Awarded to Zaria Moore of Perth Amboy, NJ, prestigious scholarship covers all college expenses for a student dedicated to pursuing a career that improves race relations

Zaria Moore

Press Release 9/22/22
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. —Centenary University has awarded its inaugural Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship to Zaria Moore of Perth Amboy, NJ. The prestigious four-year scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at Centenary—including tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, travel, and miscellaneous expenses—to a student who is dedicated to pursuing a career that improves race relations.

The scholarship fund was established through an estate gift from Centenary University alumna Louise M. Hill ’40 in memory of her aunt, Grace Y. Bissett, who made her education possible.

“Centenary University is proud to recognize Zaria Moore as the inaugural recipient of the Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship,” said Kerry Mullins, scholarship committee chair, who also serves as the University’s vice president for student life and dean of students. “Zaria’s scholarship application stood out to the committee for her commitment to academics, race relations, leadership, and her local community. We are excited to see her growth as a campus leader at Centenary.”

A business management major with a minor in marketing, Moore is a 2022 graduate of Perth Amboy High School, where she ranked in the top third of her graduating class. She participated in a number of activities dedicated to strengthening race relations as a member of the black and brown community, including working with a local performing arts program to present the journey of racism through a dance performance at Middlesex County College, as well as supporting Black Lives Matter initiatives.

Moore also excelled in other leadership activities, including serving on the student council and as commanding officer of the Perth Amboy High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps(NJROTC). In her local community, Moore was recently appointed to the Perth Amboy Citizen’s Public Safety Advisory Board, which examines public issues and develops alternative solutions to enhance community safety.

Applications are now open for the 2023 Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship. Applicants must submit:
• A statement from the high school principal or vice principal stating that the student will graduate or has graduated in the top one-third of their class
• A letter from someone in a position of authority (coach, clergyperson, community leader, organization/club advisor, etc.) regarding the candidate’s character and participation in school, church and/or community activities
• An essay of approximately 750 words, written by the candidate, describing how this scholarship will assist in pursuing a career beyond college devoted to improving the relationship between the races

Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with the Bissett-Hill Scholarship Committee. All materials should be emailed to Stefanie Taggart, director of undergraduate admissions, at stefanie.taggart01@centenaryuniversity.edu or mail your materials to her: Centenary University Office of Admissions, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.