The next generation of leaders can be found at Hoboken High School. Samantha Kluetfel and Jazmin Vergara were awarded the Carmelo Garcia Servant Leader Award. The one-thousand dollar scholarship is given out to students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a desire to give back to their community.
Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia, who established the scholarship several years ago, said it's fitting that both students were selected to receive this honor. "Samantha Kluetfel and Jazmin Vergara have demonstrated the true qualities of a leader; compassion, generosity, and service to others," said Garcia (D-33). "They should be supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. This scholarship money will help them pay for books, tuition, or anything else they may need at college. I wish them well as they pursue their dreams and inspire other young people to follow in their footsteps.”
Samantha Kluetfel will be attending Ramapo College next year. The 18 year old honor student is a peer leader and mentor, member of the Math Club, and she teaches underprivileged children how to ride horses. She plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Eighteen year old Jazmin Vergara will be attending Rutgers University. She's also an honor student, a mentor, Treasurer of the Student Council, and a talented performer. Vergara also volunteers as an activity organizer for local seniors.
"These students have the drive and determination to succeed," said Garcia. "That coupled with their desire to help others makes them exceptional young people. They epitomize my motto "I can, I will, watch me" make a difference!"
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This is the fifth year the scholarship has been given out to deserving youth. In the past, one scholarship totaling one-thousand dollars was awarded to one student. But this time two were given out because both students were deemed outstanding servant leaders.
