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Adult High School Students from County Vocational Schools Earn Scholarships from NJALL

 

Two graduates of Adult High Schools operated by county vocational-technical schools were awarded college scholarships from the New Jersey Association For Lifelong Learning (NJALL). The two young women, Amber Crespo of the Hudson County Schools of Technology and Eva Cancela of the Morris County School of Technology, were granted the scholarships in recognition of outstanding courage and perseverance of educational goals.

The awards represent the first time that NJALL has presented their annual scholarships to students of Adult High Schools. Adult High Schools offer dropouts, recent immigrants and others a chance to return to school in pursuit of a high school diploma.

Each student will receive $1,000 annually for up to four years from NJALL in support of her educational goals.

Frank Gargiulo, president of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools and superintendent of the Hudson County Schools of Technology said Ms. Crespo and Ms. Cancela are among thousands of students who have recognized the importance of a high school diploma and worked hard to pursue their dream. “Often called second chance high schools, our Adult High Schools are often the only route out of poverty and other bad situations for those who encountered difficulty as teens. Students who return to school for a second chance exemplify courage and determination, making that piece of paper as precious as gold when you finally hand them a diploma,” Gargiulo said.

Adult High Schools operate in 36 school districts in the state, educating about 8,300 students.  Since 2003, state funding for these programs has been in jeopardy, forcing more than 20 school districts to close their programs. Statewide, since 2002, there has been a nearly 40 percent drop in the number of students served.

Eva Cancela
Eva Cancela earned her diploma from the Morris County School of Technology’s Adult High School in 2008. Currently attending the County College of Morris as a photography major, she came to America with her family in the 1970s and worked to help support her family rather than finishing high school.

“My parents have always wanted a better life for all their children. This scholarship can help at least one of their children to realize that dream,” said Eva, who lives in Mine Hill. “If I succeed, I will be the first person in my immediately family to not only have attended college, but also to have earned a college degree.”

Eva’s dream is to become a professional photographer and to open her own photography studio and business.

Amber Crespo
North Bergen resident Amber Crespo was born to a 19-year-old drug addict who left her at the doorstep of the Crespo family.  She eventually dropped out of high school while involved in a violent relationship.  She later made the decision that education was the only way to surpass the challenges she faced growing up in a violent inner city environment and she enrolled in the Hudson County Schools of Technology Adult High School.

After receiving her high school diploma on June 11, the 20-year-old hopes to become an ultrasound technician and has enrolled in Eastwick College.


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