Thomas Licato Awarded Scholarship

South Plainfield, NJ- The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools in North Jersey has awarded Thomas Licato of South Plainfield High School with the Connections for the Future Scholarship to support his pursuit of a higher education and career training after graduation.

Each year, the Alliance provides two different scholarship programs to graduating high school students with disabilities who have demonstrated their strong commitment to advancing their potential through higher learning in post-secondary education and/or career training opportunities. After reviewing scores of applications, the Alliance has selected Thomas Licato as one of three winners of the Connections for the Future Scholarship.

Thomas’s application included letters of recommendation from Ronnie Spring, Principal and Mylissa Bauman, School Counselor, both from South Plainfield High School. Thomas has also been recommended by Faith Rice, Executive Director at the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome, for his advocacy work in which he engaged as a presenter to Yale University and other area hospitals. Thomas plans to become a music therapist for people with disabilities and has also provided a long list of accomplishments, successes, and challenges he was able to overcome. The application demonstrated diligence, self-motivation, compassion and perseverance with which Thomas moves forward every day despite challenges.

“With each year, the scholarship applications we receive increase in number, making it harder to choose from so many motivated and talented young students,” said Diane Somers, the scholarship chairperson. “This year, Thomas’s application was exceptional in all areas of achievements, community service, accomplishments, citizenship and future goals.”

Thomas will receive $500.00 to continue moving toward his bright future. This marks the 5th consecutive year that the Alliance has been offering annual student scholarships.

ABOUT: The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools in North Jersey is a member- based organization of more than 35 state-approved private special education schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Somerset, Sussex Passaic, and Warren Counties. Based in Montville, NJ, the Alliance provides important resources and information for parents, educators, professionals and others who are interested in helping students receive the special education services he or she needs. To learn more, go to: specialeducationalliancenj.org or call 973-407-0596.