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JOE LAUFER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
On Thursday, November 29, 2007, in the company of 150 friends and family members, Joseph M. Laufer received the Llloyd Ritter Community Service Award, which is given annually by the Volunteer Center of Burlington County. The Award Dinner was held at Burlington County College's Enterprise Center on Route 38 in Mount Laurel. The award recognizes Joe's many years of volunteer service to the citizens of Burlington County.
In accepting the Volunteer Center's honor, Laufer joined a distinguished list of past honorees, including Dr. Robert Messina, President of Burlington County College, Mary Wells, Director of Family Services of Burlington County; Millie Gama, Executive Director of the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce; Burlington County Freeholder Vincent R. Farias; former Burlington County Superintendent of Schools, Walter Keiss; Dick and Doris Alaimo of Mount Holly; Robert V. Santare, President of Champion Fasteners; and former Burlington County Clerk, Edward A. Kelly Jr.
Now in its 11th year, the Volunteer Center serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities by connecting volunteers of all ages with community organizations and projects that need their services. The Center maintains a Web site at www.volunteercenterburlingtoncounty.org
State Senator elect Phil Haines was Master of Ceremonies at the event, and speakers included Joyce Goldsmith, Director of Burlington County Office of Cultural Affairs and Tourism; Rev. Joseph Farrell, Pastor of Assumption Church, New Egypt; William McDaniel, Trustee of Burlington County College; and Bob Santare, President of Champion Fasteners. Joe was presented with citations from Congressman Jim Saxton, The New Jersey State Legislature, The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and a Plaque recognizing the Lloyd Ritter Community Service Award.
At the dinner, Bob Santare announced the establishment of the Joe Laufer Scholarship Fund in his honor. The fund will support College Scholarships to be awarded annually to graduating seniors of Burlington County High Schools who have shown leadership through volunteer service during their high school careers.
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THE JOE LAUFER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Established by the Volunteer Center of Burlington County in honor of Mr. Joe Laufer, 2007 recipient of the Center's Lloyd Ritter Community Service Award.
Joe Laufer College Scholarship - 2011
“Recognizing Outstanding Student Community Service”
2011 Joe Laufer College Scholarship available now
Nomination Form
Deadline: Friday, April 15, 2011 by 4 pm
Criteria:
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Must be a graduating senior, residing in Burlington County and graduating from a Burlington County High School.
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Must demonstrate a commitment to community service, leadership and academic achievement (in order of priority).
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Must be recommended by one school official and one community leader.
If necessary, one page, typed and double-spaced, may be attached to this form.
Supported by The Haines Family Foundation, The Laufer Family, and the Volunteer Center of Burlington County.
2011 Scholarship Winners
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L to R: Brian Delancy, Shawnee HS; Lauren Wood, Seneca HS; Brandon Pugh, Moorestown HS
1. Brian Delancy, Wakefield Drive, Medford - Shawnee HS - College choice: Johns Hopkins or Villanova University
Recommended by: Ralph Atwell, Guidance counselor, Shawnee HS & Dr. J.T. Carey, Exxon Mobil Research & Engineering; Asst. Scoutmaster
Service Summary: 500 hours volunteering with Boy Scouts, Healthcare field; Youth Group; Youth Sport. Academics: NHS, NJ. Governor's School in Sciences; Science League, Peer Tutoring, Student Govt.; Latin Club, Yearbook; Athletics: Cross Country; Awards: Outstanding Academic Achievement, Latin Award, Math/Science Award, People's Choice; Student of the Month; National Merit Commended Scholar.
2. Lauren Wood, Kenmore Drive, Tabernacle - Seneca HS -College choice: Rider University
Recommended by: Jeff Spector, Principal and Grace McClosky, Advisor, Seneca HS & Kimberly Brown, Mayor, Tabernacle Township
Service Summary: Tabernacle Rescue Squad; Cadbury Retirement Home, Friends Peach Festival; March for Babies, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation; Moorestown Grange; Character Breakfasts, Rotary Parade; Wish List at Voorhees Pediatrics, Canned Food Drive, Parents of Autistic Children Foundation; Give Kids the World Disney Volunteer; Academics: NHS; Freshman Connection. Awards: Unsung Hero; People's Choice; Smart Cookie (Highest Semester Average, Grade 12); Student of the Month.
