MADISON — Every year since 1986 the Thursday Morning Club of Madison accepts applications from Madison High School seniors to compete for the Thursday Morning Club/Madison Community House George Burroughs Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize the importance of volunteerism, good character, and academic achievement. The primary focus is on volunteerism, over and above required volunteer service hours for church and school. Along with other documentation, applicants submit an essay on the value of volunteerism and what they have gained from the experience.
This June, TMC granted George Burroughs Scholarships to three deserving applicants:
Brendan Armstrong completed 350 hours of volunteering each year. He spent the majority of his time volunteering for the Seeing Eye, but also for the Visiting Nurse Association of Morristown, as a STEM Camp Counsellor for Youth Summer Camp, as a Youth Ministry Retreat Leader, and as an Appalachian Volunteer in West Virginia through his church. In his essay, he wrote: Although it has been a challenge to balance an academic schedule with my volunteer work, it has been a meaningful outlet that allows me to look beyond my selfish interests to see the bigger and more pressing needs of others.”
Nicolette Cilenti completed over 200 hours of volunteering, primarily for the Madison STEAM Summer Camp, MHS Key Club, Hunger Food Drive, Covenant House, UNICEF, and Kiwanis. As she moves on to college, Nicolette plans to continue her commitment to service and leadership. In her essay, Nicolette wrote: “I never expected to gain as much gratification from volunteering as I have in the past four years by being part of something that is bigger than myself.
Michelle Catao completed over 150 hours of volunteering. Her interest in Speech Pathology and EPOCH came after a trip to Romania where she helped abandoned, physically challenged, and sick children. Michelle worked weekly with the Special Needs Program at the YMCA and the Speech Pathology Department at Central Ave School. She wrote: “In these volunteer opportunities, seeing children struggle to communicate has inspired me to pursue a career in Speech Pathology.”
The Madison Community House is owned and operated by the Thursday Morning Club along with its Madison Community House Preschool, and Before and After School Child Care program.
Organized in 1896, the Club is a member of both the New Jersey State and General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The club offers programs and services to support the community, and its Community House provides a home for a number of sports, recreation, and civic groups. The Thursday Morning Club is a non-profit service organization with over 260 members whose goal is to provide services for the town of Madison and neighboring communities.
For information about the Thursday Morning Club or membership, call the Community House at (973) 377-0244 or click here.
