$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes award for local student

A local student will continue her education this fall with the help of Ocean County Mall and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF).

Roksolana Dumenko of Toms River, New Jersey (pictured) has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between Ocean County Mall and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth.

Dumenko is a recent graduate of Donovan Catholic High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She exemplified herself through academic excellence, leadership skills and participation in both school and community activities. Dumenko is of Ukrainian descent and fluent in both Ukrainian and Russian and plans to pursue a degree in international relations at George Washington University this fall. Her career goal is to become a diplomat, working at an embassy or the United Nations.

“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” said Tara Melodick, director of marketing and business development for Ocean County Mall.

Simon Youth Scholarships are awarded annually to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon® property. This year, approximately $1.1 million will be awarded.

“Simon Youth Community Scholarships reward academic excellence across the country and help students to continue their education,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF. “Financial concerns should never be the reason preventing a child from pursuing their dreams.”