Alexander Ross Memorial Scholarship Award
Alexander Ross was a graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School in Hamburg, New Jersey. He was known for his bright spirit, boundless energy, sensitivity, and kindness. In his honor, this scholarship has been established to support an energetic and compassionate student who wishes to further their education at an accredited trade school, college, or university.
We are seeking a student who has demonstrated strong community involvement through school activities and/or private organizations, and who has a genuine passion for helping others. The 2026 scholarship application is not yet available for download. Please check back soon for updates or contact us if you have any questions about the application process. You may email us at:
Purpose: To award a scholarship to a graduating high school senior who plans to pursue studies at an accredited technical school, college, or university.
Award Components: A $1,000 scholarship will be granted to one student, selected by the Scholarship Committee of Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church.
Requirements:
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Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, school administrator, community member, employer, or spiritual leader.
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A sealed or signed transcript.
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A 300–500 word essay describing the field you intend to pursue and why you have chosen it. Discuss how your volunteer work in the community or your church has impacted your life, and explain why you believe you should be awarded this scholarship.
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A copy of your official acceptance letter from the post-secondary institution.
Kristen Silipena Named 2025 Alexander Ross Memorial Scholarship Recipient for Outstanding Service and Academic Dedication
A resident of Stockholm, NJ. Kristen Silipena graduated in June from the Academy for Environmental Science, located at Jefferson Township High School in Oak Ridge. Her extracurricular activities during high school included community service to benefit veterans, animals, the environment, children, and the elderly; interning for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation on a new soil retention project; and volunteering at Manna House, where she delivered Thanksgiving meals to Meals on Wheels recipients. Two years ago, after her great-grandmother fell, suffered a TBI, and had to regain the ability to speak, Kristen decided to pursue a Master's degree at Misericordia University and become a speech-language pathologist. "Although I plan never to stop being a champion for the environment," she says, "my career as an SLP will fulfill my desire to help individuals regain their functionality and, quite literally, find their voices."
2025 Scholarship Application Period Has Ended
Thank you for your interest in our scholarship program. The application deadline for this year has now passed, and we are no longer accepting submissions.
We encourage you to visit our website again for updates on next year’s scholarship opportunities. Details, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, will be posted as they become available.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to your application next year!