Scholarship Awarded In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim

NEW MILFORD, NJ — Leanna Akguc is a performer, a volunteer, and an honors student.

Akguc is the second recipient of the $2,000 Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's The Darren Drake Memorial Scholarship. She is a recent New Milford High School graduate.

The scholarship is named after Drake, who was killed in a New York City terrorist attack on Oct. 31, 2017. It is awarded to students seeking a technical- or trade-related career.

Akguc spent a lot of time volunteering at her school, church, and with the Art Center of Northern New Jersey, including painting sets for high school musicals. At school, she was a member of the National Art Honor Society, Yearbook Club, and Mural Club.

Akguc received awards for her artwork from Teen Arts, Music Inspired Art, and the Montclair Art Museum.

Akguc plans to attend Capri Institute in Paramus and pursue a career in cosmetology.

The Darren Drake Memorial Fund, together with the Moody's Foundation, created the scholarship. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation established the memorial fund. Drake was a manager with Moody's Analytics when he was killed. He was a former president of the New Milford Board of Education.

Related: Scholarship Created In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim

Growing up, Drake developed an interest in the trade professions from his family. He had a close relationship with his maternal grandfather, who worked as a mechanic making cardboard boxes. His father worked as a client services professional with the U.S. Department of Labor's Comprehensive Employment and Training program, helping disadvantaged youth obtain jobs through training or on the job employment.

Darren Drake graduated from New Milford High School in 2003. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences and a master's degree in management information systems from Fairleigh Dickinson University, his obituary states. He was pursuing a second master's degree in technology management from Stevens Institute of Technology when he was killed.

Related:

• New Milford School Board President Killed In NYC Terror Attack
• 'Good Man With A Huge Heart': Friends Remember NYC Terror Victim
• NYC Terror Latest: Suspect Charged With ISIS-Inspired Attack
• 1st Scholarship Awarded In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim

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