Student receives ‘Quest for Excellence' award

NEWTON — Daniel Haff, a recent graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School in Newton, was recently honored with the ReMax "Quest for Excellence" Scholarship for his outstanding achievements in community service. Haff has volunteered with the American Red Cross, served as the Sussex County Red Cross Youth Council president, and is a member of the Disaster Action Team. He has also been a Boy Scout since the age of ten, and has earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Rank, as well as all three Eagle Palms. Leslie Cirelli, broker and owner of ReMax Elite Services, and Dennis Rector, manager of ReMax Elite Services in Byram, visited Kittatinny Regional High School to present Haff with a check for $500 and a certificate of excellence during the school's awards ceremony. Haff indicated he will be putting the scholarship money towards his college education at Columbia University, where he will major in visual arts. Haff was one of 30 students, selected from more than 900 applicants throughout the state of New Jersey, to receive an award. The scholarship program encourages students to cultivate their talents in extracurricular activities. While most scholarship programs are offered to high school seniors for college tuition, the "Quest for Excellence" is all-inclusive, recognizing the accomplishments of New Jersey students in grades one through twelve. The applicants were required to write essays, based on interests, in one of four subjects: leadership, sports, arts, and community service. The winners will put the scholarship money towards college tuition or an activity or program associated with their specialization.