Community Service

2017 KARL GABRIEL SCHOLARSHIPS

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JUNE 6, 2017 The Karl Gabriel Scholarship, named for our beloved “Treasurer for Life,” bestowed annually through the Community Chest of the Commonwealth Club, was awarded to Samantha Rego and Nathan Farrell, seniors at Montclair High. Samantha is going to attend Georgetown University, while Nathan is staying closer to home and going to Columbia.

Here are some excerpts from interviews I conducted via email with both award winners:

Samantha: Living in Montclair has taught me the value of diversity and being exposed to people from different backgrounds with different beliefs. There is a lot you can learn by surrounding yourself with people who have different perspectives from you. I learned to question, not blindly accept and thereby be limited by the views of my political party, family, religion, or community. I have had to identify and advocate for my own values in times of disagreement, which has helped me grow and learn more about myself.

I chose Georgetown because people there share many of the same values that I do. Georgetown encourages their students to use their education to serve others, especially the most disadvantaged members of a community. The education they provide serves a greater purpose than aiding in getting a job that will make you a lot of money. They also value diversity, encouraging students to study a variety of subjects outside of their comfort zone and bringing together students from many different backgrounds. I plan on majoring in biology so their position as a top research institution also influenced my decision. I am considering pursuing a career in research following graduation since there is still so much we do not know about biology, possibly in the healthcare field to hopefully improve the quality of life for people suffering from debilitating diseases around the world. 

I play field hockey and softball. I like to read in my free time, mostly fiction books. I like watching Yankees games and I grew up listening to the Beatles.

Nathan: My experience with Montclair has made me someone who has been exposed to a lot of different backgrounds, and this has made me more empathetic toward people of different walks of life. Being from a highly developed suburb with such close proximity to New York has also allowed me to receive an in depth education from true experts, as well as an understanding of the privilege I have had in growing up and developing here. I like to sing and play saxophone.

I decided on Columbia because as someone who is extremely dedicated to growing as a musician and scientist, I needed to find a place that could offer great opportunities in both areas. The music scene in New York is unmatched anywhere else in the world and the opportunities available for musicians and science majors at Columbia are also very appealing. 

My major is tentatively chemistry but I intend on studying music and political science as well. I’m not sure what specifically I plan to after college but I know I will always be involved in music in addition to potentially pursuing medical school or chemical research.

Club Supports Lamp for Haiti Fund-Raiser

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On Nov. 7, the club was honored to host the Second Annual Lamp for Haiti Reception. Under the direction of Lamp for Haiti founder Dr. James Morgan of Montclair, the Lamp for Haiti Health Center has provided health care, education and nutrition assistance in Cite Soleil, a congested urban area with more than 200,000 residents that’s among the most impoverished communities in the Western Hemisphere. “We were delighted by the turnout, and just as important, the chance to deliver the message of the Lamp’s mission to many friends, new and old alike,” Dr. Morgan said. “And we thank the Commonwealth Club for their generous hospitality.”

The Commonwealth Club’s support of the Lamp began after a devastating earthquake rocked the island in January 2010. Members and their families gathered first aid supplies and contributed financially to relief efforts. Luckily, Dr. Morgan had seen the need for a community clinic in Haiti and established one there several years before the earthquake struck.

An enthusiastic and large turnout at the Lamp’s reception was treated to Haitian music and had the chance to purchase Haitian jewelry, art and gifts. 100% of all proceeds went to the Lamp clinic. To hear a thought-provoking interview Dr. Morgan did recently with WBEZ public radio in Chicago, click here.

MHS Students Receive Annual Commonwealth Club Scholarships – 2014

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During ceremonies at the end of the school year, the Commonwealth Club’s annual Karl Gabriel Memorial Scholarship grants were presented to two outstanding Montclair High School 2014 graduates, Fiona Mulroe, now a first-year student at Catholic University, and Gerard Brown, a freshman at Ursinus College.

“We are thrilled to recognize Fiona and Gerard for their accomplishments and contributions to Montclair High School and to the community at large,” said Kevin Murphy, president of the Commonwealth Club. “We wish them both all the best as they continue their education and take on leadership roles in the community.”

Scholarships named for Karl Gabriel, who served 4 years as a trustee and 17 as club’s treasurer

The Commonwealth Club Karl Gabriel Memorial Scholarships — $500 grants given annually to a female and male senior — pay special tribute to concerned young adults whose academic achievement, community spirit and actions inspire others. The scholarships are named for the late long-time treasurer of the club. Founded in 1904, the Commonwealth is one of the oldest social clubs in New Jersey.

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Fiona Mulroe combined volunteerism with athletics to fashion a stellar career at MHS.

Fiona said she plans on majoring in nursing. At the high school she was a member of the Writers’ Room Club, in which peers help edit younger students’ writing, and of the Save Darfur Club. Fiona served as a nursing unit volunteer the past two summers at a local hospital. During her four years at the high school, she was a member of the swim team. In the second term of her senior year, she opted to work as a volunteer in Toni’s Soup Kitchen.In answer to a question about her proudest high school memories, Fiona said, “I’d say how I was able to incorporate academics, sports, service and clubs in my high school experience successfully, and how I took advantage of all the great opportunities MHS offered me.”

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MHS lacrosse team Captain Gerard Brown, No. 5 at center, is flanked by youth lacrosse players.

Gerard said he’s considering a major in TV broadcasting and minors in social justice and business. He captained the MHS lacrosse team as a senior and was named 2nd team all-state and first team all-conference. He was a member of the school’s two state championship football teams. He also participated for three years in the Center for Social Justice, where, he said, fellow members tackled racism, sexism, ageism and other forms of discrimination. When asked to name his proudest achievement, Brown pointed to his academic career and being selected to the National Honor Society.