Main Engine Start, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting student interest and proficiency in science and engineering, has awarded the “Christopher John Stupak Scholarship for the Next Generation of Elementary School Science Teachers” to three Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) graduates.
The scholarship recipients are Ashley Carosella from Flemington, Alexa Tozzi from Bridgewater, and Kelly Zona from Hillsborough. These students are senior Elementary Education majors at Centenary University who previously earned their associate of arts degrees in education at RVCC. Each student received a $6,000 scholarship to support their full-time, unpaid student-teaching experiences during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Named in memory of an outstanding 5th and 6th-grade teacher, the Christopher John Stupak Scholarship is intended for passionate student-teachers committed to making science engaging and accessible in the classroom.
Peter Stupak, founder and president of Main Engine Start and brother of the late Christopher Stupak, praised the scholarship recipients. “These exceptional young educators epitomize the mission of Main Engine Start and the ethos of Christopher Stupak,” he said. “They have not only exhibited a grasp of science but also a commitment to dispelling the apprehension often associated with it. They are devoted to cultivating an environment where curiosity and exploration are encouraged, transforming science into a voyage of discovery rather than a source of intimidation.”
Kathryn Suk, professor and coordinator of education programs at RVCC, expressed confidence in the scholarship recipients. “These students have set themselves apart with their commitment and innovative teaching methods. I have no doubt that they will excel in their student-teaching assignments and go on to become impactful professional teachers, successfully instilling a love of science in their future students,” she said.
Alexa Tozzi will begin her full-time classroom student-teaching in fall 2024. Ashley Carosella and Kelly Zona will start part-time student-teaching in fall 2024 before transitioning to full-time roles in spring 2025. Recognized for their academic excellence, innovative hands-on teaching methods, and dedication to fostering a love for science among young learners early in their academic journey, all three scholarship recipients are poised to make significant contributions.
“As we bestow these scholarships, we also celebrate the commencement of these future educators’ voyage towards influencing the next generation of scientists and engineers,” Peter Stupak continued. “They have already demonstrated prowess in their field, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing how their approach will inspire a new cohort of students to embrace science fearlessly.”
For more information about Main Engine Start and the Christopher John Stupak Scholarship, visit www.mainenginestart.org.
Photo caption: Recipients of the second annual “Christopher John Stupak Scholarship for the Next Generation of Elementary School Science Teachers” from left: Kelly Zona (Hillsborough), Alexa Tozzi (Bridgewater), Ashley Carosella (Flemington).
