Hillsdale Teen Awarded County Five Star Award

HILLSDALE, NJ – A junior at Pascack Valley High School was recently recognized for her efforts to help animals in need.

Julia Scozzafava, an 11th grade honor roll student, was presented with the Five Star Student Award, an accolade from Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan for achievements made by local students.

Scozzafava, a Girl Scout and aspiring veterinarian, was honored “for her goals set towards earning her Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards,” as well as “her time and dedication given to animal shelters in need,” the clerk’s office said.

The teen's efforts included bake sale fundraisers to help purchase the materials needed to sew pet beds that were donated to shelters around the county, the clerk's office said.

Scozzafava also hosted a Dog Show in Hillsdale to raise awareness on the issue of overpopulation in animal shelters. According to the clerk's office, thanks to her collaboration with Peace4Paws, a few dogs were adopted that day.

The Five Star Student Award, which was launched last year, aims to "reward students who continually strive to learn and better themselves within their communities in some unique fashion," Hogan said.

Scozzafava received a certificate of recognition and a $500 check from the John S. Hogan Foundation for her volunteer work, the clerk's office said.