Four 2026 Slattery Scholarships of $500 each were awarded to Higher education students who are continuing their education.
CURRENTLY ENROLLED HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT AWARDEES
- MATTHEW FREDA sponsored by Frank Possert
- ERIN HOLTON sponsored by Jonathan Winaker
- PETER URATO sponsored by Joseph Pilone
- ERICA ZON sponsored by Stanley Zon
MATTHEW FREDA
Matthew will be a senior at Commonwealth University in Bloomsburg, PA this fall. He is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. His sponsor is his grandfather.
He graduated from Sussex County Community College in Newton, NJ with an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts with High Honors in May 2025. Matt also made Dean’s list his first 2 semesters at Commonwealth University. He continued participation in NCAA Division II Baseball as a starting second baseman at Bloomsburg University and was recognized as a Bloomsburg Scholar-Athlete.
ERIN HOLTON
Erin will be attending Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY this fall. Her sponsor is her father.
She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with Minors in Interactive Media and Music and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marist University. While at Marist, she worked in roles in journalism and marketing with the Music Program and the Marketing Department. Presently, she is a Senior Cider Ambassador rat the Boston Beer Company, maker of Angry Orchard and serves as a freelance journalist for Straus News covering stories for towns in Orange County, New York.
The complete list of Erin’s accomplishments, honors, awards, and activities is a long one with items that allow her to excel in her chosen fields.
PETER URATO
Peter will continue his course of studies as a junior at Fairleigh Dickinson University toward obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a minor in Sport Management. His sponsor is his grandfather.
He is on the FDU Football team as well as a member of the Marketing Club. Peter works at Dick’s Sporting Goods and the Funplex and volunteers with his local youth football team. He noted that his activities give him opportunities to strengthen his career readiness and develop his leadership skill, discipline, and teamwork skills.
ERICA ZON
Erica will be a sophomore at Rutgers University School of Nursing. Her sponsor is her father.
In addition to her heavy course load, Erica has volunteered to help Rutgers Veteran Center and support the American Cancer Society while achieving a presence on the Dean’s List at the School of Nursing.
