Scotch Plains Teen Awarded Top Scholarship From NJCTS

SOMERVILLE, NJ (June 4, 2021) – On Friday, in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, NJCTS presented sixteen scholarship awards to graduating New Jersey seniors. One of the top recipients was Jenna Smith, 18, of Scotch Plains.

NJCTS awarded scholarships to high school seniors with Tourette Syndrome (TS) - a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements known as tics. As many as 1 in 100 people show signs of TS or other tic disorder which is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.

Jenna was diagnosed with TS at age twelve but this diagnosis did not stop her from thriving both academically and socially. Jenna is a member of Congressman Malinowski’s Youth Advisory Council, Community Service Committee President, Ethics Bowl Team Captain, Mock Trial & Mock Trail Jr Lawyer & Instructor, as well as a dedicated NJCTS Youth Advocate.

“Whether I’m presenting to elementary school students about Tourette, pairing young BIPOC women with their ideal mentors, writing a short film, completing late-night research for an LGBT History Project post, or protesting in front of City Hall, my work stems from one simple belief: we all deserve to be seen,” Jenna states in her scholarship essay. Jenna is a graduate of Kent Place School and will be attending Duke University in the fall.

Academic achievement, community involvement and accomplishments all play a part in the NJCTS Scholarship Committee’s decision in selecting winning candidates each year.

“We could not be more proud of these young men and woman and all that they have accomplished during their high school career,” said Patricia Phillips, Executive Director of NJCTS. “Every time we see our advocates, it inspires us all to work harder and be better. We congratulate and thank each one of them."

Jenna’s scholarship winning essay can be found at https://njcts.org/teens4ts/

NJCTS, the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about this disorder through programs and affiliations with public schools, health centers, and universities. To learn more about Tourette Syndrome and the programs available from NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org.