DEREK THOMAS GUTOWSKI
Metro is excited to award both Isaiah and Derek the NEW JERSEY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION and METRO BCA scholarships to continue their education in the Construction Industry. We look forward to their future achievements. ISAIAH O’NEIL LABORDE Isaiah is a 3rd year architecture student at Kean University after attending Essex CC. He was awarded the Kean Centennial Fund, and participates in the Kean Honors Living Learning Community. Not only is Isaiah an accomplished student and a part time employee on campus, he has also found time to be involved in outreach in his community. This quote is from Isaiah’s high school math teacher’s recommendation letter: “Isaiah Laborde is an extremely bright, capable, and engaging young man that exemplifies what being a leader is all about. He is particularly articulate, however, is very humble, and displays his humility naturally around others”. Metro is thrilled to learn that the funds from this scholarship will be used to defray his tuition expenses allowing Isaiah to upgrade his computer for all the intensive architectural/design software. You are an inspiration, Isaiah! Come back and share your success with us at Metro!
Derek is a 2024 graduate of Roxbury HS. As a student of Metro’s very own Frank Caccavale, Derek’s interests were piqued. It was Mr. Caccavale’s Structural Design and Fabrication Program where Derek had the opportunity to participate in Habitat for
Humanity home construction project. That experience helped Derek see the opportunities in the construction industry. Derek was Captain of the Swim Team, sang in choir, and was SDF Golden Hammer recipient. He has put his swimming skills to good use and works as a lifeguard and swim instructor at his local YMCA. Remarkably, Derek has also achieved his Eagle Scout Award. Derek’s Scoutmaster, Vincent Blenx, said the following in his recommendation letter: “In 2022, Derek achieved the rank of Eagle Scout which is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program. Only 4% of Scouts achieve this rank which is a testament to Derek’s ability to set goals and overcome challenges to achieve those goals… Derek has become a true leader who can lead from the front, setting the example and encouraging others to follow him, but also can lead from behind by exerting influence and guiding a group...” In September, Derek will be attending William Paterson University and will continue his competitive swimming career. Way to go, Derek! Please be sure to share your continued future successes with us here at Metro!
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