The Jennie M. Haver Memorial Scholarship Fund board of trustees has announced that it has awarded its final scholarships and endowment grants to Hunterdon County schools and students.
One of New Jersey's largest scholarship funds is ending after having awarded some $2 million to high school students over the last 60 years.
Ella HaverThe Jennie M. Haver Memorial Scholarship Fund board of trustees announced this week that it has awarded its final scholarships and endowment grants to Hunterdon County schools and students.
The board stated going forward it will be encouraging the community to support the Hunterdon County Vocational School District Education Foundation.
The fund was organized in memory of New Jersey's first "helping" teacher, Jennie M. Haver, who traveled to rural schools to advise and encourage teachers and supplement their lessons between 1916 and 1950.
When she died in 1956, three friends contributed $75 in her memory.
"The board of trustees would like to thank all of the generous Hunterdon County families and businesses for their support over the last 60 years," the board announced in a statement. "Your donations opened doors for students who might not have been able to continue their education on their own.
Polytech students prepare for law enforcement
"We would also like to recognize Ella Haver, niece of Jennie Haver, who was the driving force behind the fund for 42 years and served as president until her hundreth birthday."
Ella Haver, who turned 100 on Feb. 20, 2013, began her teaching career in 1935 with a short stint in a one-room schoolhouse in Hamden, Clinton Township, before going on to teach in North Branch, Green Brook and North Plainfield. She was a science teacher at Cranford High School from 1945-65, and finished her career with five years at Warren Hills Regional High School.
Following Ella Haver's retirement it was decided to suspend all fundraising and disburse funds each year until they were exhausted, explained Kathy Mathews, president of the fund.
"At the same time we found out that a new Educational Foundation Fund at (Hunterdon County) Polytech was being formed," Mathews said. "This was a perfect opportunity for the (Jennie M. Haver Memorial Scholarship Fund) to transfer the remaining monies with the promise that the mission and spirit of the fund lives on.
"The J.M.H. Fund has had a good run and we are confident that the (Polytech) fund will succeed."
A total of 18 students were awarded $180,000 in scholarships by the Jennie M. Haver Memorial Scholarship Fund this fall. In 2015, the five Hunterdon County high schools and Hunterdon County Polytech also each received $50,000. Close to 600 students have received scholarships from the fund.
"While the fund will no longer be planting new scholarship seeds, the recipients will continue to improve their communities for decades to come," according to the board's statement. "2016 represents the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication of many volunteers, teachers, administrators, counselors and generous donors."
In March, Hunterdon County Polytech invited members of the fund's board of trustees and Hunterdon County officials to see how the $50,000 gift is being used.
"We are very thankful to the Jennie M. Haver Foundation for their generous gift that will significantly strengthen the law enforcement programs at Polytech," Dr. Kimberly Metz, superintendent of Hunterdon County Vocational School District, said at the time. "In addition, we thank everyone that attended the event and appreciate the support we have received."
According to the board, the fund's board never lost sight of Jennie Haver's original mission to help students. "Her goal was to improve every aspect of the education offered to the students in the community," according to the statement.
In March of 2013, during a 100th birthday gala for Ella Haver, Congressman Leonard Lance (R-7th) presented her with a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol and announced that her accomplishments have been commemorated in the U.S. Congressional Record.
"Ella always wanted to be a teacher," Katherine Theleman, a trustee, said at the time. "After a 36-year career she retired and became president of the (Jennie M. Haver) Scholarship Fund. She then dedicated her energy into growing one of the largest private scholarship organizations in New Jersey.
"She is passionate about helping students and remembers each recipient by name, often corresponding with them for many years after they have graduated college."
Craig Turpin may be reached at cturpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @NJeditor. Find NJ.com on Facebook.