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Since fourth grade, Jessenia felt called to become a pharmacist. This feeling was confirmed many years later, when as a Junior at Mary Help of Christians Academy, she entered a program called Healthcare Connections, a partnership between MHCA and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. Students in this program spend time in a wide variety of departments including Radiology, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy. “I found pharmacy the most interesting because you’re able to help so many people through prescribing the correct medicine to help their conditions,” says Jessenia, adding, “I really like the flexibility the profession gives you in being able to work in different types of facilities, too.” Jessenia is extremely grateful to Tri-County for her fine education. “It was very difficult to pay the tuition for high school and having help from Tri County meant my parents’ burden was lifted. Tri-County was the only reason I was able to stay in Mary Help and go to college because without them my parents wouldn’t have been able to afford it – no way,” says Jessenia. Perhaps because of Tri-County’s gifts to both Jessenia and her sister, she was moved to give back to others. She initiated a club, Healing Spaces, during her Freshman year at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Part of a non-profit in Wayne, its mission is to create a beautiful hospital room to a chosen patient’s specifications with the aid of a professional room designer. Calling the experience “transforming”, Jessenia related the excitement that the patient and their family would feel when presented with this beautiful, healing gift. “Their joy would bring us all to tears,” shared Jessenia. It's quite likely these lucky patients would never have experienced this great fortune and care if not for Tri-County. Jessenia observed, “The number one stress that I could see my parents facing was they didn’t know how they were going to afford college. So finding Tri-County was extremely beneficial!” After completing her B.S. in Biochemistry at FDU, Jessenia was soon accepted into their prestigious PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) program where she graduated in 2020. Rated the #2 Pharmacy College in New Jersey by Universities.com, this program requires students to complete an on-the-job ‘rotation’ each year.

Madison Vergara grew up in Paterson as part of a large, loving extended family. The youngest of four children, she always wanted to be a teacher. “I would line my dolls up in rows and pretend to teach them whatever lessons I was learning at school. I always enjoyed watching my teachers teach as well as learning,” says Maddie. Madison’s home was a busy, noisy place, with six people in her family and frequent visits from cousins, nieces, nephews and her grandma. When she found herself living away freshman year, at The College of New Jersey, she felt homesick. Although she loved her courses and teachers, she decided to transfer to Montclair State University and become a commuter. Madison is taking advantage of a partial scholarship and has embarking on MSU’s five-year Masters of Education program in Special Education. She will pursue a dual certification including General Education qualifying her to teach Pre-K through 3rd grade. Tri-County came into Madison’s life in her freshman year of high school, providing much needed scholarships enabling her to attend the school of her choice for all four years. Says Maddie, “I want to thank Tri-County and the donors because I wouldn’t have been able to go to a private school without them. They made a big difference in my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am if not for them.” Madison said her parents always worked extremely hard to instill positive values and a dedication to education in each of their four children. It paid off – the two eldest have graduated college; her sister Ronnie graduated in 2019, and Madison, soon after. Her parents set an excellent example by working hard – her mother works for a cardiologist at Valley Hospital and her dad works in medical records at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Bethany Dacles, DePaul High School’s Social Studies Chair, was a role model for Madison due to her patient, calm manner and her unique teaching style. “She would make the subject so interesting, and interact with you,” says Madison. Ms. Dacles remembers Madison as “diligent” and “an excellent student”. She found her to be extremely engaged, and a great role model for other students. “She has that caring spirit. The other kids just naturally followed her”, said Ms. Dacles, “we need people in education who have that.” We agree.

When Lizbeth Perdomo was just a freshman in college, her mom, Esperanza developed breast cancer and soon passed away. But the loving legacy she left to both Lizbeth and her sister Karen includes a strong work ethic, dedication to education and faith-based values. Esperanza and her husband Angel had worked tirelessly to make sure their daughters had access to a high quality education and remained committed to maintaining excellent grades. When they emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the U.S, Angel worked at a corner store during the day while Esperanza worked the night shift in a factory. “My parents helped in elementary school all the way through to graduation. After school, we had to do homework – we couldn’t do anything before that...they made sure of that,” says Liz. Lizbeth has a long successful academic career. She was in the National Honor Society for 2 years at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ. At Passaic County Community College she maintained a 3.7 GPA and was voted “most improved player” in volleyball both years. As a “student ambassador” at Mary Help and PCC, she influenced many potential students and reflected a very positive image. While she was deeply involved in student government and a program committee, she held down 2-part time jobs as a secretary and a childcare provider. After gaining her Associates degree, Liz went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2015, and has been working ever since. Mirian Gonzalez-Tanis, Lizbeth’s supervisor when she worked as a secretary while in school, deeply believes in her potential. “I met Lizbeth as a freshman in high school. She’s an impressive young lady, very observant and analytical, and is someone who has a great work ethic.” As for Tri-County donors, Lizbeth said, “thank you for believing in me and donating money to help someone who didn’t have the funds to make my education happen.” Many people believe in Liz, and Mirian agrees, “she’s going to leave her mark on this world... she’s not afraid to try new things and that speaks volumes about her character. I think she’s destined for greatness!”

