Sarah Ramirez to Receive $25,000 Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship

On June 16, 2026 at Ridge High Awards Night, senior Sarah Ramirez will receive the 2026 Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship (Ridge AMS), a $25,000 award that recognizes character, determination and personal growth in the face of adversity.

Sarah's journey at Ridge began with the challenge of navigating a new academic environment and a challenging curriculum that required her to work harder and dig deeper than many of her peers, all while dealing with other personal struggles. Rather than allow challenges to define her, she transformed them into a source of strength and purpose, and founded Voces Hispanas de Basking Ridge—a community initiative aimed at creating connection and providing resources for Spanish-speaking families in the area.

According to Alexandra Daggett, Chair of the Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship Board of Trustees, “We are thrilled to present Sarah with this year’s award. Her essay and counselor recommendation speak to a young woman of exceptional character—one who embodies exactly the spirit that the Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship was created to recognize.

Sarah plans to use her award towards her college tuition and other related expenses.

The Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 by Ridge High School's Class of 1967 to honor classmates who had passed away, with a mission to support the future rather than simply memorialize the past. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated character and determination in overcoming significant adversity—no grades or test scores required.

Through the generosity of its supporters and donors who have sustained Ridge AMS' mission for 18 years and a growing Board of Trustees made up of Ridge alumni, the award has expanded dramatically, from $2,500 at its first presentation to $25,000 in 2025, and it continues to reflect the organization's enduring commitment to making a meaningful difference in the life of a Ridge High senior.

Tax deductible donations go towards helping future Ridge High graduates who have overcome significant personal adversity in high school, and all amounts are welcome. For more information or to make a donation please visit RidgeAMS.org.