Washington Heights Student Awarded Carey Gabay Scholarship

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A student from Washington Heights was selected as one of five from New York state to win a Carey Gabay Scholarship. The scholarship was created to honor Gabay, a lawyer who served as counsel for Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who was shot and killed during the J'ouvert celebration in 2015.

The scholarship was created to award students who excelled academically in high school despite facing an economically disadvantaged background, according to a press release from the governor's office.

"Carey worked hard, overcame adversity and chose public service as a way to improve the lives of his fellow New Yorkers," Cuomo said in a statement. "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."

Fernando De La Cruz, of Washington Heights, will be using the scholarship award to attend the State University of New York at Cortland.

"Fernando 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," read the press release.

The scholarship was open to all incoming freshmen at any State University of New York campus that could demonstrate both financial need and meet strict academic requirements. Students had to maintain a minimum GPA of 90 in high school, submit an essay about overcoming challenges and demonstrating commitment to mentoring, leadership and social justic and get two letters of recommendation.

The scholarship is a full-ride award that will cover four years of the winners' enrollment at their respective SUNY campus. While the award winners are in school they must maintain a GPA of 3.0, adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and volunteer at least 15 hours during the school year to continue their eligibility for the award.

The four other recipients of the award are Ramanjot Bal of Queens, Narelys Chum of Troy, Tony Kelley of Albany and Nayelhi Sanchez-Lorenzo of Spring Valley.

"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," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in a statement. "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."

PHOTO: Carey Gabay/NY Governor's Office