Mariana is currently a Project Coordinator at Frontage Laboratory. Mariana attended Franklin and Marshall College in beautiful Lancaster, PA. Her dedication to education and a High School GPA of over 4.0 combined with a devotion to helping others earned her a very generous scholarship from her college, plus two other small grants that combined to provide a full ride. Mariana’s passion for health care was fired by adversity, and by stoked by an internship. “At first I wanted to be a lawyer because a doctor really hurt my dad. One doc gave him the wrong medication and a second doctor performed surgery incorrectly. He couldn’t even sit up straight. He had several surgeries that were really botched. Her desire to make things right through legal channels soon gave way to a new passion for becoming a health care professional. Participating in the Healthcare Connections program at St. Joseph’s Hospital through her school, Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, solidified her commitment. “I interned in the ER department and got to see some surgery,” says Mariana. “At that point I thought I wanted to work in this field. Helping someone when they most need it – I would find it very rewarding.” Soon Mariana studied to become an EMT, graduating at the top of her class. During EMT training, she also became valedictorian of her senior class at Mary Help. She was also secretary of the National Honor Society, a tutor, and a school ambassador and alternated between debate club, linguistics, healthcare occupations of America, and traveling dance program through which she taught dance to children. Perhaps most revealing of her character and values is the award she received for completing the most service hours of any student during all 4 years in high school. Growing up in Wayne, Mariana understood the value of hard work and the grace that can come unexpectedly from the kindness and commitment of a caring stranger. “My mom, Veronica, came here from Guatemala because of a kind American couple who sponsored her and found her a job as a nanny,” says Mariana. She described Veronica’s impoverished circumstances, living in a small shack in rural Guatemala, and the benevolence of the couple who provided her with a way out, and a new life in the United States. Eventually she met and married James an immigrant from Italy and together they have worked hard to provide a secure home for Mariana and her brother Dominick, 15. Marie Hess, Director of Healthcare Connections and teacher of all life sciences provided ongoing support and advice to Mariana. Calling her “a true scholar,” Mrs. Hess lauds Mariana as a “very dedicated. She went well beyond the text book. When you have a student that’s that enthusiastic you really want to work with them. In her senior year, she passed Rutgers exams and earned 14 college credits. Mariana realizes the important role Tri-County has played in her success and she is very grateful. “Being able to attend a private Catholic school was really important to my mom. She had me apply even though we couldn’t afford it. That’s when I applied to Tri-County, and only then could we afford it. Everything that I’m doing in my life, I try to do it for everyone who’s supporting me in my education, and when I’m older I want to do the same for kids like me,” says Mariana.

Tri-County Scholarship Fund (TCSF) raised a record-breaking $2.35 million in scholarship funds through its 41st Annual Awards Dinner, on November 1, at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains. The Dinner was held in-person, attracting over 850 friends and supporters. Fulfilling the mission of TCSF, the scholarships will go to financially disadvantaged Kindergarten -12th grade students in Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties so they can obtain quality, values-based educations at accredited independent elementary and secondary schools. The Annual Awards Dinner honored three distinguished members of the New Jersey community. The Hall of Fame Award was presented to Mr. Juan C. Andrade, President and CEO of Everest Re Group Ltd. (NYSE: RE)., who was introduced by another Chatham resident and top insurance executive, Mr. Eric Andersen, President of Aon. In tribute to Andrade, over 65 corporate sponsors attended and supported the event. The Hall of Fame Award was also presented to Mr. Guy Adami, who was recognized for his leadership on behalf of children’s causes and educational opportunity. Adami was introduced by Fr. Michael Tidd, Headmaster of Delbarton School, in Morristown NJ. The Making A Difference Award was presented to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic, for their partnership with TCSF in making it possible for 20 Ukrainian refugee children to attend the school, after escaping from their war-torn country. “We were thrilled to recognize three such distinguished honorees for Tri-County’s 41st Annual Awards Dinner” said Prudence Pigott, President of Tri-County Scholarship Fund. “All three honorees have been important supporters of the Tri-County cause. Because of their leadership and generosity the event was hugely successful, raising the funds for 820 scholarship children to attend safe quality schools next school year.“ The evening was kicked off by CBS news anchor, Chris Wragge, who acted as Em-cee for the evening. The featured student speaker, Tri-County scholarship recipient Claudia Olivero, Paterson resident, and a senior at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, presented stirring remarks concerning the impact of the TCSF scholarships she has received. Remarked honoree Juan Andrade, ““On behalf of the entire Everest community, I am humbled by the mission of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund, which has done amazing work providing tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to deserving youth in our local communities,” said Juan C. Andrade, Everest President and CEO. “We are honored to be a part of this community outreach and to have the opportunity to give the gift of education to future generations of young people.” To View a recording of the event or the individual honoree speeches, please visit the event page: www.tcsfund.org/2022gala

