“All the scholarship recipients this year are tremendous players who embody the ideals of EUSA,” said Douglas Weh, President of Edison United Soccer Association. “At EUSA, we are proud to be able to give back to our players and our community by offering these educational opportunities to help build their futures.”

Recipients were chosen based on academics, community involvement and essays. 

Emily Kleiman is a graduating senior of JP Stevens High School.  Emily has a 4.9 GPA. Aside from academics, Emily has quite a list of accomplishments: co-captain of the Varsity Soccer Team, Fundraising Co-Chair of the Student Council, member of H.A.W.K.S. (helping another wonderful kid succeed), and National Honor Society, just to name a few. Emily will be attending the University of Maryland’s Communication Program focusing on communication and social change.  “I learned to fail just as much as I learned to succeed from soccer. Yet I was always able to hold my head high, and never be ashamed of the way I had handled myself during the game,” states Emily. “Soccer is a game of communication; in order to be successful, everybody on the team has to talk, to communicate in some manner so that players get marked and passes get made. The teamwork and leadership skills that I have picked up from soccer will also prove worthwhile in this field since speeches are often researched, drafted, and finalized in teams.”

Jillian Beer is a graduating senior of Edison High School. Jillian has a 4.4 GPA. Jillian is a member of the Tri-M Honors Society, senior editor of the yearbook, JV Soccer Captain, Secretary of Choir and has assisted with various food drives to name just a few of her many accomplishments. Jillian will be pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. “Soccer and youth sports have given me so much,” states Jillian, “soccer has given me the wisdom and determination to reach my dreams and goals. The sport has also given me the idea for my career path, which is to become a doctor of physical therapy. The impact sports have had on my past, present and future could have never been replaced by another activity. Without games on Saturdays throughout the year and playing soccer in the rain or waking up at the crack of dawn to step on the ice, I feel I would not be the woman writing to you today.”

The Edison United Soccer Association scholarship, which is awarded annually in May, provides up to $500 for tuition, books and fees.