Foundation Scholarship Remembers Darren Drake of New Milford

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's Darren Drake Memorial Fund announces New Milford High School graduate Leanna Akguc is the second recipient of a $2,000 scholarship award. This NNJCF charitable, donor advised fund memorializes New Milford High School graduate Darren Drake, who died in a terrorist attack in New York City on October 31, 2017.

The scholarship award is given to qualified students seeking to pursue a trade or technical career. Akguc, an honor roll student, was selected for achieving good grades in high school and her involvement in the community. Among her activities, she painted sets for the high school's musicals and volunteered on projects in school, at her church, and with the Art Center of Northern New Jersey. During high school, she was also a member of the National Art Honor Society, Yearbook Club and Mural Club. Akguc received awards for her artwork at Teen Arts, Music Inspired Art and the Montclair Art Museum. She plans to attend Capri Institute in Paramus, New Jersey and pursue a career in cosmetology.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's Darren Drake Memorial Fund perpetuates Darren Drake's legacy. Drake, who served on the New Milford Board of Education, identified the need to meet a shortage of skilled labor in the trade and technical professions by preparing high school students interested in pursuing vocational careers. Career opportunities are available in the trade and technical professions.

Continue Darren Drake's Legacy

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's Darren Drake Memorial Fund awards an annual scholarship to a graduating senior of New Milford High School to pursue training in the trade or technical professions. The public continues Darren Drake's commitment to education and his legacy with a donation in his memory. In remembrance of Drake, and as a lasting tribute to his lifelong love of and commitment to education, Moody’s Foundation provided the principal gift to establish the fund, which will be administered by his parents.

Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law, and may be made online. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to 'The Northern N.J. Community Foundation' with 'Darren Drake Memorial Fund' entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.

For further information about the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, contact nnjcf@nnjcf.org or call 201-568-5608.