From left, MBA President Ed Berger, scholars Alec Freedman and Jake LaMonaca and Maria and Daniel Walters.
MARGATE The Margate Business Association's Daniel and Maria Walters Scholarship Program awarded two college scholarships Tuesday, June 18 at the Margate Public Library.
MBA President Ed Berger, along with MBA members and the Scholarship Committee, were in attendance to present graduating seniors Alec Freedman and Jake LaMonaca with a ceremonial, oversized check.
Both Freedman and LaMonaca are outstanding students who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as a commitment to community service and a concern for others. Scholarship selection was also based on personal references and a written response to an essay prompt on the topic of school testing.
Freedman is a member of the National Honor Society at Atlantic City High School, president of Red Cross and was served as an attorney and witness during the Mock Trial competition. He has been designated AP Scholar of Distinction from the College Board, a Best Model U.N. Delegate at Stockton University, and most recently, was nominated by the Press of Atlantic City as one if its Outstanding Young Leaders.
One of his references used Gandhi's quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world, as Freedman's mantra. Last summer, Freedman served an internship at U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo's office. During the past two years, he has served as president of GATE (Gifted and Talented Educational Club).
He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economics at Oxford College of Emory University.
Holy Spirit High School senior Jake LaMonaca is a scholar-athlete earning varsity letters in both baseball and basketball, along with a special 2019 honor, Cape Atlantic League 1st Team National Division All-Star Basketball Player. LaMonaca served as team captain. His community work has included volunteer and counselor positions for Hoops for All, an instructional basketball league for physically and cognitively challenged individuals; the Alzheimer's Association; and both Holy Spirit and At the Top basketball camps.
A gifted math student, LaMonaca has been a tutor for two years. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Junior Classical League Latin Honor Society, Honor Roll First Honors, President's Academic Award, Outstanding Achievement in Latin, Father's Club Distinguished Honors Award, and Outstanding Achievement in Physics.
LaMonaca plans to pursue a degree in health sciences with an eye toward pre-med at the University of Delaware.
Scholarship funds are raised through yearly MBA special events, donations and the annual Spring MBA Wine Tasting.
Since its inception the Daniel and Maria Walters Scholarship Program has awarded $105,500 to further the education of Margate's youths.
For more, see margatehasmore.com.
