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The Kushner Academy is proud to be a Tri-County Partner School, united by a shared commitment to values-based education. At Kushner, learning extends beyond academics to focus on building character, community, and a strong moral foundation rooted in the Jewish tradition. Tri-County Scholarship Fund plays a vital role in making this education accessible—especially for students who have arrived from Ukraine as refugees fleeing the war in their home country. For these children and their families, adjusting to life in the United States can be both academically and emotionally challenging. Thanks to Tri-County scholarships, students are given the opportunity for a life-changing education in a safe, supportive environment. This support helps ease their transition, allowing them not only to succeed in the classroom, but also to find a true sense of belonging in their new home. Tri-County Scholarship Fund and its generous supporters are helping to open doors and create brighter futures for students at the Kushner Academy and 61 other partner schools in northern New Jersey. All of these schools are values based ; some Catholic, some Christian, some Jewish, and some with no religious affiliation.  But all are values-based, emphasizing the character development that parents want for their children. Please continue to help us transform lives for financially disadvantaged children in our community. Give today!

Claudia Olivero, Tri-County Scholarship Fund Alumna of Mary Help of Christians Academy From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Claudia’s Journey with Tri-County When Claudia Olivero looks back on her journey, one theme shines through: opportunity. Today, she’s a rising junior at American University, double majoring in Psychology and Communications, a Dean’s List student, mentor, and budding researcher. But her path to success was anything but easy. Growing up in Paterson, Claudia was raised by her mother, who worked tirelessly to support four children on her own. “I always wanted something more for myself,” Claudia recalls, “but growing up in Paterson, I knew the path would be difficult to find without help.” A quality education felt out of reach—until Tri-County Scholarship Fund stepped in." Through the High School Freedom Scholarship , Claudia was able to attend Mary Help of Christians Academy, where she found not only academic rigor but also a caring community that believed in her. That support became especially vital during one of her family’s toughest challenges. During Claudia’s sophomore year, her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unable to work and too weak to return home after treatment, her mother stayed with an aunt while Claudia cared for her younger brothers—all while keeping up with schoolwork. “It wasn’t easy, but the support of Mary Help gave me the strength to keep going,” she says. For Claudia, the Tri-County scholarship was more than financial aid—it was stability, hope, and a lifeline during a health crisis . It gave her mother peace of mind, knowing Claudia’s education was secure even as the family faced uncertainty. That foundation has propelled Claudia to thrive in college. At American University, she has not only excelled academically but has also conducted research, presented at conferences, and mentored her peers. She currently juggles multiple jobs—working in psychology labs and campus offices—to save for graduate school, where she plans to pursue a master’s degree in School Psychology. “Every decision I make is part of a larger goal: to continue advancing my education while relieving my family of financial strain,” Claudia says. “Just as the Freedom Scholarship lifted a burden off my mother’s shoulders during high school, I am now working hard to carry that responsibility myself.” Claudia’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when someone believes in a young person’s potential. Because of the generosity of Tri-County supporters, she was able to break through barriers, inspire her younger brothers, and chart a future dedicated to serving others. “You’re not just giving students like me tuition assistance,” Claudia says with gratitude. “You are giving young people a real chance—a chance to build a future, to give back to their communities, and to break cycles that might otherwise hold them back. I know this because I am living proof.” Thanks to Tri-County, Claudia has turned uncertainty into opportunity, and her future is brighter than ever.

