Celebrating Excellence, Leadership, and Service
Since its founding, The Tia Maria Foundation has recognized outstanding students, educators, and community leaders who embody our mission of empowering students, honoring educators, and strengthening communities.
Through scholarships and special awards, we proudly celebrate individuals whose dedication, achievement, and service continue to make a meaningful impact throughout our communities.
Student Scholarship Recipients
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Aaliyah Torres
Aaliyah Torres was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Tia Maria Foundation Scholarship in recognition of her academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to serving her community.
A graduate of Frank J. Cicarell Academy, Aaliyah balanced a demanding academic schedule, varsity athletics, and more than 300 hours of community service. A member of the National Honor Society and board member of the English Honor Society, she has also served as a mentor, volunteer, and student leader through numerous organizations throughout Elizabeth.
Aaliyah plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Her commitment to service, compassion, and leadership embodies the values of The Tia Maria Foundation Scholarship.
Mehraeil Gadelrab
2025 Scholarship Recipient
Mehraeil Gadelrab was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Tia Maria Foundation Scholarship in recognition of her academic achievement, dedication to service, and commitment to helping others.
A graduate of Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy, Mehraeil completed more than 250 hours of community service while excelling in a rigorous academic program. Inspired by her experiences working with students with special needs, she plans to pursue studies in biology and pre-medicine with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Mehraeil's compassion, perseverance, and desire to serve others embody the values celebrated by The Tia Maria Foundation.
Kate Genebroso
Kate Genebroso was selected as the recipient of The Tia Maria Foundation's inaugural scholarship award in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to serving others.
A graduate of Elizabeth High School, Kate maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was an active member of the Science National Honor Society. During high school, she also volunteered at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where she assisted nurses and healthcare staff while gaining valuable experience in patient care and service.
Kate's passion for helping others, combined with her strong work ethic and dedication to her community, exemplifies the values at the heart of The Tia Maria Foundation. She is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing at Montclair State University.
Teachers' Insurance Plan Educator of the Year Award Recipients
2026 Recipient
Renee Drummond
Renee Drummond was selected as the 2026 recipient of The Teachers' Insurance Plan Educator of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to education and student success.
For more than two decades, Renee has served as an educator at Elizabeth High School, teaching English, Public Speaking, Drama, and AP Capstone. Her passion for communication and learning has inspired countless students to build confidence, develop their voices, and pursue academic excellence.
A respected leader in education, Renee has been recognized as Teacher of the Year and received the Governor's Award in Education. Her commitment to her students and the Elizabeth community exemplifies the very best of the teaching profession.
2025 Recipient
Kelly Mc Cracken-Villanueva
Kelly McCracken-Villanueva was selected as the inaugural recipient of The Teachers' Insurance Plan Educator of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to education, student leadership, and community service.
A longtime educator with Elizabeth Public Schools, Kelly has spent more than three decades impacting the lives of students both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to teaching social studies, she has served as a coach, Model United Nations coordinator, Student Government advisor, and mentor to countless young people throughout her career.
She is the President of The Rotary Club of Elizabeth and remains involved in community service through Helping Hands at St. Genevieve Parish. Her commitment to students and strengthening the community exemplifies the values celebrated by this award.
Hall of Fame Award Recipients
2026 Recipients
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Marianne Wilson
Marianne Wilson is a dedicated community leader, advocate, and champion for student wellness whose work has positively impacted thousands of young people across New Jersey. Alongside her husband, Tim, and daughter, Jenn, she has spent the past several years leading the Kimberly Anne Wilson Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in loving memory of her daughter, Kimberly.
Under Marianne's leadership, the Foundation has expanded access to critical mental health resources for K–12 students by supporting programs focused on art, music, pet therapy, kindness, anti-bullying initiatives, and mental health awareness. These efforts have reached more than 5,000 students in over 35 schools and organizations throughout New Jersey, including many within the Elizabeth community.
Jeremiah La'Porte
Jeremiah La'Porte is an award-winning author, public speaker, and civic strategist whose work has made a lasting impact in the fields of youth advocacy, leadership, and public service. At just 17 years old, he became one of New Jersey's youngest published Afro-Latino authors with The Haze of Poetry, earning the NAACP Social Justice Award and numerous commendations for his contributions to the community.
Throughout his career, Jeremiah has served at the local, state, and national levels, including an appointment by Governor Phil Murphy to the New Jersey Commission on Youth Services. As Founder and President of the House of Hearts Network, he continues to create educational and wellness opportunities for young people across New Jersey.
2025 Recipient
Katie Vetland
Impact Award Recipients
Katie Vetland was selected as a recipient of The Tia Maria Foundation Hall of Fame Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to service, philanthropy, and community leadership.
Inspired by the legacy of her father, Lee Vetland, Katie founded The Lee Vetland Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families through scholarships, donations, and acts of kindness.
Through her leadership, the organization continues to honor Lee's spirit of generosity while making a meaningful impact throughout the community.
2026 Recipients
Dep. Chief Abner Rodriguez
Deputy Chief Abner Rodriguez was selected as a recipient of The Tia Maria Foundation Impact Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service to the City of Elizabeth.
A member of the Elizabeth Police Department for more than 30 years, Deputy Chief Rodriguez currently oversees several critical divisions while continuing to champion community engagement and public safety. In addition to his law enforcement career, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at Saint Elizabeth University, helping educate the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
His dedication to service, leadership, and mentorship exemplifies the values celebrated by The Tia Maria Foundation Impact Award.
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The Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation
The Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation was selected as a recipient of The Tia Maria Foundation Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to leadership, civic engagement, and community empowerment.
Established to honor the legacy of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the Foundation works to expand opportunity, support underserved communities, and inspire future leaders. Through its dedication to education, public service, and leadership development, the organization continues to make a meaningful impact throughout New Jersey.
The Foundation's work reflects the values of service, opportunity, and community impact celebrated by The Tia Maria Foundation Impact Award.
2025 Recipient
Harris Faulkner
Harris Faulkner was selected as a recipient of The Tia Maria Foundation Impact Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to journalism, leadership, and public service.
A six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and respected television anchor, Harris has built a distinguished career rooted in integrity, professionalism, and impactful storytelling. As the anchor of The Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered, she has become one of the most trusted voices in American media, delivering thoughtful reporting and in-depth interviews on issues affecting communities across the nation.
Beyond her work in journalism, Harris is a dedicated advocate for military families, cancer research, and charitable causes that support underserved communities. Her commitment to service, leadership, and using her platform to make a positive difference exemplifies the values celebrated by The Tia Maria Foundation Impact Award.