Montville Student Awarded Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

According to his mother, Joseph Adami was not initially enthusiastic about his college scholarship opportunities.

"There was a big list you could apply to, and his initial reaction was kind of 'oh, what do I have to do,'" Lisa Adami said. "He applied, then kind of forgot about it."

So when the Montville Township Chamber of Commerce selected Joe as one of three students awarded a $1,000 scholarship, his reservations made the prize that much sweeter.

"He was really surprised to get it," she said. "When he got it, it made him feel really good."

Adami was one of three students selected for the Chamber's scholarship, which is aimed at graduating high school seniors with intentions to attend vocational or trade schools as part of their secondary education.

According to Chamber secretary Carol Ann De Vito, the scholarship is based on a combination of academic record, extracurricular activities and intended areas of study. The scholarship is open to any Montville resident who applies and is open to both private and public school students.  This multi-focus approach opens the award up to a more broad range of students.

The scholarship isn't always looking for the top of the class," she said. "We're looking for students who might not have an opportunity to get a scholarship. Its designed for kids who are going to pursue some kind of business education."

Joseph, a 2010 graduate from Seaton Hall Prep in West Orange, will use the money to assist with his enrolment at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., were he plans to study business.

While the money is certainly welcome, Ms. Adami was also pleased with the pride her son felt upon his selection.

"There was this attitude of 'maybe this is a waste of time,' but he was unanimously chosen," she said. "That made him feel even better."

Montville Township High School students Elli Buckler and Katie Vita were also selected by the chamber to receive the scholarship.