Press Release May 13, 2015

MIDDLESEX COUNTY– Tanisha Cruz of Perth Amboy has been named the recipient of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a youth member of any branch of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy association who intends to pursue higher education in the fall of 2015.

Cruz is an extremely active student at Perth Amboy High School, where she is a member of National Spanish Honor Society and National World Language Honor Society, president of Literacy Club, Vice President of Civics Club, Secretary of Student Council and assistant manager of the school store. She has volunteered her time with many organizations, including UNICEF, Helping Hands, Operation Christmas Child, Raritan Bay Sandy Cleanup, Salvation Army and Raritan Bay Big Brothers Big Sisters. Cruz has also been a member of the Perth Amboy High School Sailing Club for four years.

The Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship recipient must strive for excellence in academics, sports or the arts, and must demonstrate overcoming adversity, living by the golden rule, influencing others in a positive way and advocating for others who are less fortunate.

“As a Christian, I believe that it is a moral responsibility to not only influence others in a positive way, but to help others when they are down,” Cruz said. “I have mentored and tutored many students to encourage them to pass their classes to raise the graduation rate at my high school.”

Ryan Patterson believed every child should be provided the opportunity to sparkle, and she helped many children realize their gifts and share those gifts with the world. She believed that gestures both large and small had the power to make a difference in the life of a child. At a young age, Ryan was committed to helping those around her and began working with children as a member and coach of the Metuchen Branch YMCA Manta Ray swim team. She attended Colgate University, graduating with honors with a bachelor’s of science in psychology, then received her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University.

Ryan’s caring, insight and persistence allowed her to help troubled children in need. At the time of her death, she worked at the Morris Heights Health Center, counseling and supporting students at the Health Opportunities High School and Truman High School in the South Bronx. Ryan’s passion for helping children is carried on by this scholarship.

Cruz was awarded the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship May 6 at the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy Annual Dinner held at The Pines Manor in Edison.