Five winners of the Carey Gabay scholarship program were announced on Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.
The scholarship program was created to honor the legacy of Carey Gabay, an attorney and public servant, who was tragically killed in September 2015 at the age of 43.
Each scholarship covers all costs of attendance, including tuition, room and board, college fees, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. This is the second year of granting the scholarships.
“Carey was an inspiration who believed in the power of public service, and these outstanding students exemplify his core values, determination and commitment to hard work,” Cuomo said. “As we reach the second anniversary of his passing, these scholarships will help us carry on Carey's memory, values and commitment to improving the lives of all New Yorkers.”
Gabay grew up living in public housing and attending public school in the Bronx. After a successful high school career, he went on to graduate from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. He worked tirelessly in public service, first as an Assistant Counsel to Cuomo and later as First Deputy Counsel for the Empire State Development Corp.
The five chosen students exemplify Carey's commitment to social justice, leadership, and mentoring, as well as his personal story of succeeding academically despite having an economically disadvantaged background.
The winners of this year's scholarship are: Jasleen Kaur from Ozone Park, Queens, who will attend Stony Brook University; Mirelly Pena from the Bronx, who will attend SUNY Binghamton; Isaiah James from Albany, who will attend SUNY Albany; Avik Kadakia from Bellerose, who will attend Stony Brook University; and Daquan Taylor from the Bronx, who will attend SUNY Binghamton.
Last year, the Municipal Forum of New York created a
