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.”
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.
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.”
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.