Higginson, Weisman honored The Noontime Optimists Club of Freehold held its annual Youth of the Year awards luncheon on April 25, honoring one male and one female graduating senior from each of the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District. Each honoree gave a two-minute presentation about their accomplishments and future goals. Ashley Higginson of Colts Neck High School and Benjamin Weisman of Marlboro High School were each chosen as the recipient of a $500 scholarship sponsored by the Western Monmouth Exchange Club. Higginson is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society. She was named Student Achiever of the Year 2007 and Homecoming Queen for Colts Neck High School; and is ranked second in her senior class. She is the Student Council president and a member of ADAPT, Leo's Club and the Human Relations Committee. Higginson has broken many school, district, county and state records in cross-country and track. Throughout high school she also has found the time to be a server at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center. In addition she is a volunteer baby-sitter and an English as a Second Language student tutor. Higginson will continue her education at Princeton University as a government-political science major. Weisman is a member of National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, as well as founder and president of Amnesty International at Marlboro High School. He is executive board treasurer, liaison and representative coordinator of the Student Council. Weisman has been recognized and honored by the New Jersey Forensics League, the National Forensics League and Future Business Leaders of America. Throughout high school he has been the liaison to United Nations Association-USA and a member of the Human Rights Watch. He has also found the time to volunteer for Monmouth County Democrats, CentraState Medical Center and the SCOPE soccer program as a buddy. Weisman will attend Princeton University to study public and international affairs.