Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the
five winners of the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program. The scholarship
program was created to honor the legacy of Carey Gabay, an attorney and
public servant, who was tragically killed as an innocent victim of gun
violence in September at the age of 43. Each scholarship covers all
costs of attendance, including tuition, room and board, college fees,
books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. Three of
the students joined the Governor’s contingent in the West Indian Day
Parade today.
“Carey worked hard, overcame adversity and chose public service as a way to improve the lives of his fellow New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said.
"He was an inspiration to every single person he came in contact with,
and we are proud to award this scholarship in his honor to help other
students who grew up in similar circumstances strive, succeed and lead.
As we reach the anniversary of Carey's passing, his memory, his values,
and his commitment to a better New York live on with these
scholarships."
Carey grew up living in public housing and
attending public school in the Bronx. After a successful high school
career, he went on to graduate from Harvard University and Harvard Law
School. He had a longstanding commitment to public service and giving
back to those around him, and while at Harvard University, he ran to
become the president of his undergraduate student body. More recently,
he worked tirelessly in public service, first as an Assistant Counsel to
Governor Cuomo and later as First Deputy Counsel for the Empire State
Development Corporation.
The five chosen students exemplify Carey’s
commitment to social justice, leadership, and mentoring, as well as his
personal story of succeeding academically despite having an economically
disadvantaged background.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said,
"The criteria for the Carey Gabay scholarship awards is rigorous, as it
should be to reflect the life and work of such a tremendous person.
Through this scholarship, Fernando, Tony, Narelys, Ramanjot, and Nayelhi
will be given the full financial support to allow each of them to earn a
quality college degree and pursue their dreams. My heartfelt
congratulations to each of the winners.”
The winners of the scholarship are:
Ramanjot Bal (Richmond Hill, Queens) - Ramanjot immigrated from India at the age of
six. She works in a tax office to support her family and serves as a
translator for her parents and for many people in her community, as well
as their bridge to the larger American world. She leads anti-bullying
workshops and is active in youth organizing in her local Sikh community. Ramanjot will attend Stony Brook University.
Narelys Chum (Troy) - Narelys grew up in Harlem before moving to
Troy at the age of 12. She grew up surrounded by chaos and a violent
culture, and chose a path of education and hard work as her way out of a
violent community, as opposed to falling into violence herself. Her
family struggled to afford food, and Narelys was bullied for her
economic situation. Narelys is a leader in many of her school’s
organizations, including the We Are Voices and Educators organization,
and leads spoken word workshops. Because of her hardships, she believes
in a philosophy that success in life is about values and helping others. Narelys will attend SUNY New Paltz.
Fernando De La Cruz (Washington Heights, Manhattan) - Fernando is motivated to succeed by his
mother, an undocumented immigrant who encouraged his hard work in
school. He has experienced periods of homelessness, and he has a job to
support his mother and himself. Fernando demonstrates academic
excellence, attending college-level courses at City College throughout
high school, and has interned in Congressman Rangel’s office. He works
hard to be a positive role model to all of the kids in his neighborhood,
and he already teaches capoeira and tutors younger students. Fernando will attend SUNY Cortland.
Tony Kelley (Albany) -
Tony was inspired by the loss of a family
member to gun violence to make changes in his community. He mentors
youth in his neighborhood and works with the homeless population to
provide them with shoes. Tony is actively involved with civic government
in Albany. His goal is to become a doctor practicing emergency medicine
in an underserved urban community. Tony will attend UAlbany.
Nayelhi Sanchez-Lorenzo (Spring Valley) -
Nayelhi immigrated from the Dominican
Republic at the age of six. To promote greater programming and
opportunities for students in her high school, Nayelhi is active in
student organizing, including work with the Rockland Youth Film
Festival. She is motivated by her commitment to social justice.
Nayelhi will attend SUNY Binghamton.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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