Howell Woman Named N.J.'s Top Community College Scholar

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A Howell Township woman has been named New Jersey’s top achieving community college student as part of the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition.

Kelsey Giggenbach, who attends Brookdale Community College in Middletown, has been named a 2017 New Century Scholar, joining 51 top scorers from across the U.S., Canada and internationally.

Giggenbach, 20, will receive a $2,000 scholarship sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa international honor society, according to a news release from Brookdale.

The competition, which included more than 1,800 nominees from more than 1,000 community colleges, evaluated students on grades, leadership, activities and their contributions outside of the classroom.

Giggenbach, who is majoring in social sciences major with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist, was nominated for her work as an officer in the honor society, as well as her efforts as a peer mentor in the Brookdale honors program, and for her community service: she volunteers at the Brighton Gardens of Middletown assisted living facility, and a youth reading instructor at the Kumon Math and Reading Center in Howell. She also works part-time at a local restaurant while enrolled as a full-time student at Brookdale.

After graduating from Brookdale this May, she plans to pursue a master's degree and a career working with autistic children and their families.

"I am kind of shocked, but very humbled to receive this recognition,” said Giggenbach, a Howell High School graduate. “To be selected from among so many outstanding students is a tremendous honor.”

Giggenbach is the second consecutive Brookdale student to be named a New Century Scholar. Sameerah Wahab of Howell earned the honor in 2016.

Giggenbach will be recognized with her fellow New Century Scholars during the American Association of Community Colleges national convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 24. The All-USA Program is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group and presented by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa, the news release said.

Kelsey Giggenbach, photo courtesy of Brookdale Community College