Scholarships
Steven A Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship for Associate Members
SJMCA ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR EMPLOYEES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Beginning in 2023, the South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association accepts applications for a $1,000 scholarship aimed at Graduating High School Children and/or Grandchildren of the Association’s Associate Membership (Non-Contractor Members). Each year the deadline for applications will be March 31st.
Tragically, in 2024 Steven A Berkowitz, a dedicated Board Member, representing our Associate Members passed away unexpectedly. For 19 years he served diligently on our Board, lending his expertise both as a lawyer and mechanical engineer. He formed lasting connections as a friend to many within our Association. In remembrance of Steve's remarkable legacy, it is important to acknowledge that he was an organ donor, positively impacting the lives of 5 individuals through his selfless act. We are deeply honored to perpetuate his spirit of generosity through this annual scholarship initiative.
Candidates will be evaluated on character, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community service.
To Download application - click here!
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2025 Associate Member Scholarship Recipient
Danielle Hannold
Daughter of Wayne “Greg” Hannold, Maxim Crane
Danielle Hannold - Danielle is a shining example of dedication, leadership, and compassion. Throughout her high school years, she has excelled both academically and personally. As President of the National Honor Society and the valedictorian of Gloucester City High School’s graduating class, Danielle has consistently set a high standard for excellence. Beyond the classroom, she generously shares her talents by tutoring fellow students in mathematics — the subject she plans to major in at college.
Her leadership extends far beyond academics. Danielle is deeply committed to serving her community, actively participating in The Friends of Rachel Club, which promotes kindness, and Nate’s Story Club, which creates a supportive space for mental health awareness. Her involvement reflects her heartfelt desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
In addition to her impressive high school accomplishments, Danielle has taken the initiative to enroll in college courses during the fall and spring semesters at the local community college. She also volunteers in a middle school classroom, an experience that has only strengthened her passion for education. Danielle Hannold dreams of inspiring young students to love learning and to find their own path to success — and there’s no doubt she is already well on her way to doing just that.
2025 KINDRED SPIRIT AWARD
Melissa Sereday
Daughter of Nicole Mougakos, J. Avolio Law Firm
The Steven A. Berkowitz Scholarship celebrates more than just academic achievement — it honors a zest for life, a sense of humor, and a readiness for adventure. In true honor of Steven, a man who lived life with energy, curiosity, and heart, we recognize a runner-up whose essay radiated those very same qualities.
Every once in a while, you meet someone who would have fit right into Steven’s world — someone full of curiosity, kindness, and a hunger for life's adventures. Melissa Sereday embodies all these potentials and more. Her essay captured the imagination and heart of the selection committee, making it clear that she is a kindred spirit of the adventurous gentleman we celebrate.
Ms. Sereday’s essay described everything this scholarship is meant to celebrate. SJMCA has no doubt Steven would have welcomed Melissa with open arms — and we are thrilled to help fuel her next great adventure in her goal of creating her own motivational coaching business with this added special scholarship award.
Melissa is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Global Business and Leadership. Her passion for marketing, customer service, and problem-solving was sparked during high school while working in the fast-paced environment of a local restaurant. Melissa is known for her vibrant personality, strong work ethic, and genuine kindness. She not only aims to brighten someone’s day but to truly make a difference in their life.
Recognizing during her teen years how difficult it can be for people to find support, Melissa began creating motivational content to empower others. Her mission is clear: to help individuals discover their purpose and achieve their goals. With the help of this scholarship, she hopes to one day launch her own motivational coaching business—using her voice and leadership to inspire others to reach their full potential.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Zoe Baumholtz 2023 - Sean Cowan
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William Davidson Memorial Scholarship
William Davidson, a partner with Marvin Davidson at Harry Davidson, Inc. was a man devoted to family, friends and community. Those that knew Bill Davidson said he was a man with integrity. His work ethic and business reputation motivated the members of The Greater Atlantic City Area Mechanical Contractors Association to establish a scholarship in his memory in 1987. The South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association in 2017 was given the stewardship and are honored to continue the legacy of The William Davidson Memorial Scholarship.
2025 Recipient -Mithun Roy
Mithun Roy is a Bangladeshi-American pursuing Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon. Mithun is also the co-captain of FTC #7149 ENFORCERS, the 5-time NJ state champion. He loves to help people, whether it be teaching STEM at school events, to volunteering at my temple, to doing research with NASA to showcase the harmful effects of manmade materials and wants to do anything he can to impact the most lives possible.
At Mainland High School Mithun is graduating as an AP Scholar with Distinction and is a National Honor Society Member. While in school he participated in Mock Trial, the Marching Band, The Computer Club and Track and Field. He is fluent in Bengali and Spanish.
Mithun will be attending Carnegie Mellon University next fall majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Past Recipients
2024 - Anamika Chakrabarty 2020 - Julianna DiVenutura
2023 - Ashton Harris 2019 - Vito D. Carfagno
2022 - Angela Claveria 2018 - Duncan Scandin
2021 - Giselle Obergfell 2017 - Joseph Reina
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Rowan University College of Engineering Scholarship
The Rowan University College of Engineering Award began in 2000 as a way for South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association to show their support for the first graduating class at the Engineering School of Rowan University. We are honored to continue this grant each year with a recipient that is recommended by the staff at the College for an individual who has shown exemplary skills personally, and academically during their tenure at Rowan.
Matthew Heras completed his BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2024. In addition to his excellent educational record, Matthew was very active in research and innovation. He joined Dr. Koohbor’s research group in 2022 as a Junior and made significant contributions to some of the group’s impactful research projects. Matthew co-authored three journal publications and delivered several podium and poster presentations at national conferences. Matthew’s unique technical and engineering skills led to the development of a customized impact mechanics instrument that has been utilized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rowan University for more than a year now.
Matthew is currently the PI of a Rowan Engineering Clinic Project. He mentors and leads several undergraduate students as they design thermal instrumentation for the lab. Now, Matthew is pursuing a graduate degree in our department and will defend his MS Thesis this year. Matthew intends to continue his research and education as a PhD student.
Past Award Recipients
2024 - Margaret Barrasso & John Terifay
2023 - Emma Beyer
2022 - Derek Miebach
2021 - Jack Perelman Camins & Megan Duman
2020 - Benjamin Taylor
2019 - Robert Phillips
2018 - Chris Kadlec & Yuan Li
2017 - James Henry & Jill Sharkey
2016 - Zachary Bechtle & Charles Grab
2015 - Gary Haes & Matt Short
2014 - John Grisi & Phil Greiner
2013 - Kelsey Lewis
2012 - Patrick Leung
2011 - Vincent Tedesco & Scott Storms
2010 - Evan Forisisky
2009 - Anthony LaBarck & Todd Nilsen
2008 - James Kostic
2007 - Christopher Rowen
2006 - William Weisnet
2005 - Larry Pologruto
2004 - Keith Goren
2003 - Rabon M. Jones
2002 - Lewis T. Clayton
2001 - Janelle Lieblein
2000 - Sarah Hart
