Zoe Jones Awarded Civic Scholarship From Bernards Township Democrats

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Zoe Jones, a 2023 Ridge High School graduate, is the recipient of the Bernards Township Democratic Committee Civic Scholarship.

The scholarship, founded in 2019, is awarded to a Ridge High School student entering their first year of college or senior year of high school who aspires to foster democratic values such as: diversity, equality, truth, justice, and community service.

In addition to receiving $1,000, Zoe will be given the chance to work as an intern this summer in the office of Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy.

For the scholarship, Zoe submitted her resume along with an essay discussing why she values democracy and civil discourse.

"My family is very politically attuned," she said. "I’ve used my mom’s New York Times account since I was in 7th grade."

Zoe frequently discusses news and global events with her mom, Rebecca, and dad, Christopher. A common topic in recent months has been war, particularly the Ukraine-Russia and Taiwan-China conflicts and how they impact the world from a trade and economic standpoint.

As a member of former congressman Tom Malinowski’s Youth Advisory Council, Zoe worked with her fellow students on the Ways and Means Committee to investigate issues and craft mock bills for presentation. Her work on the Ways and Means Committee cemented her desire to study economics and political science in college.

Zoe aims to make the world better by encouraging everyone in her life to become and stay politically active. She will be attending the University of Rochester this fall.

Ultimately, she hopes to work in the Federal Reserve or Treasury Department in roles that explore the intersection of government and economics. In the meantime, she would love to see her hometown and alma mater flourish. Zoe is particularly grateful to the entire social studies department at Ridge High School and called the teachers in that department her biggest mentors and supporters.

"I care a lot about Ridge High School," she stated. "I am very, very grateful that I went to school here."

— Submitted by Bernards Township Democratic Committee