Michael H. Goldwasser Scholarship

Claire Kolakowski

  Claire Kolakowski, from Colts Neck High School, will be attending Rutgers University, New Brunswick, as a Music Education and Clarinet Performance major.  Her school band participation includes 4 years in Concert Band, Marching Band (Woodwind Captain and Drum Major), and Jazz Band (President). The Cougar Theater Company was another place Claire enjoyed making music at CHS.
By audition, Claire was accepted to New Jersey Music Educators Association Bands, the All-Shore Band Directors Association Bands, and the Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band. She has had the opportunity to gain more experience by performing with the Colts Neck Community Band and with musicians from the Asbury Park Musicians Union Local 399. She also had the honor of winning the NJ State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition this year. Aside from her success in music, Claire was elected to the Science National Honor Society and was a member of the Model UN.  Wanting to be of help to others, she volunteered for "Be the Change", St. Mary's Food Drive, and Save the Orphans.

One of Claire's teachers said, "Her innate musical abilities, combined with her unwavering work ethic and commitment to music, make her the ideal candidate for your scholarship".

Leah Trezza

Leah Trezza, from Marlboro High School, will be attending Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, as a Music Education major.  A well rounded musician, Leah started on the piano at age five, and the clarinet in grade four, making music a part of her life ever since.  She has been a member of her school's Concert Band, Marching Band (Drum Major), Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra for her 4 years at MHS. In her senior year, she was a member of the MHS Wind Ensemble and MHS Chorus.  Always looking to expand her knowledge in instrumental music, Leah went beyond her primary instrument of clarinet to learn other woodwinds, the bassoon being her latest.  She worked diligently to be up to the level needed to fill the missing spot in the bassoon section of the school band. Leah gained more experience as a musician by successfully auditioning for the Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band and with her participation in the New Jersey State Youth Orchestra.

For the past four years, Leah has been a Teen Assistant for St. Gabriel's Church CCD program, giving her the opportunity to learn how to work with young people,  an experience that will benefit her as a future music educator.

Leah has been described as a student who "constantly goes above and beyond with academics, extracurriculars, and building character..." and one who is "a well deserving candidate and is most dedicated to music".