Five NJ Students Win $1,000 Scholarships for Leadership

Five high school seniors in Burlington County are starting their college journeys with more than just diplomas. They're carrying $1,000 scholarships that honor their leadership, service, and dreams of making a difference.

The Burlington County Commissioners and Women's Advisory Council celebrated Delores King, Sydney Robateau, Ayanna Wilkins, Nylah Settle, and Rayna Staley at a reception Tuesday in Mount Holly. Each student earned recognition not just for stellar grades, but for going above and beyond in their communities.

Delores King from Pemberton Township achieved Eagle Scout rank while serving as Executive Officer in her school's Army JROTC program. She's headed to Rider University to study biochemistry, with plans to develop new medications and vaccines for the U.S. Army.

Sydney Robateau, inspired by watching the movie Outbreak as a kid, will study virology and immunology at Penn State. The Rancocas Valley senior has already logged volunteer hours at Virtua Memorial Hospital and led blood drives as National Honor Society chair.

Nylah Settle from Burlington County Institute of Technology won the Virtua Health scholarship for her healthcare career aspirations. Ayanna Wilkins from Moorestown earned the STEM Innovation award for her plans in science and technology, while Delran's Rayna Staley received the Future Entrepreneur scholarship for her business ambitions.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships represent more than financial support. They're backed by partnerships between county government, Virtua Health, Remington & Vernick Engineers, and the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, all investing in the next generation of women leaders.

"We have a responsibility to serve as mentors and role models," said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. The Women's Advisory Council specifically works to identify issues impacting women and enhance their quality of life across the county.

All five recipients share remarkable records of volunteer service, from building benches for historic trusts to organizing food drives and supporting local animal shelters. Their achievements in and out of the classroom show leadership that's already making their communities better.

These young women prove that the future is in capable, caring hands.