The Volunteer Center of Burlington County has awarded college scholarships of $2,500 each to three Burlington County high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community service, leadership and academic achievement.
The students, Brian Delancy of Medford (Shawnee), Lauren Wood of Tabernacle (Seneca), and Brandon Pugh of Moorestown (Moorestown) were recognized during a check presentation ceremony held Thursday, June 2, 2011, at the County’s Smithville Park in Eastampton.
The students were selected by a review committee, which evaluated 42 applications — the most ever submitted in the three-year history of the scholarship.
Presiding over the event was Joseph Laufer, a former recipient of the Volunteer Center’s Community Service Award, for whom the scholarship was named. Also participating was Holly Haines of Lower Bank, representing the Haines Family Foundation, which is a generous contributor to the scholarship program.
“These are outstanding young people who have displayed not only a lengthy record of participation in many community service activities, but also an ability and willingness to organize and lead,” Laufer said. “In addition, all three have stellar academic records.”
“We’re extremely proud of them, and pleased to have the opportunity to assist them as they move into the next phase of their academic careers,” he added.
A summary of each student’s record of accomplishment follows:
Brian Delancy
Service Summary: 500 hours volunteering with Boy Scouts, Healthcare field; Youth Group; Youth Sport. Academics: NHS, NJ. Governor’s School in Sciences; Science League, Peer Tutoring, Student Govt.; Latin Club, Yearbook; Athletics: Cross Country; Awards: Outstanding Academic Achievement, Latin Award, Math/Science Award, People’s Choice; Student of the Month; National Merit Commended Scholar.
Lauren Wood
Service Summary: Tabernacle Rescue Squad; Cadbury Retirement Home, Friends Peach Festival; March for Babies, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation; Moorestown Grange; Character Breakfasts, Rotary Parade; Wish List at Voorhees Pediatrics, Canned Food Drive, Parents of Autistic Children Foundation; Give Kids the World Disney Volunteer; Academics: NHS; Freshman Connection. Awards: Unsung Hero; People’s Choice; Smart Cookie (Highest Semester Average, Grade 12); Student of the Month.
Brandon J. Pugh
Service Summary: 5,499 hours of service over 4 years — Presidential Volunteer Service Award; USO, American Legion Boys State, Moorestown Recreation Dept., Moorestown Police Dept. Volunteer; Moorestown First Aid and Emergency Squad; Lenola Fire Dept.. Humane Society; Academics: Student Govt.; Library; FBLA; Honors and Services Society; Interact Club. Awards: Extraordinary patriotism & civil service; Four Gold Presidential Service Award; Varsity Letter for Community Service; Student Citizen of the Year; BCT Teen Excellence Award; Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
