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June 7, 2002
Two highly worthy recipients received the first Paul Jurgens Scholarships at
ceremonies held at Division Avenue High School in Levittown. The scholarships
were provided by the Paul Jurgens Foundation, which was established earlier this
year in memory of the heroism and dedication of Officer Paul Jurgens of the Port
Authority of NY/NJ Police Department. Paul, a Levittown resident was one of the
37 officers of the PAPD who fell on September 11 while saving others at the
World Trade Center.
The scholarships were presented by Maria Jurgens, the widow of Paul Jurgens and
the Chairwoman and Maria Liotta, Secretary, both of the Paul Jurgens Foundation . Also
present at the ceremony were other Foundation officers including: Tony Liotta,
President, and Maryann DeBenedetto, Treasurer.
The winners, Rob Richards and Meagan Cooley, were selected by a committee made
up of teachers from the Division Avenue High School and Board Members of the
Paul Jurgens Foundation. Both were selected based on their potential for
emulating the principles displayed by Paul Jurgens. During their interviews, both
showed themselves to be selfless and hard working individuals.
The selection process required that all potential recipients write an essay on
Humanitarianism. This process produced several worthy candidates who were then
interviewed by the selection committee. Though it was intended that only one
scholarship be presented, the committee determined that both individuals should
receive awards.
Rob will attend Villanova University and Meagan will begin the SUNY at Albany in September. The Paul Jurgens Foundation wishes them well in their pursuit of excellence.
The Paul Jurgens Foundation, Inc. is a NY State charitable organization that has been organized and chartered to perform services that Paul himself would like to have done had he the resources. Being considered as Foundation sponsored programs are: scholarships, sponsorship of children’s athletic programs, and contributions to other charitable organizations.
The source of funding for the Foundation is through fundraising activities and the generosity of those who can contribute.
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