1st Scholarship Awarded In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim

NEW MILFORD, NJ — The first scholarship created in memory of a borough man who was killed in a New York City terrorist attack has been awarded.

Christian Pavone was named the first recipient of the first $2,000 scholarship from the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's Darren Drake Memorial Fund.

Pavone was selected for his good grades, work as a volunteer firefighter, and employment at DeMauro Towing. He plans on attending Lincoln Technical Institute and pursue a career as an air conditioning technician.

The scholarship is awarded to a graduating New Milford High School senior who intends on pursuing training in the trade or technical professions.

Drake was killed in a New York City terror attack last year. The Darren Drake Memorial Fund, together with the Moody's Foundation, created it. Drake was a manager with Moody's Analytics when he was killed. (See related: Scholarship Created In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim)

Growing up, Drake developed an interest in the trade professions from his family. He had a close relationship with his maternal grandfather, who worked as a mechanic making cardboard boxes. His father worked as a client services professional with the U.S. Department of Labor's Comprehensive Employment and Training program, helping disadvantaged youth obtain jobs through training or on the job employment.

"The program will fulfill Darren's desire to provide an opportunity for students to receive a scholarship to enter the trade or technical professions," said James Drake, Darren's father. "They will be able to go to any accredited school of their choosing and pursue a career."

James Drake and his wife, Barbara administer the funds.

Darren Drake graduated from New Milford High School in 2003. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences and a master's degree in Management Information Systems from Fairleigh Dickinson University, his obituary states. He was pursuing a second master's degree in technology management from Stevens Institute of Technology when he was killed.

Drake was former president of the New Milford Board of Education.

Related:

• 'Good Man With A Huge Heart': Friends Remember NYC Terror Victim
• New Milford School Board President Killed In NYC Terror Attack
• NYC Terror Latest: Suspect Charged With ISIS-Inspired Attack

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photos: Christian Pavone, the first recipient of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's Darren Drake Memorial Fund scholarship award, meets Barbara and James Drake, Darren Drake's parents.

Darren Drake of New Milford (Photos courtesy of The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation)