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Deborah Coupe Rios Scholarship

Deborah was born in White Plains, New York. She was passionate about education and was regarded by many as environmentally conscientious. Working at the Meadowlands Environment Center allowed her to combine her two passions: education and the environment.

Deborah received great joy from teaching young children about the environment and the many ways to preserve it. She often spoke warmly of the joy on the children’s faces while exploring and discovering the site and the many natural beauties of the environment.

Deborah was an integral part of a team of educators at the Meadowlands who developed, implemented, and field-tested programs for people with disabilities that were so successful that they became national models.

Students must emulate Deborah’s core values of compassion and integrity.

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2022 Recipient

Hannah Velarde

Hannah Velarde of Oakland, N.J. is an Elementary Education major with an additional certification in Middle School Math. She has a 3.6 GPA, is part of the Honors Program, and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. 

Hannah is involved on campus with Ramapo Student Ambassadors, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Commuter Affairs. She has also volunteered at A Step Ahead Preschool and North Hudson Community Affairs. 

Hannah is enrolled in Ramapo’s 4+1 Masters in Special Education and hopes to eventually pursue a Ph. D. in the field of education. 



2021 Recipient

Meghan Murphy

Meghan Murphy of Pompton Plains, N.J. is a sophomore Elementary Education major enrolled in the M.A. in Special Education 4+1 program. She is working to receive her middle school content specialization certification in social studies. She has a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Meghan is a member of the Future Teachers of America Club, LEAD Club and 1STEP. Meghan hopes to continue her involvement within these clubs by participating in their community service opportunities when she is back on campus.

Off campus, Meghan is a member of Rhino Theatre in Pompton Lakes, N.J., where she participates in musical theatre shows. She also actively tutors and assists elementary students within her community. “I plan to begin substitute teaching in my hometown school district in the fall,” she says.



2020 Recipient

Gabrielle Sakowski

Gabrielle Sakowski from Freehold, N.J. is an Environmental Science major. She has a 3.2 GPA.
At Ramapo, Gabrielle has been active on campus as part of the College Honors Program and 1STEP Environmental Club, where she plans to run for an E-board position. For Leaders in Service, she is a Peer Mentor.
She is a member of St. Catherine’s youth group and often participates in community service events. She also works at her local food store, Delicious Orchards, and is a waitress at Panini Grill in Freehold. “I am saving up with the hope to study abroad, and eventually graduate with an Environmental Science degree.”

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