From Paterson, NJ, to the prestigious campus of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA—Fiorella is a living testament to what hard work, faith, and opportunity can achieve. We are excited to announce that this fall, Fiorella will begin her college journey at Carnegie Mellon, where she will study Chemical Engineering on a full scholarship . Fiorella announcing her exciting college news! Her path has been anything but easy, but her story is one of relentless perseverance and the transformative power of educational support. A recent graduate of Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, Fiorella shared her journey with the Tri-County Scholarship Fund as a high school junior—and her story continues to inspire. At just eight years old, Fiorella knew she wanted to become a chemical engineer. She even wrote to Harvard, her then-dream school, to declare her ambition. In return, she received a letter from the Director of Science Teaching and Learning, who emphasized the importance of curiosity, hard work, and perseverance —three values Fiorella has carried with her ever since. But growing up in Paterson, a city often overshadowed by negative stereotypes and socioeconomic challenges, Fiorella faced more than academic hurdles. “Some of the stereotypes are that people from Paterson are drug dealers, gang members, and the worst one: being called ‘ghetto,’” she said. “These disheartening stereotypes do not apply to me.” When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, her mother—Fiorella’s greatest inspiration—was forced to leave her job to protect her immunocompromised daughter. Financial hardship threatened to derail Fiorella’s dream of attending Mary Help. The only option seemed to be the local public high school with a graduation rate far below her aspirations. That’s when the Tri-County Scholarship Fund  stepped in. Thanks to a scholarship from Tri-County, Fiorella was able to attend Mary Help—a school that changed her life. “It was at Mary Help that I found my true self and a loving, faith-filled community,” she shared. Over the next four years, she blossomed academically and spiritually. She joined Campus Ministry, became Executive Secretary of the Student Council, taught CCD, and volunteered in her community—all while excelling in honors and AP coursework. Fiorella’s gratitude for Tri-County runs deep. “A scholarship is an opportunity to do more than what one’s circumstances permit them to do. It’s not just about getting money to go to any school. It’s about belief in the student and in their future.” Now, as she prepares to head to Carnegie Mellon—one of the top engineering schools in the country—Fiorella does so not only with financial support, but with confidence, purpose, and a deep sense of calling. Her dream of becoming a chemical engineer is well within reach, and it all began with the gift of opportunity. Congratulations, Fiorella. The future is yours—and it looks bright. Watch Fiorella deliver her inspirational remarks from the 2025 Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon

Big News! On March 12th, Oliver successfully defended his PhD dissertation titled "On the Design of a Framework for Large-Scale Exploratory Graph Analytics" at New Jersey Institue of Technology Ying Wu College of Computing. Dr. Oliver Alvarado Rodriguez after successfully defending his PhD thesis at NJIT. Photo posted on LinkedIn by Dr. David A. Bader, NJIT. In a post on LinkedIn, Dr. David A. Bader, Distinguished Professor and Director, Institute for Data Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology wrote, "Through rigorous research and innovative design, Oliver developed a framework that democratizes large-scale exploratory graph analytics for both developers and users. His work has been successfully applied in diverse scientific domains including scientometrics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience." Congratulations Dr. Alvarado Rodriguez! Tri-County is very proud to have been a part of your educational journey. Oliver's journey: Oliver and his family immigrated from Costa Rica. His father was a part-time custodian for Blessed Sacrament School in Paterson where Oliver went to elementary school with the help of Tri-County Scholarship Fund. Oliver then qualified for the Tri-County Freedom Scholarship to attend DePaul Catholic High School where he continued to excel and graduated in 2016. With a strong academic foundation from his hardwork at the excellent Tri-County partner schools that he attended, Oliver was admitted to the Honors College at William Paterson University, where he majored in computer science and minored in mathematics. While pursuing his under graduate degree, Tri-County facilitated his connection with Chubb Insurance where he was offered a summer intership in data science. Said Oliver, “Tri-County not only gave me the opportunity to receive an excellent education that I would not have gotten out of the Paterson school system, but also the connections to land a data science internship at Chubb Insurance in college. I’m so thankful for the opportunities Tri-County afforded me and how I have been able to grow since then. Further congratulations to Oliver on having been offered a position at Hewlett Packard. Can't wait to see what the future holds! Watch a recent video testimony by Oliver below:

