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Community Corner

Elks Club Award H.S. Scholarships, Citizen of the Year

School Board Member Irene Korman Sobolov named Citizen of the Year; Ashley Barron wins $2000 scholarship

The Hoboken Elks gathered Friday evening to honor several Hobokenites who go above and beyond.

Irene Korman Sobolov, 46, was named Citizen of the Year, but the mother of three repeatedly tried to turn the focus back to the four high school seniors being awarded college scholarships.

Ashley Barron, a Hoboken High School senior, planning to attend Penn State Univeristy next year, earned the top honor. She was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Barron is currently second in her class, with a 4.07 GPA. She is a stand-out athlete, plays varsity soccer, basketball and softball; is student council president and a member of various other clubs.

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"Besides being a fine student, she is involved in so many activities," scholarship committee chairperson Richard Del Boccio said, "She's far and above."

Classmates Matthew Garay and Thalia Emdin, as well as Hudson Catholic senior Angelo Ratto, were awarded $500 scholarships. Garay will attend Felician College next year, and his mom, Lillian, said the money will help with books. Ratto is still deciding among several colleges. Emdin did not attend Friday's event.

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After the scholarship awards, Sobolov was presented with a plaque commemorating her service to the community.

"It's an honor," Sobolov said. "The Elks is such a strong organization in the community, it's nice to receive this award from them."

Sobolov joined the Elks in 2007, but being an Elk is not a requirement for the award. She was chosen by former Exalted Leader Bea Inhulson.

"Irene espouses everything that the Elks stand for," Inhulson said. "She's a great mom, involved in every community event. She's totally committed to everything she's involved in. She'll roll up her sleeves and help cook, she helps with soccer. And she's a nice person."

A fourth generation Hobokenite, Sobolov has been involved in the community for as long as she can remember. It comes naturally to the Korman clan.

"She was dragged to council meetings when she was 8," her father, Bob Korman, joked. Her mom, Barbara Korman, added that Irene and her siblings, brother Michael and sister Sue, were part of the River City Fair for more than a decade.

Sobolov was appointed to the Hoboken Board of Education last year and is currently running for a position on the Board, under the Kids First slate.  

"I think it's terrific," Michael Korman said, "after a lifetime of community involvement, she deserves it." All three Kormans were educated in the Hoboken public schools, which Sobolov's three sons now attend.

"I'm happy for her," her son Nick, 11, said. His older brother Sam, 13, added that their mom helps with the Easter egg hunt every year, and often gets her boys to volunteer along side their mom.

Sobolov is also co-founder of the Hoboken Family Alliance, active in the school PTOs and a high school volunteer.

Victor Alvarez was named Elk of the Year for his involvement at countless Elk events. Jason Maurer was named Officer of the Year. Barron's father, Danny Barron, was honored with the Outstanding Service Award. The elder Barron has been an Elk on and off since 1989. He was also this year's Irishman of the Year.

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