Chatham Kiwanis selects Meghan Murray, Sarah Simonson as 2010 scholarship winners

In June, The Kiwanis Club of The Chathams awarded college scholarships to Meghan Murray and Sarah Simonson, Chatham High School Class of 2010. The awards were announced at the June 22 graduation ceremony.

With these awards, the Club continues a tradition of educational awards that it began in 1978. Each year, the club selects two award winners based on academic standing, leadership, good citizenship and participation in school and community activities. The Club awards each scholar $8,000, spread over four years of undergraduate education. The Club encourages 2011 Chatham High School seniors to apply with the school’s counseling department for next year’s Chatham Kiwanis scholarships.

This year, the Club distributes $16,000 to all eight of its scholars. Active recipients are Murray and Simonson who will begin their college careers this fall; rising college sophomores and 2009 winners Erin Boehmer at University of Virginia and Kara Ryan at Notre Dame University; rising juniors and 2008 winners Linsey Hyde at Georgetown University and Kevin Tobia at Rutgers University; and rising seniors and 2007 winners Alison Panosian at Bryn Mawr College and Melissa Villars at Carleton College.

Dick Haenschen, chairman of the seven-member Chatham Kiwanis Scholarship selection committee, said that many applicants were highly qualified and the selection was very difficult. He observed that more applications than usual were submitted this year, perhaps reflecting the current difficult economic conditions. He also said “I am impressed at how many students at Chatham High School excel at their academics and find time for many excellent extracurricular activities.”

Meghan Murray was secretary and vice-president of the Key Club, which is a high school national service club sponsored by Kiwanis. She has been a religious education teacher and leader in her church. In the Pep Club she was the 2008 Homecoming Chair. She lettered all four years in lacrosse, was Captain of the team and led the team to two state championships. She taught lacrosse classes. Her many lacrosse awards include the CHS Scholar/Athlete Award for spring 2010. She was named to lacrosse New Jerey State First Team in New Jersey newspapers and was named two times high School All-American. She was also given the Anthony Mack Sportsmanship Award.  She worked as Kids Camp counselor at Noe Pond Club during the summer. Murray is interested in business management and biology and will continue her education at Yale University. Photo taken at CHS Awards Assembly on June 4.

Sarah Simonson was also active in Key Club, serving as treasurer. She was student government treasurer for two years and president of the Spanish Club. She was Senior Editor of the Year Book Club. She volunteered frequently and was tutor and mentor of Newark children with SCEEP, Suburban Cultural Educational Enrichment Program. She volunteered one summer at Drew University Neuroscience lab. She enjoys music and was a section leader in the CHS orchestra. She enjoys baking and participated in many bake sales. She has an interest in international business and plans to attend New York University. Photo taken at CHS Awards Assembly on June 4.