Marple Newtown Recent Grad Receives Yearly Scholarship For College

NEWTOWN SQUARE–Nicki Zois, a 2011 graduate of , was recently awarded with a scholarship by Linda Sterthous, CEO of Martins Run Senior Living Community in . A ceremony was held at the high school's library earlier this month to honor students and local businesses that participated in ’s Sponsor-A-Scholar program.

Martins Run, a Bronze Sponsor, donated funds each year to help
offset the costs of Zois’ college of choice, St. Joseph’s University, which she will be attending in the fall.

The program, created by Superintendent Dr. Merle Horowitz, was set up to provide gifted but financially needed students with scholarships to help defray the costs of college tuition. According to the school district, the students usually selected demonstrates academic excellence and an intention to continue their education, but have faced challenges in their lives making it difficult to pay for a four-year college.

The program recruits financial sponsors who are willing to make a four-year commitment to the student by making a pre-determined contribution each year beginning in ninth grade. Another major component of the program is mentoring, as each student is assigned
someone from the sponsor’s organization who serves as a role model and motivator for the student throughout the course of the four years.

“Sponsor-A-Scholar is much more than just a financial outreach program. It is a human outreach program, helping to bring the community together by partnering local businesses with students,
and providing an environment in which the students are able to be nurtured, mentored and educated,” said Sterthous. “This program has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for all of us, and we are proud to watch as this talented, inspiring individual enters the next stage of her life.”

Zois was paired with Martins Run when she first entered high school and has been meeting Sterthous monthly to chart her academic progress in school and discuss her thoughts about college. According to Sterhous, Zois was initially shy and soft spoken but quickly found her voice and began volunteering in Martins Run’s activities department.

She was then hired as a server in the dining department. Through her proven responsibility and accountability, Zois was promoted to a host position, in which she oversees the dining room. Zois plans to continue working at Martins Run part-time while attending college.

“I am so enormously grateful to Martins Run for committing to support this initiative. Through their generosity, a high school student developed a four-year relationship which helped to shape the
future of the young woman’s life," said Horowitz. "By mentoring Nicki Zois, Linda Sterthous demonstrated great generosity and care for this individual."

Although Martins Run primarily takes care of seniors in the community, Sterthous believes they are still dedicated to the entire community, including the youth.

"I know our residents support the idea that it is our obligation to nurture young students and provide them an opportunity to continue their education,” said Sterthous. “This will help to ensure a brighter future for all of us, and that’s why we support this program.”

This fall, Martins Run will be adopting new ninth grader Ally Sabatina.

For more information about Martins Run, please contact Lorraine Dellafranco at 610-353-7660 ext. 226 or ldellafranco@martins-run.org.