Isaiah Kennedy to Receive $20,000 Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship

On June 11, 2024 at Ridge High Awards Night, senior Isaiah Kennedy will receive the 2024 Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship (Ridge AMS), a $20,000 award that recognizes character and determination.

“Isaiah’s path has not been easy, and his story embodies the values underlying our scholarship – overcoming obstacles and finding a way to take positive steps towards a brighter future,” according to Alexandra Daggett, Chair of the Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship Board of Trustees.

In and out of foster care since he was a young child, at the age of 18, Isaiah will graduate from Ridge this year, having secured a job, applied to college and looking forward to what the future holds for him.

In his AMS application, Isaiah described his childhood and being removed from his mother’s care, “The memories I have of my childhood seem fuzzy and out of order but I do vividly remember when I went to live with my foster family…It was only four months, but it was the strongest and most stable four months of my life.”

When he turned 18, Isaiah was able to return to his foster family in Basking Ridge, saying, “My foster family helped me to find a job, to apply to college, to get a social security card and establish medical insurance. I have no idea what I would have done without them.”

Isaiah plans to use his award towards his college tuition and other related expenses.

The Ridge AMS grant recognizes applicants’ character, determination, and non-traditional achievements, rather than grades or test scores. Winners may use the funds for any personal growth opportunity. The generosity of donors has allowed Ridge AMS to continue its mission for the past 17 years.

For more information, visit RidgeAMS.org