New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Anthony J. Vecchio Announces Scholarship Winners

    FREEHOLD, NJ, May 12, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, is pleased to announce the winners of the New Jersey criminal defense law firm's 2016 Scholarship Essay Contest.

The contest asked students to consider whether the nation's criminal justice system focuses more on punishment than rehabilitation and to present their own view on what should be the system's central focus.

Forty-three students from across the country submitted entries, including essays, videos, poems and PowerPoint presentations.

Christine Montemayor of Chatsworth, California, claimed the $1,000 first-place scholarship with her thought-provoking two-minute video essay, while Haley Tabor of Ormond Beach, Florida, won the $500 second-place award with an essay that featured her own draft of a mock U.S. Senate bill, "The Prison Reformation Act."

You can view both winning submissions at the law firm's website.

In addition to the essays, the law firm chose the winners based on their school activities, leadership positions, special honors and awards, community involvement, academic performance and professional goals.

"I was pleasantly surprised at the number and quality of all submissions we received for our scholarship, but the submissions from our two winners really stood out," attorney Anthony J. Vecchio said. "Both winners have diverse, exceptional backgrounds and should be proud of their accomplishments."

Mr. Vecchio said the scholarship funds are to be used for tuition and/or related expenses such as books and supplies.

He said he was inspired to sponsor the scholarship contest by his own experience of putting himself through college and law school.

"I know first-hand how difficult it can be to finance a quality education, Mr. Vecchio said. "This is a significant issue facing students today. They must find creative ways to pay for college."

"Having received the benefit of several scholarships during law school, I felt this was a good time to pay it forward," he added. "I am confident that we chose two outstanding individuals for our scholarships. I wish them both the utmost success in their educations and future goals."

Ms. Montemayor, a senior at Chatsworth Charter High School, has plans to attend California State University - Northridge in the fall. She is currently deciding among several potential career paths, including being an attorney.

"I'm grateful to have been a part of the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio's scholarship program," Ms. Montemayor said. "My hope is to bring attention to a compelling aspect of the justice system that I've always felt strongly about."

Ms. Tabor, a senior at Spruce Creek High School, plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall and study business, with a focus on leadership and social entrepeneurship.

Ms. Tabor said that she became passionate about the issue of reforming our criminal justice system after reading about a model prison system in Norway when she was in the ninth grade. She also attended a week-long conference on social justice issues at Wake Forest University.

"The recognition you are giving me through this scholarship gives me hope that positive change is on the horizon," Ms. Tabor said.

About The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC

The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, is dedicated to providing highly personalized representation to clients throughout New Jersey who are facing adult or juvenile criminal charges, including DWI / DUI, drug possession, theft, assault, traffic violations or disorderly conduct. The firm also assists with cleaning one's criminal record. The firm features a main office in Freehold, New Jersey at 4400 Route 9 South, Suite 1000, Freehold, New Jersey 07728. Appointments may also be scheduled at the firm's offices in Woodbridge, Red Bank, Princeton, Jersey City and Mt. Laurel. To learn more, call (732) 298-6891 or use the firm's online form.

# # #