2 seniors from Marlboro earn $500 scholarships
The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold held its annual Youth of the Year awards luncheon at the 5 Star Café at Freehold High School, Freehold Borough, on April 30, honoring one male and one female graduating senior selected 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.

Anisha Atluri and Brett Nadrich, both from Marlboro High School, were each chosen as the recipient of a $500 scholarship sponsored by the Western Monmouth Exchange Club.

Anisha is a member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, Amnesty International and Future Business Leaders of America. She is the recipient of the Freehold Regional High School District 2008 Student Achiever of the Year and the Governor's Letter.

Anisha has also found the time to be a candy striper in the Complex Care Unit of Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, and an active member of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society: Bridgewater Temple. Anisha also works as a math tutor to an elementary school child and as a peer tutor for the P/SAT. In the fall she will be attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Brett is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, Student Council and for the past four years is the recipient of the Shield and Key Award.

He is the founder, president and a mentor for Freshman Friends a group helping freshman to acclimate to the high school setting. Brett is the cofounder and body representative for the Physical Education Curriculum Revision Committee. In addition, Brett is a member of the concert band, jazz band and on the leadership team and member of the marching band. He is first chair bassoon in the Community Band. Brett tutors academically and/or developmentally challenged students at Temple Shaari Emeth, Manalapan. He will be attending Georgetown University at the Walsh School of Foreign Service.

According to a press release, the honorees were judged based on three components. Each must have achieved high academic honors, exhibited the drive and incentive associated with a good leader and participated in activities that enrich and serve the community.

Jhalak Agarwal and Mitchell Kates of Colts Neck High School, Erika Yih and Jason Sarte of Freehold High School, Adrienne Viola and Justin Bleich of Freehold Township High School, Nicole Payette and Kevin Donahue of Howell High School, and Kristen Pena and Joshua Newman of Manalapan High School were the other candidates competing for the Youth of the Year scholarships, according to chairwoman Sheila Saul.