NJ Human Services Honors Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals at Trenton Thunder Game

Students from Manahawkin, West Windsor, Sewell, and Union Recognized for Academic Achievements with Scholarships

July 25, 2024

(TRENTON) – Celebrating the accomplishments of individuals who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired, Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) today announced college scholarships to four blind, deafblind, or visually impaired students and recognized other blind and visually impaired students for their academic achievements during a recent Trenton Thunder game.

“We are honored to celebrate these amazing individuals for their outstanding accomplishments and provide financial support through these scholarships,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “We look forward to seeing these trailblazers continue to reach their dreams and to explore their infinite potential as they pursue higher education.”

“These students represent the importance of full inclusion in our communities, which fosters diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging for all,” Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. “We congratulate these individuals on their success and look forward to celebrating what they will accomplish in years to come.”

“It is of utmost importance to spotlight the achievements of exemplary students who also happen to be blind, deafblind and visually impaired and we are proud to do so in front of their family, friends and loved ones,” said Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Executive Director Dr. Bernice Davis. “We are thrilled to award these scholarships again and welcome these individuals to the 2024 cohort of scholarship winners.”

Scholarship awards ranged from $1,000 to $5,000. This year’s awardees are:

• Ava Bullis of Manahwakin, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business at St. Joseph’s University. Ava received the Cathy and Herb Bodensiek Scholarship for Students Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or in Business Administration.
• Madeline Mau of West Windsor, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Music Technology at New York University. Madeline received the Nathan & Sally Rogoff Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
• Reydina Lawrence of Union, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology at Seton Hall University. Reydina received the Caroline Rose Foster Scholarship for Independence and Self-Determination.
• Patrick Lant of Sewell, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of Delaware. Patrick received the Mary Louise Buckley Scholarship for Students Majoring in Health Services or Communications.

Adamarie Tait of Forked River, Alex Kahan of Monroe, Henry Johnson Jr. of Vineland, Nora Cumisky of Cranford, and Timothy Palermo of Ocean View also received $200 each for being finalists in the college scholarship program.

Ava Bullis, Patrick Lant, and Madeline Mau were recognized with scholarships along with finalist Alex Kahan, who was recognized for academic excellence during the July 25^th Trenton Thunder game. Kaleigh Brendle, a disability rights advocate, current college student, and a recipient of Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired services for over 20 years, also sang the National Anthem.

Scholarships are privately funded by the estates of the individuals of which they are named after.

To view pictures of the ceremony at the Trenton Thunder game, please go to our social media pages.

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to enable consumers to achieve full inclusion and integration in society through success in employment, independent living, and social self-sufficiency. Learn more about CBVI’s programs and services here.