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Local Voices

$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes awards for local student

Jeremy B. Garriga, of Jersey City, NJ, has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between Newport Centre and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth.

Newport Centre’s Director of Marketing and Business Development Jill Daniel (left) and General Manager Jeremy Strife (center) presented Garriga with an oversized check, as well as a $50 Johnny Rockets gift card and a $500 Macy's gift card, during a recent ceremony held at the property.

Garriga is a recent graduate of County Prep High School and exemplified himself through academic excellence, leadership skills and participation in both school and community activities.  He plans to study pre-med, majoring in molecular biology at Seton Hall University in the fall, with the ultimate goal of continuing his education and becoming a neurosurgeon. During his free time, he volunteers as an emergency medical technician. Among his special achievements, Garriga founded Soxcess at the Hoboken Shelter, a program that provides new socks and various other goods to those in need. As part of that endeavor, he approached Newport Centre’s LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics retailer, which has donated soap to the shelter through Soxcess.

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“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” said Jill Daniel, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Newport Centre.

With a combined value of more than $1 million, Simon Youth Scholarships have been awarded this spring to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon® property.

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“Education opens doors and creates opportunities for youth to pursue their dreams,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF.  “We are proud that Simon Youth Scholarships ignite hope for students by helping clear financial obstacles that stand in the way of higher education.”

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