Monday, June 23, 2025 – In keeping with their commitment to inspiring, educating, and motivating youth and students in our state, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) announce the winners of the annual student Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund.

Sara Bhandari, Arthur Park, and Kayla Park won the 2025 Who Belongs in the New Jersey Hall of Fame essay contest in its 14th year. Essay Contest winners receive a $500 scholarship to pursue their chosen camp, program, or extracurricular activity.

In the elementary school category, Sara Bhandari, a third grader at Hamilton Primary School in Bridgewater, New Jersey, won for her essay on former board of education member Mrs. Stacey Friedlander. She wrote about Mrs. Friedlander’s dedication to education, kindness, and helping others, from improving schools and promoting empathy to leading environmental efforts and working with the Volunteer Squad during the COVID pandemic.

In the middle school category, Arthur Park, grade 8 at Leonia Middle School, in Leonia, New Jersey won for his essay on Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark. He highlighted the former educator’s work to reduce crime, his dedication to better education, and community empowerment.

In the high school category, Kayla Park, grade 10 at Leonia High School, Leonia, New Jersey, was selected for her essay on Senator Andy Kim. Kayla wrote how Senator Kim’s election is more than a political victory—it is a milestone that breaks barriers, inspires future generations, and redefines representation in NJ.  

“NJEA is honored to partner with the New Jersey Hall of Fame to recognize and reward the student winners of the annual essay contests and Areté Scholarships,” said New Jersey Education Association President Sean M. Spiller. “We hope that each of the winners will continue to pursue excellence in their educational journeys so that they can achieve great things and make their own positive mark on New Jersey and America.”

The Hall of Fame also announced Carolyn He, Grant Feldman, Oluwademilade Seyi-Idowu, and Margaret Lockman as the winners of the 2025 Areté Scholarship Fund. A $5,000 award granted to four graduating high school seniors who exemplify the ancient Greek concept of actualizing one’s highest self with moral excellence of character regardless of the circumstances or adversities one is likely to face on the path to greatness. The scholarship recipients must demonstrate academic engagement, moral character, a commitment to their community, and a sense of Jersey pride.

“Together with our sponsors and supporters throughout the great Garden State, we are proud to applaud this year’s Areté Scholarship and Essay Contest winners,” said Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “Supporting the next generation in pursuing their highest potential is a vital component of the Hall of Fame’s mission, and it’s an honor to continue the tradition again this year.”

Carolyn He is graduating from the Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. She plans to dedicate her education and career to eco-statistics to ensure that climate solutions are rooted in equity, advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Areté motivates her to serve our world’s future, even if it’s generations she may never meet or issues she will never see.

Grant Feldman is graduating from Freehold Township High School. He plans to major in business and entrepreneurship, a path that reflects both his passion for creative problem-solving and the early ventures that helped shape who he is. For Grant, Areté is living with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to doing good—with all your heart and soul.

Oluwademilade Seyi-Idowu is graduating from Irvington High School. She created the world’s first AI program to diagnose anxiety through voice analysis and offer real-time treatment. She hopes to be a doctor focusing on precision medicine and a journalist. For Oluwademilade, Areté motivates her not to let anyone suppress her dreams.

Margaret Lockman is graduating from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. She plans to study art and education in college to become an art educator. For Margaret, Areté means pursuing the things that make her heart beat faster, the things that make her lose track of time and make her want to put in the work.

The winners of the Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund will be honored at the NJHOF’s induction ceremony later this year.

Changes to the award structure for both contests were implemented this year. These include expanding the number of scholarship recipients to seven (7), three (3) Essay winners, and four (4) Areté winners, and adding tickets to visit the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream to their award packages. The 2026 application window will be October 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026.