Warner Carnero, Paramus Catholic High School grad is now a PhD Student in Physical Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. Warner was a 17-year-old junior at Paramus Catholic when he discovered his passion for Chemistry. Mufeda Zhort, Science Department Coordinator , and Warner’s AP Chemistry teacher made the course “…very, very exciting. I realized that Chemistry explains the mystery of human life itself,” says Warner. Soon he was participating in competitions, taking high level scientific exams for fun and to see how he stacked up against other high school science students. Warner refers to these as the “Olympiad exams” and loved sharing his solutions and ideas on how to solve the problems within a group of his peers. He earned certificates for participation in Honors Chemistry, Advanced Placement Chemistry and AP Physics exams, sometimes scoring in the top 5%. Ms. Zhort had other plans for Warner as well. “She played an influential role in my becoming the president of the Science League,” says Warner. Her faith in him was well placed. His relentless intellectual curiosity motivated him to research and make copies of science articles on his own time and bring them into club for discussion. “He would initiate conversations with the students, and he’s always willing to lend a helping hand to others,” says Ms. Zhort. Warner soon decided he wanted to pursue a career in the sciences and entered Montclair State University where he majored in Chemistry and graduated in 2021. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from University of Pennsylvania. Warner’s mom, Roxana and dad, Miguel immigrated from Peru and settled in Paterson where they raised Warner and his younger brother, Miguel Angelo. Warner’s Peruvian heritage and culture are a big influence on him. “I have been hugely motivated by my parents’ values and life experiences. Suffering and struggle to succeed has existed for generations in my family and I have the responsibility to be a role model. I was the first one to go to college. So I have to be the first one to escape from the reality of struggling. I escape it by studying, getting a good education and working hard,” says Warner. Since both Warner’s mom and dad are disabled, Warner is acutely aware of and grateful for his education. “I have to thank TCSF for giving me the money for the scholarship – without that I wouldn’t be in the place I’m in right now. I just want to thank them for providing the money and support. I’m really thankful,” says Warner. Mufeda Zhort says of Warner’s future, “I see him with a white coat. He’s not going to just settle. He’s going to keep accomplishing. He will always think of learning new things. There’s no stopping him.”

In the realm of pivotal moments for medical students, Match Day stands out as a monumental milestone. Falling on the third Friday of March each year, Match Day sees medical schools across the country hosting live events where students learn of their residency assignments in an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Tri-County Scholarship Fund alum, Joshua Guardia This year, we have the immense pleasure of spotlighting a remarkable Tri-County alum, Joshua Guardia, as he embarks on a prestigious journey into the field of Internal Medicine. Joshua has been matched with the Internal Medicine Program at Mount Sinai Morningside West in the heart of Manhattan. This achievement is not just a testament to Joshua's dedication and brilliance but also a shining example of the impact of Tri-County Scholarship Fund's support. From Dreams to Reality: Joshua's Journey Reflecting on his personal history, Joshua notes the challenges and triumphs of his family. "My dad is an immigrant from Peru, and my mom’s side of the family is from Peru as well. I come from a single-parent household, but my mom was able to raise a family, become a teacher, and provide the opportunity for me to achieve a high-quality education. Because of the support of Tri-County Scholarship Fund, I was fortunate to earn a private Catholic education throughout middle school and high school.” Joshua's story is one of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of education. His path led him from Tri-County partner school, DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, NJ, where he graduated in 2012, to The University of Scranton, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Philosophy in 2016. Following this, Joshua earned a Master of Science from the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies and went on to Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Joshua's gratitude towards the Tri-County Scholarship Fund and its donors resonates with profound sincerity. He shares, "By giving back with financial and educational resources, more students like me who come from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds can follow their dreams. Thank you, Tri-County, and all the donors who have made all this possible for me and continue to make this possible for so many students like me."  Joshua Guardia's remarkable journey from a Tri-County scholar to a budding physician at a prestigious medical institution is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with determination, support, and access to quality education, dreams can indeed become reality. As he steps into his residency at Mount Sinai Morningside West, we look forward to witnessing the many ways in which he will contribute to the field of medicine and beyond. Congratulations, Joshua, and thank you for reminding us all of the power of education and community support.

