Scholarship Created In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim

NEW MILFORD, NJ — A scholarship fund has been created in memory of Darren Drake, a borough resident who was killed in a New York City terror attack last year.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation created the Darren Drake Memorial Fund together with the Moody's Foundation. Drake, 32, was a manager with Moody's Analytics when he was killed.

The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating New Milford High School senior who intends on pursuing training in the trade or technical professions.

Growing up, Drake developed a interest in the trade professions from his family. He had a close relationship with his maternal grandfather, who worked as a mechanic making cardboard boxes. His father worked as a client services professional with the U.S. Department of Labor's Comprehensive Employment and Training program, helping disadvantaged youth obtain jobs through training or on the job employment.

"The program will fulfill Darren's desire to provide an opportunity for students to receive a scholarship to enter the trade or technical professions," said James Drake, Darren's father. "They will be able to go to any accredited school of their choosing and pursue a career."

Moody's Foundation provided the principal gift to establish the fund, which James Drake and his wife, Barbara will administer.

Darren Drake was a member and former president of the New Milford Board of Education.

Darren Drake graduated from New Milford High School in 2003. He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences and a master's degree in Management Information Systems from Fairleigh Dickinson University, his obituary states. He was pursuing a second master's degree in technology management from Stevens Institute of Technology when he was killed.

"In the wake of this tragedy, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation is honored to establish a fund in Darren Drake's memory enabling others to benefit from his devotion to education," said Michael Shannon, the foundation's president. "Through his work and studies, Darren came to understand that education is the basis of a meaningful life, a belief fundamental to the foundation's purpose."

Donations to the fund may be made online here. Contributions may also be sent by check to the The Northern NJ Community Foundation with "Darren Drake Memorial Fund" entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, N.J. 07601.

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Related: New Milford School Board President Killed In NYC Terror Attack
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Photo: Darren Drake of New Milford (Courtesy of The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation)