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Mostly Cloudy Princeton-bound girl wins scholarship
Rockville Centre resident awarded by the Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation
Princeton-bound Emily McLean, of Rockville Centre, is this year’s winner of the Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation scholarship. She is the daughter of John and Joan McLean.
Emily, who recently graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, will be studying civil engineering at Princeton University in the fall, with the goal of entering into a Ph.D. program after college.
“I constantly ask questions of the world around me,” Emily wrote in her scholarship application. “I believe that this field will challenge and excite me each day.” She added that she chose to focus on civil engineering because she’s witnessed the devastation that improperly constructed communities face in the event of natural disasters. “My grandparents lost their home in Hurricane Sandy,” she wrote. “The storm stole not only their material possessions, but their sense of pride and dignity as well.”
About the Foundation
“It is a blessing for me to work with the Foundation so that this great tradition continues on in memory of my late grandfather, Congressman Frank J. Becker,” said Foundation president Hilary Becker. He pointed out that the elder Becker overcame great obstacles to receive an education while serving in World War I — and then went on to build successful insurance and real estate businesses that thrive today. He also served in both the New York State Assembly and the United State House of Representatives.
“He came from humble beginnings, but he didn’t allow that to prevent him from living and experiencing the American dream,” Becker said. “He was a great inspiration to all those who knew him, and especially his children and grandchildren, and he led by example by following his deep Catholic faith, and a deep love for his country.
“This year’s winner, Emily McLean, is a shining example of the hope that we can all have that our young people in America are taking the steps to be the future leaders of our country and our world,” said Becker.