Click on video above to view Katherine's speech from Fiddler's Elbow Country Club's Mixed Stix event on July 29, 2024 which benefitted Tri-County or read on for a summary: Born to teenage parents who had emigrated from Colombia, Katherine’s early life was affected by significant challenges. Her parents left a country troubled by the war on drugs, seeking better opportunities in the United States. Despite their difficulties, they remained committed to giving Katherine opportunities they never possessed themselves. From an early age, Katherine’s parents emphasized the importance of education. At just five years old, Katherine was a bilingual speaker and reader so they sought a school that would challenge their bright daughter. They enrolled her at Saint Virgil School in Morris Plains, NJ. However, the financial burden of private education became more and more difficult for them to afford as tuition increased for the higher grades. At a critical point, Tri-County Scholarship Fund stepped in to provide essential financial assistance, covering over half of her eighth-grade tuition. Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s support continued throughout Katherine’s high school years at Morris Catholic High School. This assistance relieved her family of significant financial pressure and allowed her to excel academically and athletically. Participating in three sports and excelling as a varsity lacrosse goalie, Katherine thrived in an environment where she could focus on her growth without financial constraints. I think that a lot of my drive comes from the fact that at age 12, there was a group of people who believed in me, including the donors of Tri-County School Fund, without even knowing me personally. Katherine is grateful to have also been supported by Tri-County co-founder, Edward Hennessy, with annual scholarships to Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she continued to pursue her ambitions and played goalie for FDU's Division 3 women's lacrosse team. Katherine earned her Bachelor’s degree from FDU and subsequently completed a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Saint Elizabeth University. Driven by her dedication to education and desire to serve the community, she is pursuing a Doctoral program at the same institution. While working toward her doctorate in psychology, Katherine works as a psychology intern, focusing on supporting first-generation adolescents. Her work is rooted in her personal experiences and the challenges she has overcome. The stability and confidence provided by Tri-County Scholarship Fund throughout her educational journey have enabled her dream big! Katherine would like to establish private practices in both the United States and Colombia to address the persistent mental health crisis. By investing in Katherine's future, Tri-County established a strong foundation for her educational achievements and enabled her to become a source of inspiration and support for others. Her successes in the face of adversity underscore the importance of fostering the potential of the next generation, one dedicated to improving themselves and those around them. Tri-County alumna, Katherine Posada, received a standing ovation after her speech at Fiddler's Elbow CC Mixed Stix event which benefitted Tri-County Scholarship Fund

Click below to watch Juan and Sandy Andrade's "Why I Give..." story: With all the turmoil in Ukraine, it’s hard to know how to make a difference. At St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic, NJ, Ukrainian refugee children are finding safety and a welcoming community. These children have been coming with their mothers from their war-torn country since February 2022, sadly leaving their fathers behind to defend their country. Juan and Sandy Andrade felt compelled to help these students through Tri-County emergency scholarships. Please Give to Help More Students .

Click below to watch Patrick McGovern's "Why I Give..." story: Discover the incredible impact of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund in this heartfelt testimonial. Patrick McGovern, a dedicated trustee shares the reasons for his nearly decade-long support, highlighting the transformative power of educational opportunities for New Jersey’s financially disadvantaged students. From tangible results to life-changing outcomes, learn how Tri-County creates a brighter future for all. Please Give to Help More Students .

Zaire Davidson grew up on the east side of Paterson, NJ surrounded by a loving family who instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, and empathy. His mother, a special education teacher, and his father, a skilled tradesman, worked diligently to support their family. Despite these efforts, Zaire faced significant challenges, particularly when his grandparents, who played a crucial role in his upbringing, developed cancer. The medical bills strained the family's financial situation even further. Amidst these trials, Zaire's determination never wavered. He excelled academically, driven by a sense of responsibility to leverage his education to help others. When he was accepted to DePaul Catholic High School, the hefty tuition fee seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. However, inspired by his pastor's sermon on perseverance, Zaire wrote to the Dean of Admissions, which led to his introduction to the Tri-County Scholarship Fund. Tri-County Scholarship Fund's support changed Zaire's life when he received the Freedom Scholarship, awarded to students who overcome significant hardships and excel academically. This scholarship not only made it possible for Zaire to attend DePaul but also provided ongoing support throughout his four years there. Zaire thrived in this nurturing environment, ultimately receiving acceptance letters from twelve colleges. Zaire chose to attend Pace University in NYC, where he majored in Marketing Management with a minor in Pre-Law and Economics. His academic journey didn't stop there; he recently completed his MBA and plans to attend law school. His goal is to become a lawyer who provides pro bono services to those lacking resources, embodying the very spirit of giving back that he experienced firsthand. I want to provide opportunity to young people and to help those who don’t have the ability to help themselves —as Tri-County Scholarship Fund did for me Today, Zaire continues to make a difference through internships that teach inner-city youth about civic engagement. His story exemplifies how Tri-County Scholarship Fund works to empower determined individuals to rise above their circumstances and create a ripple effect of positive change. As Zaire aspires to one day fund scholarships himself, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that belief and support can have on a student's potential. "My story is full of people who wanted to see me to see me grow and become the man who I aspired to be. My family, church members, and Tri-County Scholarship Fund all believed in me. For me and other young people who have dealt with the pressures of living in poverty, taking on big responsibilities at a young age, or grieving over the illness and death of family members, we know that PRESSURE creates DIAMONDS. And there are many ‘diamonds in the rough’. All they need is an opportunity."- Zaire

