Fair Lawn Teen Awarded Scholarship From NJCTS

On Friday June 3, in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, NJCTS presented nine scholarship awards to graduating New Jersey seniors. One of the second place recipients was Ava DeFino, 18, of Fair Lawn.

NJCTS awarded scholarships to high school seniors with Tourette Syndrome (TS) - a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements known as tics. As many as 1 in 100 people show signs of TS or other tic disorder which is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.

Ava was diagnosed with TS a little later than most, at the age of 15. Being diagnosed during high school did not hold Ava back succeeding in being a member of her marching band, indoor percussion, vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and a member of several National Honor Society’s including the Science and English National Honor Societies.

“This is what sets me apart from everyone else. I am far more noteworthy and have learned far more independence, including how to navigate society as a unique individual,” Ava states in her scholarship essay. “While my Tourette’s itself is not necessarily an achievement, it gave me the keys to success in the world.” Ava is a graduate of Fair Lawn High School and will be attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in the fall.

Academic achievement, community involvement and accomplishments all play a part in the NJCTS Scholarship Committee’s decision in selecting winning candidates each year.

“We are so proud of these young men and women for all they have done during their high school careers,” said Patricia Phillips, Executive Director of NJCTS. “We are excited to see what they will do in college and beyond, as they continue to prove that TS does not have to hold you back.”

Ava’s scholarship winning essay can be found at www.njcts.org/teens4ts.

NJCTS, the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about this disorder through programs and affiliations with public schools, health centers, and universities. To learn more about Tourette Syndrome and the programs available from NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org.