NAWC NEW JERSEY CHAPTER AWARDS $10,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS STUDYING FIELDS RELATED TO NATION’S TOP WATER CHALLENGES

ISELIN - The New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 scholarship awards, totaling $10,000. These scholarships are awarded to two exceptional high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills and a keen interest in the water industry.

The first scholarship recipient is Applied Technology High School's Thomas Carlton from Waldwick, NJ. Thomas will be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rowan University. His passion for designing water pumping systems and hydraulic energy production using water turbines has been evident throughout his high school career. An Eagle Scout and President of the Technology Association, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical skills. His involvement in Project Invent, where teams use engineering to help a community in need, led his team to win an award for developing a rover designed to assist in ice rescues. His achievements have been recognized by the Bergen Record and the Pascack Valley Daily Voice.

The second recipient is South Plainfield High School's Pari Patel. Pari will be attending Rutgers University, where she plans to major in Biology with a focus on human health. Pari has shown a deep concern for climate change, participating in the New Jersey Student Climate Challenge, where her team was awarded the Governor's Excellence Award for Environmentalism. Her interest in the water industry is closely tied to her future career in biology and human health, making her an exemplary candidate for this scholarship. Her accomplishments have been recognized by the South Plainfield Observer and TapInto South Plainfield.

The New Jersey Chapter of NAWC awards Pari Patel [left middle] and Thomas Carlton [right middle] with their scholarship checks

"We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding students as they pursue their academic and professional goals," said Middlesex Water Company Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and NAWC-NJ Chapter Chair Jay Kooper. "Their passion for innovation and commitment to addressing critical issues like water sustainability and climate change is exactly what our industry needs. We look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish in the future."

For more information on the scholarship and to learn how to apply for next year, visit the NJ Chapter page at www.nawc.org. To learn more about careers or internships in water, contact your local NAWC member company.