Local 7 New York/New Jersey Scholarship Program

JOURNAL: ISSUE 4 - 2013

Local 7 member Donald Paterno with daughter Jenny.

Local 7 New York/New Jersey awarded 91 scholarships totaling $105,500 this year to students residing in those two states. The Local's highest award, a $10,000 scholarship, was awarded to the daughter of 24-year member Donald Paterno, Jenny, a second-year student at Rutgers University's Graduate Program of Ecology and Evolution.

A 2012 graduate of Richard Stockton College with a degree in Marine Science and a minor in Biology, Jenny has worked with Rutgers' Project PORTS – Promoting Oyster Restoration through Schools – for the past two years focusing on restoration ecology in aquatic systems and community science education. "I am interested in bringing science into the classroom to provide children with a more-hands-on learning experience," she says. "Community members and scientists working together for the good of the local ecosystem is a beautiful thing."

"Our scholarship recipients study very hard, with great appreciation for the Union," says Local 7 President Tom Lane. "Congratulations to all the recipients. We're glad that we can help them in pursuing their education goals."

Adds Jenny, "I always remember my dad mentioning he was proud to be a union member and he took great dignity in his work as a tile-setter. In each mall or restaurant he worked in, he boastfully pointed out the tile patterns on the floor he took great care in creating. BAC Local 7 has provided my family with a wonderful life and I plan to strive for greatness just as they have taught one of their proudest members, my dad."

All of Local 7's scholarships are based on academic achievement and potential, character, leadership, social awareness, career goals and financial need. Students must be Local 7 members, or spouses, dependent children or grandchildren of a member to qualify.