Matthew Fung graduated summa cum laude in 2014 from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. He is now a Product Engineer with Howmet Aerospace where he specializes in developing jet engines for the Defense Department. Matt’s parents raised him and his two sisters in Paterson. Said Matt, “Paterson is a city of hardworking immigrants. But with low graduation rates, and often dangerous campuses, the public schools in Paterson were not what my parents wanted for me. Although my parents worked incredibly hard, paying for priv ate school for three children was difficult. Tri-County was there with open arms helping to alleviate the financial stresses of tuition.” “I am living proof of how much of a difference Tri-County makes in the lives of students today,” said Matthew, “I urge you to continue making the world brighter one student at a time by supporting this great organization.”

Victor Brito graduated Manhattan College in 2019 with an engineering degree. Ever since then, he has been a successful Construction Administration Engineer with BR+A Consulting Engineers. Growing up in Paterson Victor looked to his mom and big sister Betty, a nurse. Both were strong influences in his life, shaping his values and character. “My mom has worked hard every day of her life. She deeply believes in education and proved it by studying at night while working to earn her GED. This enabled her to get a job as a day-care assistant.” She wanted a quality education for Victor but couldn’t afford the full tuition of an independent school. Said Victor, “My mom discovered Tri-County, who helped with my tuition. At DePaul High School, I was inspired by my physics teacher to achieve academic excellence. If my mom hadn’t found Tri-County, I might have ended up being on the streets every day.”

Natalia Guzman is a CHCI-PepsiCo Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow in Washington, D.C. Her 9-month fellowship rotation is focused on child nutrition research. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Rutgers University. She is studying for the Registered Dietetic Nutritionist (RDN) licensing exam so she can specialize in weight inclusive care and eating disorders. Natalia’s parents immigrated to the U.S. during their teen years and worked extremely hard. Her mother was a day care teacher’s assistant and her father, a night-shift textile worker. Natalia emulated their values and work ethic. Tri-County’s scholarships enabled her to attend Mary Help of Christian’s Academy, where she graduated near the top of her class. Said Natalia, “Having the opportunity to get to know Tri-County donors on a personal level at events meant a lot to me. I hope that one day I can give back like them.”

Since 2018, Shariq Marshall has been the Operations, Development & Communications Coordinator for Arm In Arm, a non-profit organization based in Trenton and Princeton that helps meet people’s basic needs for food, shelter and job training. Shariq attended Rider University on a full 4-year scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations/Image Management. Arm In Arm has a historic partnership with BlackRock, one of the world’s leading providers of investment, advisory and risk management solutions. Shariq grew up in Paterson, NJ, with his supportive mom and younger sister. A Tri-County scholarship enabled him to attend DePaul Catholic High School for four years where, his guidance counselor said, he lived his life with honor. “I was so blessed by the donors,” said Shariq. “Without Tri-County I don't know where I'd be. Meeting donors at the Tri-County dinner was a great opportunity to meet people who didn't even know me but cared about me.”

Dr. Krystal Green, M.D. specializes in family medicine at Vanguard Medical. She graduated from the University of Miami with a major in Biology, and received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. When Krystal became a primary care physician, she fulfilled a long-standing dream that began when she was just three years old. At the time, she was offering comfort to her mother on the stillbirth of Krystal’s younger brother. “I told her that I wanted to be a doctor so that people don’t lose their family members ever again,” said Krystal. Both Krystal and her mother, Pam, credit Tri-County with paving the road to her educational success. “Thanks to the kindness of the donors, their help paved the way for me to continue at Immaculate Heart Academy. It was an excellent educational foundation,” said Krystal. Added her mother Pam, “Thank you for allowing me to keep all 3 of my children in good independent schools.”

In 2017, Allison Chicoma graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University on a full 4-year scholarship. After working at Hasbro and Proctor and Gamble for 3 years, in 2021 she joined Zenith, a large international, specialty communications company as a Supervisor of Content and Digital. Allison attended Mary Help of Christians Academy (MHCA) while living with her mother and older sister in Paterson. She greatly appreciates the education her school provided. Just as important for Allison was the support provided by the Tri-County Scholarship Fund to help her gain values that will last a lifetime. “I’m very thankful for all the teachers in my life, my sister, and my mom,” said Allison, “and I especially want to say thank you to Tri-County. Without your help I wouldn’t have been able to attend private school and to be fully prepared for the next steppingstone in my life, college. I’m very lucky.”

Hall of Fame Honoree, Juan C. Andrade or Everest Re Group, with Tri-County Scholarship Fund students at the 41st Annual Awards Dinner on Nov 1., 2022 Read Story: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/chatham/articles/chatham-resident-juan-c-andrade-helps-tri-county-scholarship-fund-raise-2-35-million-for-scholarships