Trustees Recognize Student Villagers of the Month

Student Villagers of the Month Ruby Scalera and Shari Ann Arena were recognized at Monday's Board of Trustees meeting. The Villager of the Month Award has been given by the Community Relations Committee since 1980; it notes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the quality of life in South Orange.

Both 2010 graduates of Columbia High School, Arena and Scalera distinguished themselves in two different areas.

Arena was recognized for both peer counseling and heading a CHS service group called "The Elementors." The group mentored elementary students in the district, often meeting the younger children during lunch periods.  This work was an outgrowth of Arena's work with an elementary school Invention Convention.

Arena, who will attend Susquehanna University on an academic scholarship, served as team captain for girls varsity soccer, sang in the a cappella group Half Step Up, and performed in the All-School Musicals.

Scalera, who heads to Emerson College in September, has served as a library page throughout her high school career. She is no stranger to words; Scalera is at work on a third novel. In addition, her poetry took her to the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop in Ohio, and she is the recipient of the CHS Joe Potts Award for excellence in poetry. She served as editor of school literary magazine "Guildscript" and was active in numerous CHS writing groups.

With numerous friends and family members in attendance, Arena and Scalera accepted certificates and a standing ovation.