Woodbridge High Teen Receives Unique Scholarship

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Last Wednesday night, a Woodbridge High School student who dreams of becoming a diesel mechanic and opening his own business received a unique scholarship that is meant to encourage blue-collar industrial jobs.

The scholarship is given in the memory of Michael and Olympia DeNittis, a lifelong Port Reading couple married for 67 years who died within 32 hours of each other. Michael and Olympia's granddaughter, AnnMarie McDonald, created the scholarship and gives out the money in their honor: He was a cabinet maker and she was a seamstress.

For the past four years, the money has been given to Woodbridge High School students who attend trade and vocational schools.

Jaedon Vargas, from Woodbridge High School, is now the fourth Woodbridge teen to receive the scholarship so far. Like the the three other students before him, he plans to attend Lincoln Tech vocational school in Iselin after graduation.

Vargas is pictured above, when he was presented his award last Wednesday at Woodbridge High's Senior Awards Night.

"My grandparents' story inspired people around the world, and the scholarship Jaedon won supports the next generation of blue-collar professionals," said McDonald, the DeNittis' granddaughter. "They were childhood sweethearts who earned their living as a seamstress and cabinet maker. My goal is to support students who embody my grandparents' spirit and work ethic."

McDonald and her family give the money from the estate of the DeNittis couple.

"Jaedon wrote an essay describing what he wants to do with his future," she said. "He wants to become a diesel mechanic, and open his own business. Both his principal, Mr. Lottman, and his guidance counselor at Woodbridge High, Mr. Kane, said he has matured into a respectful and responsible young man over the years. He now has a $1,000 grant for his educational program in my grandparents' memory."

"There are so few scholarship opportunities for students who pursue trade and vocational school — our next generations of plumbers, electricians, etc. — that I thought this would be a great way to honor their memory," McDonald said.

Pictured at the top: Jaedon Vargas with AnnMarie McDonald. In the back, left to right: Vice principals Chris Chiera and Tom Perry, and Woodbridge High School principal Glenn Lottman.