The Anibal Ramos Jr. Civic Association awarded scholarships totaling $18,000 to 12 deserving high school and college students.

The scholarships were distributed during an awards ceremony at Nanina’s in the Park attended by family members of the students, Senate President M. Teresa Ruiz, Councilman-at-Large Luis Quiintana, Newark Schools Superintendent Roger Leon, Newark School Board member  along with a number of administrators for North Ward public schools.

Students attending college received a $2,000 scholarship, while students attending high school received $1,000.

“I want to congratulate all the scholarship recipients,” Councilman Ramos told the gathering. “You would not be here today if you did not have incredible people around you supporting you along the way and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the family members, friends and supporters who have made it possible for these young people to excel."

Since he was first elected in 2006 as councilman representing the North Ward of Newark, Councilman Ramos has been awarding scholarships to Newark students. ARJ Civic was formed as a non-profit organization nearly a decade to accept donations from supporters who want to support scholarships for students. The organization has distributed more than $170,000 in scholarships during the last decade.

Over the years, the mission of ARJ Civic has expanded to include hosting community events in in Newark and helping families in need.

Ramos, who grew up in Newark, attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. At the time, his mother began working part-time to pay the tuition. But she became ill, when he was a sophomore and could no longer work. Ramos said a member of the church anonymously donated money to help pay his tuition.

Ramos said he started the scholarship program as a way to give back to young people who face similar circumstances to the ones he faced.

The following students were awarded $2,000 scholarships for college:

Sherlyn Abreu graduated from Maria L Varisco Rogers Charter School and is attending St. Benedict's Prep.

Cristian Ruiz graduated from Technology High School and is attending Stevens Institute of Technology.

Mario Luzuriaga is attending the University of Scranton.

Brandon Mercado graduated from Ridge Street School and is attending St. Benedicts.

Michael Legere-Hill graduated from Robert Treat Academy and is attending Saint Benedicts Prep.

Enmanuel Batista graduated from Robert Treat Academy Charter School and is attending St Benedicts Academy.

Aiden Mateo graduated from Park Elementary and is attending Seton Hall Prep.

Emily Robles graduated from Essex County Newark Tech and is attending Essex County College.

Alexander Vargas graduated from Maria L. Varisco Rogers Charter School and is attending Seton Hall Prep.

Andrea Barbaran graduated from Science Park High School and is attending Rutgers University Newark.

Emmanuela Vasconcelos graduated from First Avenue School and is attending Saint Vincent.

Faheem Lipscomb-Ausbon graduated from Salome Ureña Elementary School and is attending Bergen Catholic High School.

Richard Adi-Darko graduated from Barringer High School and is attending Kean College.