Wyckoff Education Association Awards 2019 Scholarship

The Wyckoff Education Association, a professional organization comprised of faculty and staff of the Wyckoff Public Schools, is pleased to announce Julia DeKorte and Dylan Needleman as the recipients of their ninth annual scholarship for graduating high school seniors. The WEA 2019 winners were presented with a plaque and a $1500 scholarship at an awards program held on June 10, 2019.

Julia DeKorte, an AP Scholar and a firefighter, has been a leader at Ramapo High School both inside and outside the classroom. Julia’s academic achievements include induction into the National Honors Society and the World Language Honors Society. Beyond the classroom, Julia has served as captain of the cross country team and co-president of the environmental club. One of the most unique and impressive qualities of Julia is her commitment to Wyckoff as a volunteer firefighter. Attending fire school and firehouse meetings was 8 hours per week of community service. Julia says being a firefighter is living out her childhood dream, as she saw several family members leave family dinners to help others. Beyond the selflessness and bravery required of firefighters, Julia says she has learned the greatest life lessons of resiliency. Although Julia was the only female in her fire school class and she is slighter in stature than her colleagues, Julia has proved to herself and others that if you put your mind to something you can achieve it. It is clear Julia DeKorte will rise to the challenges in front of her and overcome obstacles with perseverance, grace and generosity.

Dylan Needleman is the son of WEA member Susan Needleman. Dylan will graduate from Glen Rock High School where he met the challenges of a rigorous schedule; excelling in several AP classes while also participating in the marching and jazz band. Beyond the classroom and academics, Dylan is a talented and gifted musician. At last count, there are seven instruments Dylan can play, many of which were self-taught. For example, the Glen Rock High School needed musicians in the pit orchestra for their high school musical this year. Specifically, they needed a musician to play pitched percussion. Dylan spent weeks learning the xylophone, glockenspiel and timpani so the musical would have the percussion it needed. To know Dylan Needleman is to know music is part of him; his dream is to become a music producer. Next year, Dylan will continue his studies at Vassar College.

The WEA congratulates Julia DeKorte and Dylan Needleman, and wishes all 2019 graduating high school seniors the best in their future endeavors.