Gov. Livingston Student Receives Junior League of Summit Scholarship

Two students, Emily Beisser of and Kathleen O’Neil Cordrey of Oak Knoll School, have been selected this year for the Junior League of Summit’s $2,500 Shirley Wight Keeney Scholarships. 

The scholarship’s namesake, Shirley Wight Keeney, was a beloved member of the Junior League of Summit. Keeney was an active volunteer and truly demonstrated the League’s Mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership. During her tenure as the President of the Junior League of Summit from 1953-1955, Keeney led the League as it established the Summit Child Care Center (now the Learning Circle). She served as Executive Secretary for the League for over 25 years and worked in the Second Time Around Thrift Shop up until her passing in April 2010.  

Both Emily Beisser and Kathleen O’Neil Cordrey excelled in their academic studies and made significant contributions to the community, exemplifying Keeney’s commitment to voluntarism.

Of note, Beisser founded the program Get SETT, Get Self Esteem Through Talk, for underprivileged tweens to help them gain self-confidence and self respect.  She also assists in Special Olympics and serves as a Church Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and films her church service for the housebound.  She is involved with Pennies for Peace, which raises funds to purchase educational supplies and build schools for children in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Beisser will be attending Bucknell University this fall.

Cordrey spent ten weeks at an orphanage in Nepal last summer, where she taught first graders.  She also has worked on Operation Smile for past five years, including a two-week trip to India teaching people about oral health.  She also is involved in Special Olympics and has volunteered at a charter school in Newark.  She is the peer leader head coordinator and is involved in the Red Cross club.  Cordrey will be attending Princeton University this fall. 

“Emily and Kathleen truly emulate Shirley Wight Keeney’s commitment to voluntarism and the Mission of the Junior League,” said JLS President Heather Speas, “We are pleased to be able to award their service and dedication to our local community.”

In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must live in the Junior League of Summit service area (Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit), rank in the top 1/3 of their academic class, and plan to continue their education at an accredited four-year or two-year college.

The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to obtain a grant application, please visit the website at www.jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349.