Elon, he worked on a research project with one of his professors that ultimately led to co-authorship of an article in one of the leading journals in the field of exercise science and presentations at national conferences. As is true of many of our winners, Peter has worked while pursuing his degrees. Peter hopes to practice in the EMACC community. Shiela Cox, a previous recipient, is enrolled in the Radiology Technician Program at Brookdale Community College. Her goal is: “To be part of a medical facility where I can grow and help those in need.” Sheila works at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank as an Administrative Assistant. This year she volunteered with the Red Bank Regional High School school-based youth services program “The Source,” driving students to Brookdale who are enrolled in the Jump Start program. Shiela had a class on the same day and at the same time as they did, providing a great example for them about the importance of education. Shiela is a parent and manages all her other activities while maintaining her commitment to her family. Deborah Heh, also a previous recipient, is enrolled in Business Management program at Brookdale Community College. Deborah works as an administrative assistant at the nonprofit Social Clubhouse, a day program for mentally ill adults. Her work includes evaluating the client groups in the program and her supervisor told us that Deborah’s recommendations have provided a better experience for clients and more effective ways of working for the case managers. Deborah also volunteers at Social Clubhouse, taking photographs of the clients, outside of her regular work, so they can have portraits of themselves. Deborah is also a parent, devoted to her family.
Rebecca Jacobs is entering Brookdale Community College’s nursing program this fall after completing two years of a technical preparatory program for nurses through the Monmouth County Vocational School district. Rebecca’s goal is to earn her Masters of Science in Nursing and to work in trauma, maternity or mental health units. Her two years of work at clinical sites in the tech-prep program and her volunteer work at Riverview hospital convinced her that nursing is her calling, a true “vocation.” Collin James Jewett is currently enrolled at Brookdale Community College with intent to transfer to NJIT next year to earn his engineering degree. After a successful career in business sales, marketing, research and development and marketing, Collin has returned to education at a time in his life when increased maturity and life experience have helped him focus on his goals. Rene’ Marie Rogers is enrolled at Kean University’s Education program with a minor in English. Rene Marie is a poet and spoken word artist who hopes to teach 8^th graders, “to help students who are currently at a disadvantage in terms of educational opportunity to develop a vision for the future…provid[ing] each student with the knowledge, experience and confidence it takes to ….bring about his/her desired result for the future.” She works as a Recruiting Coordinator for People Science/Options Employment Resources in Tinton Falls as well as volunteering in the community. Joi Stepney, a previous recipient and this year’s winner of the Florence Forgotson scholarship, is a full-time Education student at Georgian Court University, specializing in Elementary Education. Joi is passionate about educating young people, not only to help them succeed in their studies but also to help them follow their dreams and understand the importance of giving back to the community. In addition to working part-time, Joi volunteers with Aslan Youth Ministries. Although not the oldest sibling in her family, Joi will be the first to earn a college degree. Erika Valerio will complete her Masters in Community Counseling at Georgian Court University in the fall of 2011. Erika is leaving a very responsible position at Fort Monmouth in which her professional skills are highly valued to enter a new profession in which she hopes to “…enable others to find themselves, their voice and their path.” This summer she answered a hotline for youth who need help and will begin her full-time practicum at Ocean Township Human Services as a counselor in August, spending part of her time in the local high school assisting crisis support teams, and doing individual and family counseling. Julia Van Cleve is attending Rutgers University this fall with the goal of earning her bachelor’s degree in social science. Julia hopes to enter a profession “directly related to human rights and world sustainability, “ supporting her belief in the importance of being stewards of our planet and creating a just society. While in college, Julia works at a local business to help finance her education.

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