Senior Victoria Gramlich has been recently awarded the Stephen G. Pereira Scholarship from Hackensack University Medical Center.

While applying for the scholarship in March, Victoria had to fill out an application that required her to answer questions about her grades, extracurricular activities and why she deserves the grant. The senior also asked one of her teachers, Italian Instructor Mrs. Bonanno, to write her a recommendation letter.

As Mrs. Bonanno stated, “I described her personality as sweet, reliable and extremely responsible. I continued to note all the good qualities she has such as her great work ethic, the fact that she is an awesome team player and how much everyone admires her and loves her.”

During the reception, each of the ten winners received his or her scholarship named after the Hackensack UMC doctor that granted it. Victoria’s scholarship of $3,000 was given by a laparoscopic and robotic surgeon, Dr. Stephen G. Pereira. At the reception, the doctor, also known as the chief of gastrointestinal surgery, gave her a standing ovation and commended her on her volunteer work at the hospital and at the Comfort Zone Camp, which is a bereavement camp for children that have tragically lost family members.

“It was such an honor to gain recognition for both my hard work and for my mother who works at Hackensack Hospital. I was absolutely ecstatic to see my mom so proud of me. It was truly a phenomenal experience,” said the honor student.

With plans to attend Drew University in the fall, Victoria intends to use the scholarship money to pursue a double major in political science and Italian studies along with a minor in women’s and gender studies. She also would like to continue her education at law school to become a civil rights attorney.