This year we had the best ride ever in memory of our dear friend, Neil Reich. Thanks to your support and your tax-deductible donations, we were able to raise just over $20,000 to support the education goals of some very deserving young people. With this money, we are pleased to share that we are providing financial assistance to four graduating seniors from Richmond Hill High School (where Neil taught), a student graduating from Dobbs Ferry High School, and a recent graduate of Fox Lane High School. All of these students have demonstrated perseverance in the face of tremendous hurdles. The scholarship money will go directly toward funding costs related to their college educations.

We’re also excited to announce that we have reached out to the 2014 recipients and have offered to renew their scholarships. We plan to do this for this year’s recipients, too!

Thank you for your support and love. You have helped us to sustain Neil’s memory and create an ongoing living legacy in his name. THANK YOU!

Jeffrey, NRMS recipient, and his mother, Virginia, along with Marion Halberg (representing the NRMS Board of Directors)
Jeffrey is a young man who has known hardship and struggle. But instead of letting these circumstances define him, he has been motivated by them to pursue higher education and achieve success. As a student in the Dobbs Ferry Schools, Jeffrey worked to become proficient in English. Then he worked to take even more challenging courses than he was used to taking. Dobbs Ferry is a public school with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Jeffrey took the highest level English, History, and Spanish courses Dobbs Ferry offers to its students. These are very rigorous, internationally-recognized two-year courses. With this hard work and perseverance, Jeffrey was able to gain acceptance to Binghamton University where he’ll be a freshman this fall. Jeffrey plans to use the NRMS to offset his costs for school and to help his very hard-working mother so she doesn’t have to worry about funding him. In his application Jeffrey wrote, “…I know that one way to change my family economic situation is to be a strong student in college, graduate with many honors and have a great job”.

Nadia came to the USA at age 7 after spending time separated from her family members. She spoke no English. Despite this and many hardships and tragedies in her life, she persevered. When she graduated Fox Lane High School in 2014, she had been accepted to Lehman College/CUNY but had no transportation or support to attend. While working at the local Applebee’s restaurant and Shop-Rite supermarket, Nadia was able to enroll and get herself to Westchester Community College via public transportation for the Spring 2015 semester. She continues to work and attend school. She recently shared her report card and earned a 3.75 GPA for the semester. She is hoping to pursue nursing as a possible career. She told us she will use the scholarship money to help pay for her fall tuition and the expensive texts she must have for her courses.

Samanta is an amazing student. She is such a pleasure to have because of her drive, hard work and dedication. Every time I see her she is carrying a book around (for personal reading) and practicing her English skills as much as possible. Her progress and growth has come a really long way and will continue to do so because she works extremely hard to accomplish her goals.

Jennifer started was a beginner ESL student last year, and has progressed so much. She has worked so hard to prepare herself, and get to where she is. When she is unsure she will ask questions and attends tutoring regularly to make sure to increase her chances to succeed. She is a serious student who is not easily distracted, and will keep climbing to the top!

Johura is an incredible student that has worked extremely hard in her high school years. Any teacher you ask will say the same. She has really improved her English significantly and has always been serious about everything she does. She has made us very proud and will continue to do so.

Min is a hard working student who never ceases to amaze me. She has worked extremely hard to meet all her requirements for graduation. She is a sweet and pleasant girl who you can rely on to have her work done and to help others when necessary. She has pushed herself a lot, and grown so much as a student because of her excellent work ethic.