Graduating Carroll Gardens Students Awarded Ed Koch Scholarships

Five Carroll Gardens high school seniors were the recipients of an inaugural scholarship fund dedicated in former Mayor Ed Koch's memory.

The group of graduating students from the Brooklyn School of Collaborative Studies, were awarded The 2013 Bryan Cave LLP Edward I. Koch Scholarship Fund, based on academic record, community involvement, and an intention to pursue a career in law or public service. Each recipient received $5,000 toward their higher education.

“The caliber of the applicants and quality of the students at BCS made selecting the recipients for these scholarships a challenging but rewarding process,” said Vincent Alfieri, managing partner of Bryan Cave LLP’s New York office, in a release. “In each instance their dedication to academic excellence, ability to overcome obstacles, desire to help others, and commitment to continue their education in a motivated and inspiring way, is what ultimately led us to choose these outstanding student leaders.”

A BCS counselor involved in the selection process also expressed his enthusiasm for the new scholarship fund.

“We are very grateful to be working with Bryan Cave LLP on this scholarship initiative in honor of former Mayor Ed Koch,” BCS counselor Josh Steckel said in a release. “We work so closely with our students and families to open doors to highly selective colleges, but the cost of higher education can make it very difficult for families to afford to take advantage of these opportunities. Through generous efforts like this, we are able to help our families bring the best possible outcomes within reach. These scholarships will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students.”

The following bios for the five recipients of The 2013 Bryan Cave LLP Edward I. Koch Scholarship Fund were provided by Bryan Cave LLP.

Ja’Nice Greenidge: Having dedicated the majority of her youth toward the service of others, Ja’Nice has already founded and participated in service organizations in her community, and even traveled to Guyana last spring to provide clothing and school supplies to local villagers. Ja’Nice was accepted to Hampshire College, St. Lawrence University, Wheaton College, Juniata College, Guilford College and plans to attend SUNY-Fredonia through the college’s Full Opportunity Program. 

Caitlin Hackett: Caitlin has a remarkable academic record, and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities at BCS, while still managing a demanding course load. She has proved to be a catalyst for positive change within the classroom, inside the school community, in her neighborhood, and the world-at-large by serving as a counselor, a peer tutor, a swim teacher, and a school tour guide at BCS. Caitlin was accepted to Mount Holyoke College, Sarah Lawrence College, Muhlenberg College, St. Lawrence University, and has decided to attend SUNY-Fredonia. 

Luis Hernandez: A Red Hook native, Luis will graduate as valedictorian of the BCS class of 2013, and has the strongest grade point average of any BCS graduate in history. Luis spent last summer traveling in South Africa doing HIV/AIDS education and community service work in poor communities. Luis plans to attend the University of Southern California in the fall as a Posse Foundation Scholar. 

Felicia Latiff: Felicia has been very involved in raising her little sister and has overcome great obstacles in her home life. Despite her hardships, Felicia has excelled in school and extracurricular activities throughout her career at BCS. Felicia aspires to be a doctor and has interned as a pediatric nurse assistant with the Long Island College Hospital at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Felicia plans to attend Long Island University, though she also received acceptances from highly selective colleges, including Brandeis University. 

Dana McClain: According to BCS counselor Josh Steckel, Dana “is personally, academically, and artistically a superstar. This scholarship promises to open doors for her to consider colleges that might otherwise be out of reach.” Dana, an avid musician, is the section leader (clarinets) in the BCS band and lead vocal and founding member of the BCS Glee Club. Dana was accepted to Bard College, Hampshire College and Wheaton College, among others, and has decided to attend SUNY-New Paltz. 

Please join in celebrating these talented young individuals by sharing your own congratulations in the comments below.