CARLEE LERARIS, Carlee's high school activities included choir, drama, cheerleading as well as many club activities. She attended the American Legion Girls State Program for New Jersey and based her scholarship essay on that experience… stressing the importance of cooperation, tolerance and compromise in a diverse society. Carlee will be attending Colgate University and hopes to pursue a career in economics and business management.

LISA RADAK, During her high school years, Lisa was involved in many club activities and community service programs including assisting at day-care and assisted living centers. Her essay focused on building better foreign relations to reduce tensions that could foster war or terrorism. Lisa plans to major in Political Science and History at the College of New Jersey and is interested in a career in the international community.

West Essex Regional High School graduates Carlee Leraris and Lisa Radak each received a $10,000 Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at the Senior Awards Assembly on Tuesday, June 18, 2002. The awards were presented by Nancy and Jerry Birdsall.

Joseph Laracy, a resident of Roseland, was involved in many high school activities, and received numerous awards of outstanding achievement and community service. In his application he wrote about his experiences as a Boy Scout for 7 years and the leadership skills he learned that will prepare him for adult life. He is enrolled at the University of Illinois where he will pursue studies in computer engineering and the sciences.

Kevin McDevitt, also a resident of Roseland, was actively involved in many high school programs and organizations as well as community service projects. He is currently enrolled at Boston University majoring in Communications. He wants to pursue a career in film production as a screen writer.

West Essex Regional High School graduates Kevin McDevitt and Joseph Laracy each received a $5,000 Meghan P. Birdsall Scholarship at the Senior Awards Assembly on Tuesday, June 19. These community supported scholarships, given in memory of West Essex graduate Meghan Birdsall, were presented this year by her brother and sister, Rick Birdsall and Amy Braden. From left, Rick Birdsall, Kevin McDevitt, Joseph Laracy and Amy Braden.

Sandra Ruth Anderson, a resident of Fairfield, NJ, enrolled at Rutgers University, NJ to study Biology and Pre-Med. In her application for the Scholarship, she wrote about her concerns for incurable diseases, such as cancer, and her desire to find a cure through medical research or as a doctor.

Colleen Oates, a resident of Essex Fells, NJ, enrolled at the College of Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, to study English and Pre-Med. In her application for the Scholarship, she wrote about the importance of family in today's society, and how she has grown as an individual through her spiritual involvement with her church.

Awards presented June 20, 2000 to Sandra Anderson and Colleen Oates by Nancy and Jerry Birdsall.

Jennifer L. Durkin was the first winner of the Meghan P. Birdsall Memorial Scholarship. A resident of Roseland, NJ, she enrolled at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, to major in communications. In her application for the scholarship, she wrote on teenage violence in our schools and society, and the contributions she would make from the knowledge and skills learned in communication classes, such as speaking out against violence and advising teenagers on controlling anger.