3. Brandon J. Pugh, Collins Mill Court, Moorestown - Moorestown HS - College choice: University of Delaware
Recommended by: Lewis Lazarow, Interact Club Advisor, Moorestown HS & John Engleman, Moorestown Rotary Club; BCC College Foundation
Service Summary: 5,499 hours of service over 4 years - Presidential Volunteer Service Award; USO, American Legion Boys State, Moorestown Recreation Dept., Moorestown Police Dept. Volunteer; Moorestown First Aid and Emergency Squad; Lenola Fire Dept.. Humane Society; Academics: Student Govt.; Library; FBLA; Honors and Services Society; Interact Club. Awards: Extraordinary patriotism & civil service; Four Gold Presidential Service Award; Varsity Letter for Community Service; Student Citizen of the Year; BCT Teen Excellence Award; Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
Each awardee receives a check for $2,500 at a ceremony held at Smithville Park on June 2, 2011
L-R: Joe Laufer, Brian Delancy, Lauren Wood, Brandon Pugh, Holly Haines
PAST WINNERS
Tyler Brent, Rancocas Valley Regional Senior,
receives the second annual Joe Laufer Scholarship - June, 2010
Presentation of the Scholarship Check - July 26, 2010
The selection committee for the Joe Laufer Community Service Scholarship, awarded to the Burlington County High School student who best exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism modeled in the life work of Burlington County Historian Joe Laufer of Vincentown, announced that this year’s scholarship goes to 18 year old Tyler Brent of Rancocas Valley Regional High School.
Tyler was one of 17 outstanding nominees from Burlington County high schools who were considered by a selection committee consisting of Mr. Laufer, county officials and staff of the Volunteer Center of Burlington County.
According to one of the judges: “ Tyler brings to the table an amazing amount of community service for such a young person. He’s not just a joiner – he’s a leader. His credentials (awards) also point to someone who places a high priority on citizenship – would we expect less from an Eagle Scout? Academically, he is also a winner.”
Tyler Brent was also the recipient of one of 20 National Security Language Initiative Scholarships offered by the American Council. As a scholarship recipient, Brent will participate in an overseas language program in China during the 2010-2011 school year. Upon completion of the program, Brent will attend William and Mary University in Williamsburg, VA to study international relations.
He was also recognized by the Burlington County Times in their annual Teen Excellence recognition. In the BCT article honoring the teen achievers, Tyler’s accomplishments were highlighted:
“Few students are as involved with their school and community as Tyler Brent. A Lumberton resident, he is a Rancocas Valley Regional High School senior who is a leader both in and out of the classroom.
He is the drum major of the Red Devils' marching band and has led the group to first-place finishes at the 2009 U.S. Scholastic Band Association's New Jersey State Championship and its 2009 National Championship. He is a recipient of the YMCA Civic Engagement Award and Rancocas Valley People's Choice Award, and earned the distinction of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.
Tyler also served as president of the school's Model United Nations club, president of its Youth and Government club, and president of START (Students Taking Action and Responsibility Today).
Academically, Tyler has been recognized during his sophomore, junior and senior years by the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars.
"While others trudge through school just memorizing for the tests, Tyler Brent is one of those refreshing students who constantly strive to drink from the fountain of knowledge," said George Corcoran, of the social studies department and Tyler's nominator.
- Age: 18
- School: Rancocas Valley Regional High School
- Parents: Patricia and Lee Brent
- Hobbies: Marching band; Model United Nations; Youth and Government
- Who's on your iPod?: Rap; hip-hop
- Favorite food: Cereal
- Favorite sport: Soccer
- Last book read: "Animal Farm"
- Websites visited most often: Facebook; AOL
- People most admired: His parents
- Plans for next year: Studying abroad in China and the next year attending the College of William and Mary
- Career goal: Foreign service officer in the State Department
The Joe Laufer Community Service Scholarship was established in his honor in November of 2007 when Mr. Laufer was selected for the prestigious “Burlington County Volunteer of the Year Award.” The first Joe Laufer scholarship was awarded last year to Jennifer Bhiro of Northern Burlington Regional High School, an International Relations major attending George Washington University.
FIRST JOE LAUFER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - JUNE 11, 2009
