Heights High graduate gets boost in paying for college

Avital Lugasy

Avital Lugasy was visiting her sister in Austin, Texas, last summer when her parents informed her that she had been awarded the Jewish Family Service Association’s (JFSA) Raskind Family Scholarship.

“I screamed when I opened the e-mail,” said Lugasy. “I was extremely happy to receive it and felt I had really accomplished something.”

The Raskind Family Scholarship was just one of many scholarships Lugasy, a 2011 Cleveland Heights High School graduate, applied for during her senior year.

“Toby Bresky (manager of JFSA’s college financial aid program) really pushed me to apply for scholarships I didn’t think I was qualified for,” she said. “She helped me realize any money helps.”

As Lugasy finished the fall quarter at The Ohio State University, she reflected on experiences that her scholarship has helped make possible. “I love being in a new and challenging environment, meeting new people and being able to live on my own. But I do miss my mom’s food,” she joked.

While she has not declared a major, Lugasy said she is interested in radiological sciences and therapy and would like to work with cancer patients.

“I enjoy helping people who need it the most,” she said.

JFSA is accepting applications for the Jack W. and Shirley J. Berger and Yoda Newton "Share The Luv" scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year. For requirement details, go to www.jfsa-cleveland.org or contact Toby Bresky at tbresky@jfsa-cleveland.org

Becky Rocker

Becky Rocker is the marketing and public relations associate for JFSA.

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Volume 5, Issue 1, Posted 10:09 AM, 12.20.2011