Friendship Lands High School Senior a Scholarship

Being a good friend matters. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's (NNJCF) The Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund announces Leonia High School senior Grey Lawrence as its 2021 recipient. John Morris presented the award on behalf of the fund at the Leonia High School ceremony on June 18.

The NNJCF donor advised fund memorializes Leonia High School 1964 classmate Ralph Gregg. Lawrence of Leonia, New Jersey becomes the sixteenth recipient of a Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund award.

Friendship Matters

The $1,000 scholarship award is given to a student seeking to further his or her education, who is also a member of an athletic team, holds a B grade point average or better, and demonstrates some financial need. "Being a friend is a key part of the scholarship award. The recipient must demonstrate the ability to relate to everyone, be a true friend, and be humorous. We take pride in the Ralph Gregg scholarship being different because its main focus is not on academics or athletics but on friendship and being a great classmate. Frequently, this is the only scholarship our recipient receives," said Doug Bauer, a member of The Ralph Gregg Scholarship Fund's advisory committee.

"As a tri-sport athlete, Grey exhibited sportsmanship and friendship on a daily basis with his teammates and coaches. He was a true team player to all. As a member of the student senate, he was responsible for helping plan school events and to help fundraise money for such events. He dedicated much of his time outside of school to these activities," explained Leonia High School counselor Kelsey Wilson.

During high school, Lawrence was very active in several sports. His athletic record included playing on the Leonia High School varsity soccer team for four years and holding the position of captain for two years. During his junior year, he played first team all league soccer. His also played varsity track for four years and varsity basketball for two years.

Among the leadership positions he held, Lawrence served on the Leonia High School Senate for four years. He was also a member of Leonia High School's Marketing and Business Leadership Academy. This fall, he plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and major in Business Management.

Philanthropic Opportunities

In its 23rd year, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation continues to serve the community by offering a comprehensive menu of philanthropic opportunities. The NNJCF, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, focuses primarily on education, public health, civic engagement, arts, philanthropy, and the environment. The Foundation provides donors with flexible, efficient, and tax-effective ways to ensure their charitable giving has maximum impact through donor-advised funds, tax-saving annuities, and trust options.

“When establishing a donor-advised fund, donors create a legacy of charitable giving by recommending grants to causes of interest or in honor of a deceased loved one. Donors can name successors to continue the giving beyond their lifetime, and have the option of giving to multiple charitable groups of their choice. Tax benefits are available, such as an initial tax deduction upon establishing the fund and tax-free growth," said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

For further information about the NNJCF, The Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund, or to set up a charitable fund, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail.