Friday, Sep 27, 2013
New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Jonathan Bowker ’15 was among 10 recipients of the second annual New Jersey Heroes Heart of a Hero Scholarship.
by Sean Ramsden
New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Jonathan Bowker ’15 was among 10 recipients of the second annual New Jersey Heroes Heart of a Hero Scholarship, as announced by New Jersey’s first lady, Mary Pat Christie. Each award recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship award to help pursue a post-secondary education or vocational training. Funding for the program was provided by Wal-Mart, which donated $50,000 to assist New Jersey’s military service members in making their higher education and career goals a reality.
“Our courageous military service members and veterans have sacrificed so much to protect freedom and democracy,” said Christie, the wife of Gov. Chris Christie. “I’m honored that through our partnership with Wal-Mart, New Jersey Heroes is once again able to provide Heart of a Hero educational scholarships to these 10 deserving servicemen and women to pursue their desired career paths. The governor and I offer our congratulations and heartfelt thanks for their commitment and service to our state and nation.”
Bowker, a resident of Cranbury, N.J., is a junior Advertising major attending school through Rider’s College of Continuing Studies. He joined the Cranbury Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16, and has served his hometown for the past 9 years.
To be considered for the Heart of a Hero Scholarship, applicants were required to be a United States citizen and New Jersey resident; be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency diploma (GED); have served in the military; submit a letter stating goals and how the scholarship will be used; enroll as a student at an accredited college/university or a vocational training school in pursuit of a degree for the 2013-14 school year; and demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and community contribution, in the spirit of New Jersey Heroes.
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to newjerseyheroes.org and follow the application instructions to submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.