Every year, local high school seniors submit their applications for Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Lois A. Braithwaite Scholarship. The scholarship, honoring Lois, late educator and GBCA’s Board Chair from 1992 until 2015, is open to applicants pursuing a post-secondary education in the 2017-18 academic year who demonstrated the spirit and vision exhibited by Lois.
GBCA Board Chair, and close friend of Lois, Don Conway, addressed the awardees and applauded them for their accomplishments, while sharing some history about Lois. “It is very important that you continue to pursue your career and education to build a foundation for the rest of your life,” Don said. “Over the years I’ve had the benefit of meeting many of Lois’ former students, and they not only loved her but attested to the impact that she had on their careers. She encouraged people to work hard and go on to do better things.”
At this year’s ceremony, GBCA handed out scholarships to 34 scholars who have embodied what Lois stood for—education and service to the community. The ceremony was attended by community leaders in education, GBCA Board Members, as well as the friends and families of the recipients.