Two recent graduates of Warren County Technical School were honored by the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders as the county’s 2017 recipients of the Investors Bank Scholarship presented by the NJAC Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with the New Jersey Association of Counties.

Hannah Whitmore and Daniel Watson received the $500 scholarship checks and praise from the freeholders and Warren Tech representatives, who reflected on their academic achievements and public service during their high school years.

The scholarships, funded by Investors Bank, are awarded to deserving county vocational school graduates who are continuing their education at a county or state college.

Whitmore is now studying neuroscience and cell biology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and also is an Air Force ROTC cadet at Rutgers, while Watson is studying Criminal Justice at Warren County Community College and already earned 3 credits over the summer.

“It’s always a pleasure to do this,” Freeholder Director Richard D. Gardner said as he presented the scholarship awards. Noting that he is the county’s liaison to the New Jersey Association of Counties, he remarked, “They’re really committed to seeing young people further their educational careers.”

Freeholder Edward J. Smith said he started his day at Warren Tech’s freshmen orientation, adding he is always excited to see what goes on at the school. “It’s a great pathway” for students, Smith said of Warren Tech, adding, that “recognizing two of our outstanding students is a great pleasure.”

“It’s fantastic when we can give awards of merit to students who deserve it,” Freeholder Jason J. Sarnoski remarked. Referring to the scholarship award as he addressed Whitmore and Watson, Sarnoski comment, “I hope you use it well, and go out there and achieve all your dreams.”

Warren Tech’s Acting Superintendent Edmund Zalewski and Principal Geta Vogel also participated in the presentation, offering their endorsements of the NJAC Foundation’s selection of Whitmore and Watson.

Whitmore is the daughter of Grace and Mark Whitmore and lives in Washington, where she is a member of Washington Borough Emergency Rescue 83. She achieved top grades at Warren Tech and was a Peer 2 Peer mentor as well as a tutor. A member of the Key Club for three years, she served as club president for two years, and was inducted in the National Honor Society. She attended New Jersey Girls State at Georgian Court University a year ago, and her interests include hiking, reading, and martial arts.

A Phillipsburg resident, Watson is the son of Donna and Richard Watson. He was one of Warren Tech’s Top 10 students, and earned the Certificate of Skill Competencies in TV, Radio and Digital Media but also juggled many other extra-curricular activities as well. This past year, he was in the school play “It’s a Wonderful Life” holding numerous roles on stage.

Watson was part of the student government for three years, and served as Vice-President during his sophomore year. He also has been active in his church helping those in need; volunteered with MDA for their campaign “Ride for Life” with children who are disabled; and also volunteered at St. Luke’s Warren Hospital.

(Pictured (l-r) are Warren Tech Principal Geta Vogel, Acting Superintendent Edmund Zalewski, Watson, Whitmore, Freeholder Jason J. Sarnoski, Freeholder Director Richard D. Gardner, and Freeholder Edward J. Smith. The $500 scholarships are awarded to students who graduate from county-run high schools and go on to attend state or county colleges.)