Basking Ridge Student Awarded Scholarship By Somerset Hills YMCA

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Basking Ridge student and three Bernardsville students were awarded scholarships by the Somerset Hills YMCA in recognition of their leadership, academic excellence and service to the community.

Arianna Minassian of Basking Ridge was awarded the John Fanning Scholarship — given in memory of John Fanning, volunteer, past board chairman of Somerset Hills YMCA and former superintendent of Bernards Township School.

Minassian received the award for outstanding volunteer service and academic excellence. She is a volunteer EMT at the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad, was an AP/honors student at Ridge High School and will be attending Tufts University this year.

"I’m grateful to the YMCA Scholarship Committee for selecting me as the 2019 John Fanning Scholarship recipient," said Minassian. "It is an honor to receive this award, and it will be used in the spirit with which Mr. Fanning would have intended. I began my relationship with Somerset Hills YMCA through the Adventure Guides program, and so it seems fitting that I end my school years as a Y family member."

Three other Bernardsville students also were awarded scholarships.

The Millicent Fenwick Scholarship for academic achievements and volunteer efforts, was given to Bernardsville residents Bryant Then and Gabriela Britez. Bryant will be attending Rowan University and Gabriela is headed to the University of Delaware this year.

The Tannenbaum Family Scholarship for demonstrating a strong commitment to service and academic excellence while excelling in athletics was given to Jack Werrell of Bernardsville, who will be attending Johns Hopkins University this year.

"At the Y, we believe that education is the foundation for a bright future," said David M. Carcieri, President and CEO of Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. "We’re very proud of each of these students and the work they did to achieve their goals. They’ve demonstrated excellence in school and an unwavering commitment to their community."

Somerset Hills YMCA will begin accepting applications for 2020 scholarships in January. For more information about the Y’s scholarship program visit somersetcountyymca.org.

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