1. Janae Barnes – Union County Vocational-Technical School
Janae Barnes, a graduating senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (UCVTS), has received the Marie Leppert Scholarship, honoring students who, like Marie, are deeply committed to community service. Janae is president and co-founder of the Black Student Union at UCVTS, a cadet EMT with the South Plainfield Rescue Squad, president of her church youth group, and a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies. Janae is constantly looking to volunteer. “There is always more to be given back to the people I love to serve.” Janae will attend Rutgers University to study nursing.
2. Thomas “Mac” Bastable – Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
SPFHS Senior Mac Bastable has demonstrated that student leadership can shine as brightly behind the scenes as it does on stage. Class Salutatorian and four-year member of the repertory theatre, Mac balanced academics, the arts, and public service. During his junior year, Mac earned a student seat on the Board of Education to serve as a voice for his peers. “My role is to bring a student perspective,” Mac shared, an opportunity that has taught him about the effort required for meaningful change. Mac looks forward to new opportunities as he heads to Boston College in the fall.
3. Robert “Bobby” Christensen – St. Joseph Preparatory High School
For Scotch Plains resident Bobby Christensen, the baseball field is more than wins or losses, it’s about finding his identity. A student athlete at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, Bobby’s discipline on and off the field helped him excel in both academics and athletics. This discipline helped him lead his beloved Falcons to a hard-earned County Championship, capping off his senior year. St. Joes’ close-knit community played a major role in Bobby’s success. “They really support you as a student and as a person,” Bobby said. As he heads north to Massachusetts to play baseball at Babson College, Bobby leaves St. Joe's grateful for the mentorship that has shaped him into the person he is today.
4. Ava Greten – Terrill Middle School
When given the choice between softball and baseball, Ava Greten chose baseball–and earned her spot as the only girl on the 10u Select Raider baseball team. With a goal of being the first female NY Yankee, Ava also plays for the Cyclones, a competitive club team in NJ. Aware her capabilities are sometimes doubted by opposing teams and spectators, Ava doesn’t let negativity affect her. “I don't let it bother me, I just keep playing.” Confident and composed beyond her thirteen years, Ava has advice for other girls following a similar path: “Do it, and don’t be scared; there's always someone telling you not to do it, but if it makes you happy, do it anyway.”
5. Sabrina Hackett, Union Catholic High School
Inspired by her father and early sport experiences, Sabrina Hackett developed a strong work ethic that evolved from a habit to a mindset that would carry her through academics and extracurriculars at Union Catholic HS. Sabrina knows success requires consistent effort. “Hard work is something you have to keep doing over and over again to make it become second nature,” she says. Her dedication paid off, earning her the title of Valedictorian and an opportunity to address her classmates at graduation. Quoting Socrates Sabrina demonstrates humility to her peers: “I know that I know nothing,” encouraging a lifelong journey of learning. Sabrina will do just that as she heads to Lafayette College as an Economics major.
6. Marin Pecarsky – Scotch Plains City Lifestyle Intern and Contributing Writer
Marin Pecarsky is a proud 2025 graduate of Scotch Plains Fanwood High School. Four-year varsity basketball starter, two-year varsity basketball captain, co-founder of the SPFHS flag football team and member of the National and French Honor Societies, Marin is the epitome of a well-rounded young leader. Her talents as Copy Editor of the 2025 Yearbook earned her the coveted role of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle intern for her senior project. Marin is kind, confident, funny and a joy to be around. We are grateful for her time and wish her the best of luck as she heads to the University of Maryland this fall.