Special Ed Advocacy Group Awards First Scholarship To Chatham Senior

CHATHAM, NJ — The Chatham Special Education Parents Advisory Group (SEPAG) presented its first scholarship to a Chatham High School senior in recognition of his achievements this past year.

Luca Gianusso, who will attend Drew University and receive a Presidential scholarship to study cybersecurity, was presented with a $500 check on May 31 at the CHS Senior Awards Ceremony.

“Chatham SEPAG is proud to be able to award our first scholarship to Luca in recognition of his hard work and perseverance,” SEPAG Scholarship chair Marlene McGuire said. “Our scholarship committee received applications from many deserving CHS students. We want them to know that in awarding Luca this inaugural scholarship, we are honoring each of them, too.”

A SEPAG is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services.

The group allows parents to provide direct input to their school district on policies, programs, practices, and services affecting students with disabilities and their families.

An effective SEPAG is tasked with increasing family involvement by inviting feedback that can be used to shape local special education policy.

The Chatham SEPAG scholarship program was created to recognize and support the community's special education students.

“Nearly 20 percent of Chatham’s students have special education status. We want students to know that despite their challenges, we recognize their achievements and support them as they move on to college or into vocational careers,” McGuire said.

The Chatham SEPAG Scholarship Committee stated that they intend to award additional scholarships in the future and will continue to raise funds.