(above) Alexis Carter was awarded the first William Gawor Perpetual Scholarship at Rahway High School’s Graduation Ceremony.
Newly Created William Gawor Perpetual Scholarship Awarded to Rahway Senior Alexis Carter
Submitted by Rob Kinc
Lovingly characterized by her mom, Ms. Anabel Carter, as “the quiet kid always remaining in the back” who “prefers to be out of the spotlight,” Rahway High School senior Alexis Carter must now come front and center to be recognized for her diligence, dedication, and impressive scholastic achievement. Ms. Carter was duly honored at this year’s RHS graduation ceremonies as the first recipient of the newly established William Gawor Perpetual Scholarship, created in memory of William “Citizen Bill” Gawor whose sincere wish was to assist in defraying the college tuition expenses of students pursuing a career in one of the four STEM fields of academic study. The scholarship provides for an initial $5,000 grant, renewable for 3 years providing the student maintains a 3.0 grade point average and remains in a STEM field. A lifelong career as a technician in electrical systems, combined with his true love and respect for education, had guided “Citizen Bill” in his wish to make this remarkable $20,000 gift to a deserving RHS senior student.
Credited with ensuring that his uncle’s vision become an actuality, Mr. Gawor’s nephew Major General Stanley Genega, ret. celebrated the formal dedication of the scholarship to the high school in June of this year. Mr. Genega offered, “I am very pleased that we could make Uncle Willy’s wishes a reality; I know he would be very pleased.” He is also earnest in expressing his hopes for the very first recipient of the Perpetual Scholarship. “To Miss Carter, I would offer a hearty Congratulations and my very best wishes for continued success and every happiness as she begins a new chapter in her life.”
Surprised and deeply touched on learning that she had been selected as recipient of this honor, Ms. Carter, who will be continuing her studies at Rutgers University in the fall, expressed her feelings openly. “I am in awe how an individual could dedicate his estate to a stranger only to support them!” She continued, “I hope one day I can do the same to reciprocate the kindness and generosity that has been bestowed upon me. I am honored that someone has recognized my dedication and commitment to education; one day in the future I wish to do the same.”
Champion of ensuring the academic and future lifelong success of each and every student within her district, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Camp is pleased to offer her praise that “Alexis Carter is an excellent choice to be our very first William Gawor Perpetual Scholarship recipient as she exemplifies the values of hard work and of community service; she will represent the ideals of the scholarship and of our community well.” She adds, “Through the dream of ‘Uncle Willy’ and its pursuit and realization by his nephew, to the benefit of the students of the Rahway community, it may be truly stated that the William Gawor Perpetual Scholarship is, indeed, a family affair.”
Photo by Joe Brown, Rahway Public Schools
