Rockland County Student Receives New Carey Gabay Scholarship

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the five winners of the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program on Monday, and one of them is a Rockland County resident.

The scholarship program was created to honor the legacy of Carey Gabay, an attorney and public servant, who was an innocent victim of gun violence in September 2015 at the age of 43. Each scholarship covers all costs of attendance, including tuition, room and board, college fees, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. Three of the students joined the Governor’s contingent in the West Indian Day Parade today.

“Carey worked hard, overcame adversity and chose public service as a way to improve the lives of his fellow New Yorkers," Cuomo said in the announcement. "He was an inspiration to every single person he came in contact with, and we are proud to award this scholarship in his honor to help other students who grew up in similar circumstances strive, ‎succeed and lead. As we reach the anniversary of Carey's passing, his memory, his values, and his commitment to a better New York live on with these scholarships."

Gabay grew up living in public housing and attending public school in the Bronx. After a successful high school career, he went on to graduate from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. He had a longstanding commitment to public service and giving back to those around him, and while at Harvard University, he ran to become the president of his undergraduate student body. More recently, he worked tirelessly in public service, first as an Assistant Counsel to Cuomo and later as First Deputy Counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation.

The five chosen students exemplify Gabay's commitment to social justice, leadership, and mentoring, as well as his personal story of succeeding academically despite having an economically disadvantaged background.

"The criteria for the Carey Gabay scholarship awards is rigorous, as it should be to reflect the life and work of such a tremendous person," SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said. "Through this scholarship, Fernando, Tony, Narelys, Ramanjot, and Nayelhi will be given the full financial support to allow each of them to earn a quality college degree and pursue their dreams. My heartfelt congratulations to each of the winners.”

The winners of the scholarship are:

Ramanjot Bal - Richmond Hill, Queens

Ball immigrated from India at the age of six. She works in a tax office to support her family and serves as a translator for her parents and for many people in her community, as well as their bridge to the larger American world. She leads anti-bullying workshops and is active in youth organizing in her local Sikh community. Bal will attend Stony Brook University.

Narelys Chum - Troy

Chum grew up in Harlem before moving to Troy at the age of 12. She grew up surrounded by chaos and a violent culture, and chose a path of education and hard work as her way out of a violent community, as opposed to falling into violence herself. Her family struggled to afford food, and Chum was bullied for her economic situation. Chum is a leader in many of her school’s organizations, including the We Are Voices and Educators organization, and leads spoken word workshops. Because of her hardships, she believes in a philosophy that success in life is about values and helping others. Chum will attend SUNY New Paltz.

Fernando De La Cruz - Washington Heights, Manhattan

De La Cruz is motivated to succeed by his mother, an undocumented immigrant who encouraged his hard work in school. He has experienced periods of homelessness, and he has a job to support his mother and himself. Fernando demonstrates academic excellence, attending college-level courses at City College throughout high school, and has interned in Congressman Rangel’s office. He works hard to be a positive role model to all of the kids in his neighborhood, and he already teaches capoeira and tutors younger students. De La Cruz will attend SUNY Cortland.

Tony Kelley - Albany

Kelley was inspired by the loss of a family member to gun violence to make changes in his community. He mentors youth in his neighborhood and works with the homeless population to provide them with shoes. Tony is actively involved with civic government in Albany. His goal is to become a doctor practicing emergency medicine in an underserved urban community. Kelley will attend UAlbany.

Nayelhi Sanchez-Lorenzo - Spring Valley

Sanchez-Lorenzo immigrated from the Dominican Republic at the age of six. To promote greater programming and opportunities for students in her high school, Sanchez-Lorenzo is active in student organizing, including work with the Rockland Youth Film Festival. She is motivated by her commitment to social justice. Sanchez-Lorenzo will attend SUNY Binghamton.

PHOTO: Carey Gabay/NY Governor's Office