Born and raised in Morris County, Angeline Lopez's perseverance reflects the strength and dedication of her immigrant parents, who fled Colombia in search of safety and opportunity in the United States.Angie's father worked at three jobs so her brother and Angeline could attend Catholic school and to provide for the family while her mother managed the household and raised their children. This commitment to education saw her through St. Virgil’s School, where she excelled and graduated second in her class. At Morris Catholic High School, she thrived until her family faced a severe financial crisis during her senior year. Her father’s job loss and health issues, along with her mother’s struggle to make ends meet, placed enormous strain on the family. Angie took on two jobs to help, working at Dunkin Donuts and as a child fitness class aide at the YMCA, while keeping up with her studies and college applications. During this challenging time, Morris Catholic informed the Lopez family about Tri-County Scholarship Fund. The scholarship brought peace, allowing her to complete her senior year, graduate third in her class and enabled her to attend Villanova University on a full financial aid package. At Villanova, she studied abroad in Urbino, Italy, and participated in a marketing strategy for a local winery, and secured a prestigious internship with Ernst & Young. Her hard work paid off when she graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Accountancy in 2015 and passed her CPA exam within six months. Today, Angie works at Verizon in the Enterprise Risk Management group, focusing on sustainability reporting and managing related risks. Reflecting on her journey, Angeline acknowledges the invaluable support she received.  She emphasizes the profound impact of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund on her life. Angeline’s trials and success are a powerful reminder of the impact that support and belief in a student’s potential can have: “For all of you who have donated to the Tri-County previously, thank you for your kindness and generosity. You give us the chance to afford a great education, and a chance at success and prosperity.” . Watch Angie tell her story in her own words from the 2024 Women of Achievement Luncheon:

Shaloom Bakinahe’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. Born in the United States to parents who survived the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Shaloom’s journey reflects the incredible strength and determination of him and his family. Growing up as one of six children, Shaloom possessed an awareness of the sacrifices his mother made to provide for their family. “My mother has worked tirelessly to provide for us, often juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet,” Shaloom shares. Her relentless commitment to her children’s education was a foundation for the determination which drove Shaloom to aspire for a better future. After visiting Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta, Shaloom knew he had found the right fit. Known for its academic excellence and uplifting community, the school represented an opportunity to thrive in an environment dedicated to nurturing potential. “I had known a few friends who recently transferred there, so I pleaded with my mother to enroll me,” he recalls. However, the financial burden seemed insurmountable. Around the same time, Shaloom discovered the Tri-County Scholarship Fund. “We heard stories of how this organization had transformed the lives of many students in the same situation as me,” Shaloom recalled. Receiving the scholarship was a pivotal moment, transforming what seemed like an unattainable dream into reality. “Receiving the Tri-County Scholarship was a turning point in my life.” At Pope John, Shaloom found not only an esteemed education, but also a community that believed in his potential. The dedicated teachers, challenging curriculum, and supportive peers all played a significant role in reshaping his future. Just graduated in 2024, Shaloom is filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. “I am thrilled to share that I will be attending Curry College this fall, where I have received a generous financial aid package.” Majoring in Finance, Shaloom’s dreams have been fueled by the foundation provided by Pope John XXIII and the financial support from Tri-County. “Tri-County not only invested in my education but also in my future. You have given me the tools to dream big and the confidence to pursue those dreams.” With a bright future ahead and a heart full of gratitude, Shaloom Bakinahe is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with determination, support, and a strong educational foundation. His journey from the struggles of his family's past to the promise of his future is a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness and generosity can have on a young life. “Your support has made all the difference. Thank you.” LISTEN TO SHALOOM IN HIS OWN WORDS: