The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s (NNJCF) charitable fund, The Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund, announces Leonia High School senior Sayid Elmoudni of Edgewater, New Jersey was named the 2018 recipient. The NNJCF donor advised fund memorializes Leonia High School 1964 classmate Ralph Gregg. Elmoudni received the thirteenth Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund award on May 31 at the Leonia High School Senior Awards Ceremony in Leonia, New Jersey.
The $1,000 scholarship award is given to a student to further his or her education. In addition, the student is also a member of an athletic team, holds a B grade point average or better, and demonstrates some financial need. “Most importantly, the recipient must demonstrate the ability to relate to everyone, be a true friend, and be humorous. We take pride in the Ralph Gregg scholarship being different because its main focus is not on academics or athletics but on friendship and being a great classmate. Frequently, this is the only scholarship our recipient receives,” explained presenter Doug Bauer.
Leadership Shown
Throughout his high school years, Elmoudni assumed several leadership positions, including President of the senior class. West Point recognized his leadership with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award. The American Legion Post in Edgewater selected him as a delegate to attend Boys State at Rider University. He holds a lengthy athletic and leadership record. Elmoudni was a four-year member and Senior Captain of the Leonia High School football team. This athlete appeared on the second team all league honoree list. In addition, he served on the Varsity teams for wresting and track and became the Senior Captain.
Doug Bauer presents Sayid Elmoudni with the Northern NJ Community Foundation’s donor advised 2018 Ralph Gregg Memorial scholarship.
An active member of the community, Elmoudni was a mentor in an Anna C. Scott Elementary School third grade class. He also volunteered with the Leonia Sports Boosters. Similarly, Elmoudni was a member of the award winning Leonia High School Men’s Choir. This fall, he plans to attend Michigan State University in the ROTC program and major in Political Science.
“Sayid is not only an excellent student and athlete; he is decidedly an all around great young man and a born leader. His friendly smile makes him an ideal recipient of a scholarship celebrating Ralph Gregg’s warmth and his delightful talent to make everyone feel accepted as a friend,” said Bauer.
Foundation Offers Philanthropic Opportunities
During its 20th anniversary year, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation continues to serve the community by offering a comprehensive menu of philanthropic opportunities. Donor-advised funds, tax-saving annuities, and trust options provide donors with flexible, efficient, and tax-effective ways to ensure their charitable giving has maximum impact.
“When establishing a donor-advised fund, donors create a legacy of charitable giving. They recommend grants to causes of interest or in honor of a deceased loved one. They can also name successors to continue the giving beyond their lifetime. Tax benefits also exist. All contributions to donor-advised funds are tax deductible. When appreciated assets are donated, donors can deduct the fair market value. They do not realize capital gains on these assets,” said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
For further information about the NNJCF, The Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund, or to set up a charitable fund, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail to nnjcf@nnjcf.org.
