Rockaway Valley Garden Club Awards Arlene Persson Memorial Scholarships

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Rockaway Valley Garden Club (RVGC) has honored three exemplary Mountain Lakes High School students with the prestigious Arlene Persson Memorial Scholarship for their significant contributions to horticultural and environmental activities.

Scholarship Recipients and Their Contributions:

1. Ryan Lalani – Awarded $1,500
   • Achievements:
     • Outstanding horticultural projects for town and school gardens
     • Leadership of the Environmental Club
     • Student liaison to the Mountain Lakes Borough Environmental Commission
     • Environmental studies and projects within the N.J. Governors STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholar Program
2. Alexandra Ananian – Awarded $1,000
   • Achievements:
     • Revitalization of the Boonton Township Elementary School garden
     • Organization of the first Boonton Township Green Fair in collaboration with the Boonton Township Green Team and the community
3. Yash Samat – Awarded $1,000
   • Achievements:
     • Trex Project for collecting plastic for recycling
     • Student liaison on the Mountain Lakes Lakes Management Advisory Committee
     • Leading an environmental community project to create fish habitats in lakes to preserve the ecosystem and reduce algae levels

About the Scholarship

The Arlene Persson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students from seven local high schools and the County College of Morris who have shown dedication and effort in horticultural and environmental initiatives within their schools or communities. The scholarship commemorates Arlene Persson, a founding member of the Rockaway Valley Garden Club in 1955, who significantly contributed to the club and the community by promoting the importance of gardening and environmental stewardship.

Rockaway Valley Garden Club Activities

In addition to its scholarship program, the RVGC fosters gardening interests and knowledge among its members and the broader community. Key activities include:

• Planting and maintaining the Wildflower Trail at Tourne Park
• Conducting mini-workshops at Fallsview Rehabilitation and Nursing
• Maintaining gardens at historic sites Miller-Kingsland and Oscar Kincaid

The RVGC continues to honor Arlene Persson’s legacy by engaging in community outreach and environmental education, ensuring the continued importance of gardening and ecological consciousness in the community.

For membership information, contact Joanne Ludwig at marinobiondo@aol.com.