NHF scholarships give 34 college students a leg up

Norwalk High School graduate and Sacred Heart University junior Marie Antoine will be the first to tell you that room and board costs for college aren't inexpensive.

But as Antoine transitions into her third year at the university, paying for a room on campus is one stress she won't have to worry about.

The social work major and Norwalk resident was one of 34 students who received a scholarship last Thursday during the Norwalk Housing Foundation's College Scholarship Awards ceremony. The ceremony -- the foundation's 13th -- took place at Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

A committee that comprised local business leaders and educators reviewed applications, interviewed candidates and presented awards, which are made possible through donations made to the Norwalk Housing Foundation.

"Now I don't have to take out all these loans," Antoine said. "I'm very grateful for this."

Antoine said she has always loved volunteer work and helping others.

Now that she's learned more about the ways in which poverty affects society, she said she may consider traveling abroad to combat injustices in the world.

"I've gotten to do so much at Sacred Heart," Antoine said. She added that she even spent a season on the rowing team. "I've learned a lot about myself. I think I've grown up."

Antoine, a previous recipient of an NHF scholarship, said being able to live on campus afforded her social opportunities she wouldn't have otherwise experienced.

"It got me out of my comfort zone," she said. "I got a change to hang out with people that I wouldn't have hung out with. I got the experience of living on a college campus."

"After everyone went home or was on the basketball team, I was in the library," scholarship winner Jersson Baker, a Norwalk Community College student, said of his academic success.

"We need to have the stick-to-it-ness to gain our education," guest speaker Rev. Daniel Hickman told the 34 scholarship winners. Hickman currently works as a resource officer for Trinity High School of Stamford and is a pastor of Community Baptist Church in New Canaan. He is also an NCC grad.

"Have the courage to stand by your convictions," Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia told the scholarship winners, adding that he was impressed by the list of colleges they will be attending. "And give back to your community."

"When you want to think about how we can be successful in the 21st century," state Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said, "the keys to the kingdom really lie in education."

"A college education is necessary to compete successfully in Fairfield County job markets," Harry Carey, chairman of the NHF College Scholarship Awards Committee, said in a statement. "More public housing youth understand this and are committed to the college track. Now we need to step up to the plate with funding to support these goals. We are still collecting funds. Every dollar counts because many of these students cannot qualify in these tight money markets for large enough loans so that they can go to college, and tuition keeps going up.

"Norwalk Housing Authority has been actively promoting the value of education at all levels from elementary school through college with its five free learning centers and special language arts and math literacy programs," he said. "Now, it's all come together in an amazing group of candidates."

All donations to the Norwalk Housing Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)3 organization, are tax deductible. The scholarship program has received a National Award of Excellence for Innovation from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.

"The NHF College Scholarship students have few places to turn for support. The NHF Scholarships are for many the critical factor that decides whether they will be able to attend college. This could be heartbreaking for those who have been dreaming of and put so much effort into achieving a college education if they could not afford to go," said Curtis O. Law, executive director of Norwalk Housing Authority, in a statement. Curtis, who launched the program 13 years ago, added, "Helping these students become part of this city's educated workforce helps all of Norwalk. Families and the community will benefit for generations. The importance of these scholarships long term and short term can't be underestimated."

For information, visit www.norwalkha.org.