Three Centenary University Students Awarded Scholarships for Advancing Elementary Science Education

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, July 15, 2025—Three Centenary University rising seniors—Jennifer Monteiro of Whitehouse Station, Samantha Parlato of Kingwood Township, and Emily Weed of Annandale—have been awarded the third annual Christopher John Stupak Scholarship for the Next Generation of Elementary School Science Teachers. The three elementary education majors were each presented with a $6000 scholarship to support their upcoming full-time, unpaid student-teaching experiences during the spring 2026 semester.

Established in memory of the late Christopher John Stupak, a beloved and award-winning fifth and sixth grade science teacher, the scholarships recognize students who are committed to making science an engaging, inclusive, and fear-free subject for young learners. The awards were presented through Main Engine Start, a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to igniting student interest and aptitude in science and engineering. In just three years, Main Engine Start has now exceeded $50,000 in total scholarship awards, advancing its mission to empower the next generation of science educators.

“These outstanding future teachers truly embody the spirit of Main Engine Start and the legacy of my brother, Christopher,” said Peter Stupak, founder and president of the nonprofit. “They combine academic strength with a genuine commitment to helping children experience science as a thrilling adventure, rather than an intimidating subject. Their passion is contagious.”

The three Centenary scholarship recipients are all graduates of the Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Associate of Arts in Education program and will begin their full-time student teaching placements in elementary classrooms in spring 2026. Centenary University is a highly-respected resource for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in education, and also offers a host of certifications for working teachers.

Centenary University Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor Lexis McCoy, Ed.D., noted the strength of the University's partnership with RVCC as a key driver in the success of graduates. “We are incredibly proud of these students and the stellar reputation our teacher preparation programs have earned throughout the state,” said Dr. McCoy. “We are very grateful for Main Engine Start, as well as dedicated professors like Professor Jacqueline Arturi, director of the RVCC Partnership/School of Education and Humanities, for continuing to foster extraordinary educational opportunities that support our students.”

Stupak added that the scholarships seek to support educators who actively foster future careers in science and engineering: “As we award these scholarships, we’re also witnessing the beginning of three meaningful journeys. These educators are ready to change lives—and in doing so, they will help build the next generation of scientists and engineers, one inspired child at a time.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

ABOUT MAIN ENGINE START

Established by Peter Stupak, Main Engine Start is a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey dedicated to assisting students of all ages in discovering their aptitude and passion for science and engineering through hands-on projects. Additionally, the organization offers financial assistance to aspiring educators through the Christopher John Stupak Scholarship, ensuring more science-capable teachers can enter the classroom and inspire future generations.