Good Students, Grateful Seniors at Seabrook Village “Graduation”

Service to seniors in a Tinton Falls retirement enclave wins 39 shore students a generous boost for their education expenses.

Seabrook Village held its own "graduation" ceremony for the high schoolers who devote hours inside the community's restaurants. Each was given a share of $4,800 in scholarship money from the Seabrook Scholars Fund.

The fund is supported entirely by Seabrook residents. The money is paid directly to the students' schools and colleges.

The lucky recipients are college or trade-school bound. Each toiled at least 500 quality hours in Seabrook during their third and fourth years of high school and demonstrated outstanding work habits.

"The Scholars Fund is the residents' way of providing educational assistance for the bright, dedicated and hard-working students who are part of our community," said Seabrook Executive Director Art Sparks.

"The generous residents who contribute to the fund year after year are not only doing a good deed, but they are investing in our future," said Ann Marie Matthews, volunteer program coordinator.

Graduates were given $15,500 in all through 11 scholarships commemorating Seabrook residents, living and deceased, and their families.