Vernon grad wins nursing scholarship award

vernon — Kristen Tandberg, a graduate of Vernon High School and a former volunteer at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital, was among the 12 recipients of the 2005 Dr. Anthony J. Addeo Nursing Scholarship Awards. Presentation of $1,000 cash awards to the 11 women and one man, who are pursuing nursing careers, was the highlight of the 20th annual awards ceremony held August 12 at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital. The annual ceremony honors the memory of Dr. Anthony J. Addeo, a physician who practiced at the hospital for 12 years and deeply respected nurses and the nursing profession. They will use the $1,000 scholarship awards to defray tuition expenses, purchase books or meet other school-related expenses. "This award helps me tremendously, "commented Addeo scholar Lisa Garcia, who works full-time, cares for three children and is studying for an Associate's degree at Passaic County Community College, where she attends classes five nights a week. "My ultimate goal is to be a nurse practitioner," she added, "and I am determined to complete my Associate's degree and then pursue my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in nursing." Since their inception 20 years ago, Addeo scholarships have been presented to 156 men and women, said Yolanda Simonelli, vice chair of the St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital Foundation, who, with her late husband, Michael Simonelli, established and endowed the scholarship to honor Dr. Addeo's memory. "This scholarship gives us the opportunity to remember and honor both of them and enable young people to achieve their dreams," Mrs. Simonelli added.