Scholarship Given in Memory of Bio Teacher

A scholarship in memory of a popular Montville High School biology teacher who died in a car accident at the age of 29 was awarded this year to two seniors who remembered her as an inspiring and caring teacher.

The students — Alexandra Hartley and Alanna Cohen — will be the last recipients who had Ilana Schuster Jonsson as a teacher, though the scholarship in Jonsson’s name will continue to be awarded each year to a graduating senior who is interested in a career in biology or education, Jonsson's parents said in a news release.

The scholarship fund plans to donate a plaque to be installed in the biology wing outside Jonsson’s former classroom to acknowledge scholarship recipients, according to the statement.

“Through the establishment of this scholarship, it is hoped that Ilana will continue in her goal to inspire students and remain a part of biology education at Montville High School for years to come,” her parents said.

Jonsson died on Jan. 17, 2010, in a car accident on the Garden State Parkway. Her parents, Dr. Larry Schuster, a podiatric surgeon, and Dr. Ruth Schuster, a school social worker, established the scholarship in her memory.

The Ilana Schuster Jonsson Scholarship is awarded annually. Applicants must submit evidence of academic achievement, school and community service, a personal essay regarding their interests and qualifications, and a faculty recommendation.

Memories of Mrs. Jonsson

Cohen and Hartley included memories of Jonsson in their applications.

“I remained unsure about my future career until my sophomore year, when I took honors biology,” Cohen wrote. “My teacher was Mrs. Jonsson, an incredible teacher who showed me biology and helped me to discover my true passion for it. … We became very close and I would often spend the time between school and practice doing my homework in her room. … I plan to apply to medical school, and though I know it will be difficult, Mrs. Jonsson gave me the confidence to believe in myself.”

Hartley recalled conversations she had with Jonsson while practicing for the Science Olympiad.

“We spent an hour swapping stories and discussing the merits of a career in special education,” she wrote. “I loved those conversations — they’d  start out about scientific concepts or ideas we had discussed in class, and then branch out to almost any topic: our favorite cities to visit, her pet bunny Chloe, and the best places to buy boots.”  

In her five years at the high school, Jonsson taught biology and food sciences and mentored the school’s Science Olympiad team. Students created and posted tributes to a Facebook page in her memory. The group has more than a thousand members.

Jonsson, a 1999 graduate of Livingston High School, had a master’s in biology education from Brown University and a bachelor’s in biology and cell development from the University of Rochester.

Biology teacher Heather Ings said in a statement that Jonsson was “a very engaging and committed science educator whose goal was to share her passion for her chosen subject.” Biology teacher Rachel Salazar said Jonsson was committed to being a transformative and caring teacher.

Contributions to the scholarship can be made to: Ilana Schuster Jonsson Scholarship Fund, Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest, NJ, 901 Route 10, POB 929, Whippany, NJ 07981-0929;  973-929-3038.