Twenty-nine students from the Greater Hartford area have been awarded college scholarships for the 2014-15 school year by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford. The Foundation granted more than $66,000 – ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 — to this year’s local high school graduates and returning college students “Scholarships catapult students to the next level of their education, and we are just so proud to be a part of that process,” said Lauri Miller, co-chair with Meryl Mandell of the Foundation’s scholarship committee. “Seeing students flourish, and hearing from them over the years, is so very gratifying,” she added.

Hall High grad Rebecca Davidoff of West Hartford received the Foundation’s Hirst Scholarship, presented to students “who will change the world. “Becky” traveled to South Africa for a study abroad program, and continues her dedication to social justice and education through local community service projects. She plans to attend Clark University in the fall. Her parents looked on as committee co-chairs Meryl Mandell (left) and Lauri Miller (right) presented Becky with her scholarship.

Scholarship recipient Ben Alpert, a graduate of Hall High in West Hartford, received a Jewish Community Foundation scholarship from committee co-chairs Meryl Mandell (left) and Lauri Miller. This fall, Ben will enter Emory University, where he plans to study engineering.