Five Girl Scouts from Essex and Hudson counties receive scholarships to support their continued education

Press Contact:
Debra Rutt
Director, Marketing & Communications
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
drutt@gshnj.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Celebrates 2026 William and Ida M. Kiefer Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Five Girl Scouts from Essex and Hudson counties receive scholarships to support their continued education

Westfield, NJ (August 14, 2026) — Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 William and Ida M. Kiefer Memorial Scholarships, recognizing five outstanding Girl Scouts from Essex and Hudson counties as they take the next step in their educational journeys.

This year, a total of $17,209 was awarded to the five recipients, with individual scholarships ranging from $2,300 to $4,700.

The William and Ida M. Kiefer Trust provides annual scholarships for deserving students in Essex and Hudson counties who wish to further their post-high school education, whether at a trade school, two-year college, or four-year university. Recipients are selected based on a combination of academic achievement, community service, Girl Scout involvement, extracurricular participation, and financial need.

2026 Kiefer Scholarship Recipients:

Elena-Michelle Allen, Troop 12004, Jersey City, Saint Peter’s University

Nariya Bohn, Troop 12026, Jersey City, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Sofia Kopytek, Troop 20299 , Maplewood, Boston University

Vega Sarma, Troop 12946, Weehawken, Syracuse University

Isabella Veras, Troop 12882, Weehawken, Loyola University Maryland

“Each of these Girl Scouts has demonstrated a commitment to learning, serving others, and creating a meaningful future for themselves and their communities,” said Lynn Earle. Member Of The Kiefer Scholarship Review Committee. “As they begin this exciting next chapter, we are proud to celebrate all they have accomplished and honored to support them as they continue their education. We know the confidence, leadership, and determination they have developed through Girl Scouting will continue to serve them wherever their paths lead.”

Through opportunities that encourage leadership, service, exploration, and personal growth, Girl Scouts helps young people build the skills and confidence to pursue their goals and make a difference in their communities. The Kiefer Trust Scholarships extend that support as recipients move beyond high school and continue building toward their futures.

Ready to start your Girl Scout journey? Girl Scouting provides young people with the skills necessary to navigate life with purpose and joy by offering unique experiences and the support they need to discover their interests, build self-confidence, and become agents of change as global citizens. Life Ready—for today and tomorrow. Learn more by visiting our website.

About Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) believes in the power of every girl. Our leadership program is designed to help girls discover who they are, what they can do, and connect with a powerful community of girls and mentors to make it happen. With unique opportunities, Girl Scouts explore, learn, succeed, and take action to make a difference in their community. Providing over 13,000 girls from kindergarten through 12th grade access to leadership programs and mentors throughout Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, southern Warren, and parts of Middlesex counties, GSHNJ offers girls a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership. GSHNJ operates two service centers located in North Branch and Westfield and the Girl Scout Leadership Center in Newark as well as three camp locations: Camp Hoover in Middleville, N.J., Camp DeWitt in Hillsborough, N.J., and The OVAL in Maplewood, N.J. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, please visit www.gshnj.org.

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August 13, 2026