Feb. 16, 2024
By Keso Mumladze
Staff Writer
The deadline for scholarship applications for the MacLean Awards is fast approaching. Seniors interested in applying for the main award, which is called the Lyndhurst Scholarship Award, and other scholarships must give their guidance counselor printed copies of their applications by Feb. 28.
Scholarship recipients will be presented with their awards at the annual MacLean Awards Ceremony, which will be held in the LHS auditorium on June 4.
Guidance Counselor Mrs. Stacy, who is organizing the ceremony, said the event is named after John C. MacLean, who was born in Jersey City, attended elementary schools in Lyndhurst and graduated from Kearny High School where he achieved recognition as a basketball player. In 1933, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University before taking on a position as a social studies teacher at LHS, which had been recently constructed. In 1939, MacLean earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City, and in 1957, he was granted a six-year professional diploma from Teachers College-Columbia University.
After serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II, MacLean resumed his career in education in 1946 as a teacher and assistant football coach. After taking on positions as a vice principal of the high school and as an elementary school principal, he became principal of the high school. MacLean was ultimately appointed assistant superintendent of schools in Lyndhurst, a position he held from 1966 until his death in 1972.
Stacy said the MacLean Awards scholarships are local scholarships supported by community members. Seniors must have at least a 2.5 GPA to apply, with donors and the Lyndhurst Scholarship Award Committee considering criteria including grades, community service and extracurricular involvement. The application process involves submitting two recommendation letters from a teacher, counselor and/or coach as well as a recommendation letter from a community member. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which a senior can apply.
Additionally, students must submit the application itself, an unofficial transcript and an essay.
Stacy said the essay is an especially important part of a student’s application package.
“An essay is another part of your application that lets someone get to know you, so really it’s about telling your story,” Stacy said.
She said students should take the application process seriously.
“Take your time with the application, and include as much information as possible. Proofread carefully because that’s what the donors will be reading. Follow all directions when submitting supplemental materials,” Stacy said.
She said the scholarships students receive will be helpful as they continue on their academic journeys.
“When moving on to your future, any money can help whether it’s for books [or] whether it’s for class,” Stacy said.
Senior Fabiana Chavez said she learned about the MacLean Awards during an assembly in school on Feb. 1 and recognizes the significance of receiving college scholarships.
“If I were to be awarded [a] MacLean scholarship, I would use it for room and board and my schooling,” Chavez said. “I plan to attend Ramapo College [in Mahwah]. I have been accepted, but I’m not quite committed yet because I am still trying to balance all my financial help.”
Chavez said she hopes her membership in the National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society will make her a competitive applicant.
“My accomplishments and experiences have prepared me to be a successful recipient… because I really know the meaning of hard work,” Chavez said.
Senior Michelle Boinett said she learned about the MacLean Awards through her friends who were seniors last year. She said Ms. Klein, supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Technology, encouraged her to apply for the scholarships.
“It will help me achieve my long-term goals by providing me with the necessary financial and educational resources, and it will also boost my confidence and set a positive example for my siblings.” Boinett said. “[Receiving] a scholarship will [also] improve my resume and will help me gain networking opportunities.”
Boinett said she hopes her strong record of leadership in extracurricular activities as well as a commitment to personal development will make her a competitive scholarship candidate.
“I hope to pursue a career in medicine and help people,” Boinett said. “Receiving a scholarship will… help me pursue my passions and create opportunities for my career advancement.”
Class of 2023 graduate Justin Mayewski, who is a freshman studying biology on a pre-med track at Seton Hall University in South Orange, was the recipient of the Lyndhurst Scholarship Award last year. The biggest scholarship at the MacLean Awards, its recipient receives $10,000, which is renewable for all four years of college.
“Take your time with the application, and include as much information as possible. Proofread carefully because that’s what the donors will be reading. Follow all directions when submitting supplemental materials.”
Mayewski said he vividly remembers the moment when vice principal Mr. Venezia announced his name and Lyndhurst Scholarship Award benefactors Philip Ciarco (Class of 1982) and Kathleen Ciarco presented him with the award.
“I immediately felt a rush of joy and gratitude. I could not have felt more honored and thankful to be chosen for the Lyndhurst Scholarship Award,” Mayewski said.
He said his main advice for students applying for the Lyndhurst Scholarship Award is to be genuine.
“Trying to be someone on paper that you really aren’t isn’t good,” Mayewski said. “[Doing community service] was a big accolade that helped me stand out, but that is an accolade that I take pride in and that I feel represents what I believe in. So be yourself, and also work with a teacher on your personal essay.”
Above all, Mayewski said he values the relationship he has cultivated with the Ciarcos, who reside in Lyndhurst.
“To me, they fall under all the categories of mentorship, professional development, but most of all, I would call them family. They have both been tremendously supportive of me, and I’m honored to have them in my life. The world needs more people like them,” Mayewski said.
He said being chosen for the Lyndhurst Scholarship Award has been an honor and source of motivation.
“Whatever my aspirations and future goals are in life, I just want to do everything with love and generosity. That is what the Ciarco family has done for me. And any opportunity that life presents me with, I want to take it on with the mindset of helping and caring for others,” said Mayewski.
