'It's a Great Day to be a Bear' Memorial Scholarship

Hi everyone! Happy September. In a few weeks I turn 22 and I wanted to do something special to celebrate, and what better way than to pay it forward.

On June 27th, my Uncle Jim passed away after a long battle with cancer. My uncle was an extremely loved man by his family, friends, and especially his students. So much so that it’s hard to really put into words. But he prided himself in two things: being a family man and being a Bergenfield Bear.

Born and raised in Bergenfield, my uncle dedicated a majority of his life to improving the lives of so many students that passed through the high school as their principal. He loved his job so much he even coined the phrase “Every day is a great day to be a bear.”

Since my uncle’s passing, the district opened up the “It’s a Great Day to be a Bear” Scholarship Fund in memory of him. In honor of 22 years of life and in his memory, I will be running a mile for every $22 donated in the month of September.

By donating to this scholarship, you will be aiding students at Bergenfield High School in affording higher education. According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 55% of surveyed adults in 2023 said the cost of a degree was the top reason why they weren’t enrolled, and 60% said scholarships, grants, and other fellowships would be helpful to reduce the cost. Finances should not be a barrier to higher education, and by donating, you are encouraging students to invest in their future and inspiring them to live out their lives the way their principal would want them to: with pride and kindness.

Every single cent will go straight to the scholarship fund. Feel free to share, and thank you for keeping my uncle’s legacy alive and paying it forward! #GoBears