RFH Student Receives Scholarship at Student Leadership Awards

The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) awarded a $2,000 scholarship to 25 high school seniors in the state. Matthew Kurtas, a graduate from the Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) , was one of those chosen.

“Selecting winners from over 150 applicants was indeed a difficult task,” said Ashley Walulak, the chair of the NJPSA’s Student Leadership Committee. “Each applicant had impeccable credentials and serves as a role model for all New Jersey students.”

 The Student Leadership Awards are presented as part of a state recognition program. A scholarship luncheon was held at the NJPSA headquarters in Monroe Township where Kurtas received a plaque and his scholarship. NJPSA is the largest statewide education organization for school administrators in New Jersey, representing more than 7,400 members. 

 Kurtas is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the New Jersey Science League and volunteers for a number of important causes including Hoops for Autism, Broadway Care and others. He will attend Cornell in the Fall.

 All secondary school principals in New Jersey were invited to submit the name of a high school senior who demonstrated leadership by participation in co-curricular activities other than athletics. Applicants are required to submit a one-page essay about the importance of student involvement in school activities, as well as a resume and letters of recommendation.

Although Kurtas' resume is shinning, it is his personal life that makes him a true role model. Kurtas suffered from a stroke in the middle of his senior year. He went through rehabilitation, continued his classes from home and still graduated at the top of his class. Kurtas was given the honor of co-valedictorian for the .

When asked what valedictorian meant to him, Kurtas said, "Being valedictorian to me is about facing the challenges dealt to you and fighting back in the face of adversity." Check out the video attached to this article to watch Kurtas give his valedictorian speech at the RFH 2011 graduation ceremony.