There were 29 applicants submitted for this year’s Duke Ellington Scholarship competition.  All great, deserving students, but unfortunately, only one can win.  We are pleased to announce that  the judging committee awarded this year’s $2500 Scholarship to Jordan Roman of Bethlehem, PA., a senior at Liberty High School, Bethlehem, PA.  He received the highest ranking score (8.9 out of a possible 10) among the competitiors.  Scores were based on the student's personal written statement, good deeds and community service, and overall academics.  Financial needs were also considered during the judging process.  Jordan was truly excited and also quite humbled when notified of being selected as the recipient of this year’s $2500 good deeds scholarship award.  He plans on putting the money to good use.  The applicant was sponsored by Penn-Jersey Chapter member, Barry Bartakovits, of Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools, Inc, Hellertown, PA. 

The Scholarship trustees, George Kazdin, Kazdin Pool; Steven Metz, Central Jersey Pools; Sandy Nadler, Bel-Aqua Pool Supply; and Richard Prutky, White House Pool & Spa; all felt that Jordan was an exceptional young man who most exemplified volunteerism through various good deeds all throughout his school years.  He received numerous letters of recommendation and awards for his community service and unselfish contributions in helping to better the lives of those less fortunate.  While being a Varsity Football and Track star, band, orchestra, and choir member, Jordan also found time to be active in his church and valued being a mentor to those who needed it.  He likes to encourage others to seek excellence and be contributing members of their community.

Jordan is quite proud of his Latino heritage and plans to spend a year in Mexico perfecting his Spanish skills so that he may continue to help out his fellow Latinos.  Future plans include De Sales University as a Political Science Major and eventually pursue a career as a lawyer and become involved in local politics and law enforcement.  Jordan believes in the concept of giving back to the community, and no matter which direction his life and eventual career takes him, he knows that he will be serving and helping others as he continues his commitment to his community and volunteerism.

We would like to thank all of those who participated in this year’s program (we encourage all applicants to try again next year), the sponsors who believed in them, and to the judges, George, Steven, Sandy, and Richard, for their dedication and assistance in this important task.