B&G Club Service = Scholarships

The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton keeps a focus on academic achievements. Meet six members who earned some big bucks from giving back while in high school.

Alexandra Tutak

Great friendships started at the Boys & Girls Club for Alexandra Tutak, the 2023 President’s Scholarship recipient. The PCTI senior will use the $2,000 award to attend Rutgers – New Brunswick.

“My career goal is to become a world-class cardiothoracic surgeon,” she said, “who is dedicated to improving the field of medicine and providing quality healthcare to all people.” Tutak joined the Club in 2012 for the Summer Camp. Some of her fondest memories were with friends at the Teen Center, playing board games or the Xbox, and participating at Field Day.

She enjoyed taking her Academy of Health & Medical Science class and admired her instructor, Ms. Leonor Ambrose. Her extracurriculars include National Honor Society, Health Occupation Students of America, and End Racism And Sexism Everywhere. She also serves as a lector at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church and volunteers at the Saint Peter’s Haven Food Drive. “Through the volunteering opportunities offered in Clifton, I have learned the important qualities of service and leadership, which are qualities that I will take with me throughout my entire life.”

Amber Kankam

Amber Kankam’s love of reading grew throughout her 15 years with the Club. The PCTI senior is one of two recipients for the Club’s 2023 Alumni Scholarship. She received $1,000 to help pursue a post-secondary degree.

Amber acknowledged the Club’s support and how it taught her crucial life skills. Communicating and working with others are some that the staff encouraged her to do.

“My favorite Club memory would be participating in sports, mainly soccer, and taking swimming lessons,” said Amber, 18. “Although both were challenging experiences, it taught me how to work hard and overcome adversity.”

Amber was part of PCTI’s Christian Student Association, Rho Kappa, World Language Honor Society, and Book Club. She was also a Keystone Club Member and BGCC Youth Development Professional.

This fall, she’ll attend Rutgers University to pursue a career in the medical field. Her influences are her twin sister, Ashley, and their mother, Sandra. “They both give me advice and make me feel better when I feel down,” said Amber. “Without their support, I would not be here today and have the belief that I have in myself.”

Ashley Kankam

Ashley Kankam’s love for service was nurtured over her 15 years at the Club. Twins with Amber, she is the other $1,000 recipient of the Club’s 2023 Alumni Scholarship.

Ashley loved going to the Club’s after-school program. She recalls the counselors who helped her focus on work and entertained her during free time. She especially enjoyed Summer Camp. “Going on field trips with the group, playing at the park, free swimming, Camp Hope, and field days,” said Ashley, 18, “I always looked forward to the summer and what each year would bring.”

Ashley will join her twin at Rutgers University. She will major in Political Science with the goal to become a lawyer. She was involved in many PCTI extracurriculars like Student Council and History Club. Despite the challenges of online learning and separation from peers, Ashley acclimated to school life during extraordinary times. It simply took time and patience. “As time went on, I became at ease and started to really embrace the experience.”

Karan Vyas

Karan Vyas is the 2023 recipient of the Club’s David Waring Technology Scholarship. He will use the $2,000 award to build upon his knowledge of technology. like he does as a BGCC Youth Development Specialist. “My goal is to keep inspiring others to pursue STEM, the future of our society,” said Vyas, 18.

The PCTI senior wants to create an open space so all STEM majors can assemble and work on projects. He wants the spaces to combine multiple areas of studies and an outlet to learn specific topics.

A Club member since 2010, Vyas received the 2022 Board Scholarship Award. He will pursue a degree in Computer Science from Rutgers – New Brunswick. At PCTI, he joined Patriotic Ambassadors, Environmental Club, Robotics Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and was part of STEM EXPO 2021. He’s also a Keystone Club Volunteer and American Legion Jersey Boys State Delegate.

Vyas’ greatest achievement is placing seventh in the state FBLA competition for Coding and Programming. “When I was granted the opportunity to put my coding skills to the test, I was so excited by the possibility of actually showcasing my work to professionals.”

Shannon Chambers

Oreos and apple juice drew Shannon Chambers to the Boys & Girls Club, but lasting friendships made her eight years worthwhile. Chambers, 18, is one of two Board Scholarship recipients. From afternoons in Kindercare to Summer Camp up to eighth grade, the Paramus Catholic senior realized that some connections are lifelong.

“Many of the same people that I knew when I was younger, like Tara, Ms. Paula, Mr. Bob, are still around,” said Chambers. Her $500 award is for a member who plans to pursue a post-secondary degree. This fall, she will study Pre-Med at Penn State.

“It has been my top school since I first toured it. My career goal is to be an anesthesiologist.” Her résumé includes volunteering for over 100 hours at Saint Peter’s Haven and Oasis. Her extracurriculars include being a school news anchor, four-year member of Varsity Lacrosse, and part of the National Honors Society.

Chambers’ parents, Robert and Michele, are her greatest influences. She developed other deep friendships over the years; undoubtedly related to the Club’s social atmosphere.

“Gabriella Fodi … has been my best friend since the first day of high school,” said Chambers. “She has stuck by my side throughout everything. I know that she will be a forever friend.”

Chanelle Pamuspusan

Chanelle Pamuspusan’s first-ever job experience was becoming a teacher assistant at the B&G Club. Now, she’s taking the early steps to make teaching her career. Pamuspusan, 18, is the Club’s 2023 recipient of the MaryJo Anzaldi-Foster and Patty Lavender Early Childhood Scholarship. The award provides $1,500 to a member who will pursue an Early Childhood Education degree. The PCTI senior will attend MSU, majoring in Family Sciences and Human Development (Early Childhood Education Pre-3).

“I would always pretend-play to teach my cousins and act like I was the teacher,” she said. “Everyone that knew me really would always tell me that I look or fit the role of being a teacher and role model to younger children.”

Pamuspusan used that encouragement to help children and support them. Working alongside MaryJo AnzaldiFoster for a year, she has contributed to a positive workspace and environment for younger Club members.

Pamuspusan is a member of her Student Council and E.R.A.S.E. Contributing to her community is something that she learned at the Club. “Being a positive role model helps appropriately model behaviors, attitudes, and skills that I believe are the most important contributions for people to become actively involved in a big, diverse community,” said Pamuspusan. More info: bgcclifton.org.