Students from Blackwood, Paterson, Ridgewood and Toms River Recognized for Academic Achievements with Scholarships

August 7, 2025

            (TRENTON) – Celebrating the accomplishments of individuals who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired, Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) today announced college scholarships for four blind, deafblind, or visually impaired students and recognized other blind and visually impaired students for their academic achievements.

            Some of the honorees were celebrated during Wednesday night’s Trenton Thunder game as part of Blind and Visually Impaired Awareness Night.

“For over two decades, CBVI has celebrated the talents and achievements of individuals who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “We are proud to award scholarships to such deserving students and to honor the accomplishments of trailblazers in this community during a special Trenton Thunder game. We look forward to seeing how they’ll continue to lead, inspire, and shape the future.”

“Education should be within reach for everyone, and these scholarships help ease some of the financial burden of pursuing higher education,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “These scholarships not only provide financial aid but also celebrate the outstanding talents of these students. These scholarships reflect our commitment to inclusion, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and belonging for all.”

“Recognizing the achievements of students who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired is both an honor and a priority,” said Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Executive Director Dr. Bernice Davis. “We are proud to spotlight these exemplary individuals in front of their families, friends, and loved ones, and we welcome them to the 2025 cohort of scholarship recipients. Their accomplishments inspire us all, and we look forward to seeing them continue to reach their goals and shape a brighter future.”

Scholarship awards ranged from $1,000 to $5,000. This year’s awardees are:

• Nardeen Isaac of Ridgewood, who is pursuing a Juris Doctorate in Estate and Elderly Law at Seton Hall Law School. Nardeen received the Caroline Foster Scholarship for Independence and Self-Determination.
• Marcela Regalado of Paterson, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing at William Paterson University. Marcela received the Mary Louise Buckley Scholarship for Students Majoring in Health Services or Communications.
• Mark Szafran of Blackwood, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Elementary Education at Rowan University. Mark received the Nathan and Sally Rogoff Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
• Luis Vasquez of Toms River, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Luis received the Cathy and Herb Bodensiek Scholarship.

Jacob Crawford of Haddon Heights, Reese Domico of Pennsauken, Andrew Fass of Hamilton, Braden Flax of Highland Park, and Elizabeth Wilson of Williamstown also received $200 each for being finalists in the college scholarship program.

Naquela Wright-Prevoe sang the National Anthem. An activist and recipient of Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Services for 15 years, Wright-Prevoe is the co-founder of a non-profit organization focused on service and advocacy within the blind, deafblind, and visually impaired community.

Scholarships are privately funded by the estates of the individuals for which they are named.

To view pictures of the ceremony at the Trenton Thunder game, please visit here.

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to enable consumers to achieve full inclusion and integration in society through success in employment, independent living, and social self-sufficiency. Learn more about CBVI’s programs and services here.