Just Announced! The 2023 BCREA Scholarship Recipients – Martha Anderson
What a joy to serve on the BCREA Scholarship Committee this year! Michael Bischak has committed an annual gift of $25,000 for several years to the BCREA Scholarship Fund in memory of his wife Janet, former Vice President of BCREA. This allows BCREA to recognize high school seniors with generous awards that reflect our pride in their academic achievements and individual talents. After a corporate career in medical research, Janet Sue Bischak taught science at the Alfred S Faust Intermediate School in East Rutherford. Her passion was serving as an advocate for educators. She was elected president of the East Rutherford Education Association (EREA)and brought that same passion to BCREA when she retired. The scholarship in her name is designated for a senior who will pursue a college major in life sciences or a career in education.
Two candidates have been awarded the Janet Bischak Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $5000
Audrie Saad from Whippany Park High School and cousin of Irene Fortunato
Madison Haug from Fair Lawn High School and granddaughter of Dolph & Patricia Haug
BCREA Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $3000 have been awarded to
Kenneth Buonocore from Jackson Township High School, grandson of Pat Buonocore
Ethan King, a senior at Montclair High School and grandson of Ann D’Agostino
Maeve McGovern from Waldwick High School and granddaughter of JoAnn Leonard
Christopher Morgan from Jefferson Township High School, nephew of Karen Nicodemus
Audrey Naumann and Colin Wiechmann, both are seniors at Ramapo High School and grandchildren of Susan Naumann.
BCREA Achievement Awards of $1000 have been awarded to
Alec Costa from Ramsey High School, grandson of Frank Iudica
Kristen Kennedy, a senior at Fair Lawn High School & granddaughter of Frances Buscher
Ashley Kingsley, also from Fair Lawn High and granddaughter of Robert Kingsley
In addition, three $500 financial aid awards will be offered to students entering Bergen Community College. The scholarship winners are invited to join their BCREA relatives at the BCREA Spring Luncheon at Seasons on May 9th. BCREA can be proud to invest in the college careers of these exceptional students.
The 2023 Scholarship Committee:
Anna King and Martha Anderson, Co-chairs
Sandra Eck, Eileen Hooper, Patricia Kelly, Sandra Hirsch, and Jeanne Lambert
One Final plea: We want to continue to recognize high school achievements of all candidates who meet the criteria of academic excellence, involvement in school leadership, and community service. I would encourage each of you to consider donations to our scholarship fund in memory of your colleagues at their passing. We will always collect donations at BCREA luncheons. If you usually put a couple of dollars in the bucket, this time put in $5. If your usually find $5 in your wallet, this time find $10. And if you often donate $10 , understand that $20 is the new college care package.
I thank you all for your attention and your support.

