The 2025 Ken Tashian Memorial Scholarships

The PHSAA Scholarship committee (Dave Oshinsky, Caryn Starr-Gates and Stan Cohen) previewed a detailed list of 161 applicants this spring. We followed an objective scoring system that Dave developed according to the criteria established; service to PHS and the greater Paramus community are the focus, along with demonstrated leadership qualities. The goal was to reduce the list to a group of 10 finalists, from whom we would make our final selection of up to four scholarship recipients.

After comparing and evaluating our individual choices, we arrived at our final top 10 list andsolicited 500-word essays from them that explained why they felt they qualified for the scholarship. Seven candidates submitted essays within our strict time frame. These were evaluated and we returned our selection letters to the Administration for four recipients.

The following 2025 seniors were awarded Ken Tashian Memorial Scholarship of $1,250 each on Wednesday, June 11 at the Annual Senior Scholarship and Academic Awards Program in recognition of their "Spartan spirit" and contributions to the high school and Paramus communities.

The 2025 scholarship recipients (left to right):

Zainab Qureshi will attend Stevens Institute of Technology and major in biology. She has interned and volunteered many hours at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and earned the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her service. She collaborated with nonprofits on mental health research through Minds4Youth and was named a Top 3 Intern out of 164. At PHS, Zainab was the Student Representative to the Board of Education, served as Model UN Secretary General, co-founded and was treasurer of Muslim Students Association, was in Debate Club, promoted student volunteerism, and participated in school and community events as Secretary of the Hand in Hand Club as well as for the wider community. Zainab was deeply involved in supporting South Asian youth navigating their cultural identity among other projects.

Kaitlyn Cassella will attend The Ohio State University in the College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Science and major in food science & technology. She has an impressive resume of participation and leadership positions in tumbling & trampoline and competition cheer teams, track team, ProStart Culinary Team, Jewish Culture Club, HOPE Club (environmental conservation), National Honor Society and in a variety of volunteer and work positions. She tutored fellow students throughout high school, volunteered at the Paramus Public Library, and supported various nonprofits: the mission of For Goodness Cakes by baking special cakes for underprivileged and at-risk youth, and Sharing Hope Africa, with hands-on program participation that improved the lives of young children and communities. Kaitlyn also founded her own baking business and was a special needs caregiver.

Sofia Evelich will attend Quinnipiac University and major in sports communications. She has held leadership and committee roles in the Italian Club, P-Town Throw Down, and Best Buddies as well as Paramus Spartans Football Cheer, volunteered for various PHS in-school events and activities (back to school night, fashion show, talent show, craft show); was a peer tutor, and volunteered at the Paramus Recreation Department summer camps and clinics. Sofia was honored at the NJ Craniofacial Center of Morristown Hospital Winter Gala: 2019 in recognition of the extensive injuries and recovery she endured following the tragic bus accident in 2018; she presented an acceptance speech to 400 medical staff members and families despite ongoing speech and language difficulties. She also received the NJSCA Award of Resilience in 2021.

Lina Nam will attend University of Maryland and major in journalism. She has mentored and advocated for foster youth and engaged insupportive and mentorship work at a nonprofit that serves vulnerable children, helping attract over 30 sponsor families and amplify the voices of children in the adoption system. Lina has also volunteered with a global nonprofit rescuing puppies from high-kill shelters in South Korea; was a student ambassador for College Board’s Big Future program, supporting peer navigation through the college process; and worked in the SAT/ACT preparation realm to help students gain confidence and improve test scores. At PHS, Lina held various leadership positions with the orchestras, Music Honor Society, and NJ ProStart, and organized a school-business pop-up shop.

Thank you to our scholarship donors

These four scholarships were made possible through the generosity of:

• Drew Britcher, Esq., Class of 1977, a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney and principal of Britcher, Leone & Sergio, LLC in Glen Rock and Morristown, NJ.
• Neil Davidowitz, Esq., Class of 1974, President of Orsid New York, a property management firm managing 232 buildings throughout NYC.
• Members of the Class 1974.
• Many graduates of Paramus High School.