Cooperman Scholarship Recipients
by Heidi Aldes
The diversity of our scholarship application pool was reflective of the diversity of our congregation. The applicants ranged from recently graduated high school seniors to second and third college students and graduate students. Some are pursuing liberal arts degrees, and some career, technical and professional education. After reviewing all the applications, essays, and supporting letters, the Scholarship Committee recommended an equitable disbursement of $5,000 to each of the 12 candidates this first year. Congratulations to our inaugural year’s winners:
Joey Cutts, Luke Lentini, Samantha Glass, Emma Locketz, Adina Locketz, Brian Roston, Nathan Burk, Nadav Havilio, Noah Roberts, Lindsey Long, Eliyah Sharon, and Issac Lubin.
A little bit more about our scholarship recipients:
75% of scholars are attending schools out of state, 25% in-state
60% are high school graduates, 40% are currently enrolled in post-secondary schools
50% work at least part-time
Leadership and engagement activities include sports, Jewish youth group, band, gaming, social justice, volunteering, competitive clubs and teams, and national high school organizations like National Honor Society and DECA
Academic fields include Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, Business, Undergraduate, and Graduate Education
The goal of the scholarship was to provide financial assistance to our students to help cover the costs of higher education. Access to education, encouraging achievement, and supporting community and service are important congregational values. Here are some of the recipients’ responses when asked about their scholarship awards:
Joey Cutts: “The scholarship is helping me pursue my dreams of being physician.”
Luke Lentini: “Thank you so much for offering me the generous Clyde and Kay Cooperman scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year. Your confidence in me as a student is much appreciated. Bet Shalom has been such a welcoming community for my family and me, just like it was for the Coopermans. I am truly honored and intend to be a standout scholarship recipient to represent well the trust you have placed in me and the legacy of the Coopermans.”
Samantha Glass: “I am so thankful to have been chosen to receive this generous scholarship. I’m excited to continue my education this school year, and this scholarship will help me in my education career path.”
Ellie Sharon: “When I was awarded the scholarship, it was at the right time and a huge relief. The Bet Shalom Cooperman Scholarship helped me tremendously. I can enter college with fewer financial worries, allowing me to focus on my studies during this critical first year and helping me reach closer to my dream and life goals. Thank you so much!”
Nathan Burke: “Receiving the scholarship was great because it allowed me to go out-of-state to pursue a program that is not offered anywhere else.”
Noah Roberts: “This scholarship helped me focus on getting good grades during my first semester and not worry about getting an on-campus job right away.”
Emma Locketz: “This scholarship has helped me be able to pay for part of my tuition and given me the opportunity to continue to receive an excellent education.”
Congratulations again to our 2024 Clyde and Kay Cooperman Scholarship recipients. May your academic year be filled with all the success and achievements. L’chaim!